COVID-19

These Dallas Restaurants Are Requiring Staff and Diners to Wear Masks Again

Some establishments are requiring masks for staff only, while others insist that diners mask up too

by Alex Gonzalez Aug 4, 2021, 9:07am CDT

As COVID cases continue to rise in tandem with new variants, it’s time to mask up again. On Wednesday, Dallas County’s public health committee voted to raise the county’s COVID-19 threat level to red, pointing to a 189% increase in new cases of the virus in the state of Texas over the last two weeks.

While lockdown and shelter in place orders have not been reinstated, and Governor Greg Abbott remains steadfast that Texas will not implement any measures to reduce business capacity or require masks, many establishments are making that decision for themselves. Notably, though Abbott has barred public entities from implementing mask mandates, private businesses can make the decision for themselves, and many are.

Eater is keeping track of which Dallas restaurants are, once again, requiring staff and diners to mask up. Some establishments are implementing the requirement for staff only, while others insist that everyone mask up.

Union Coffee

3705 Cedar Springs Road (Oak Lawn)

This Oak Lawn coffee shop requires diners to maintain a six-foot social distance from others while in the shop. All staff members are to wear masks, and diners must also wear masks when not seated. Those prefer not to wear masks may order from the store’s walk-up window.

Ellen’s

Various Locations

All staff and diners at Ellen’s must wear a mask when not seated. Got a problem with it? Owner Joe Groves has come up with every delightfully sassy response to any counterpoint you can think of.

Alexandre’s

4026 Cedar Springs Road (Oak Lawn)

Staff members at this beloved Oak Lawn cocktail spot are required to wear masks, but diners are not required to wear them. Fortunately, according to owner Lee Daugherty, diners have been following suit of the masked bartenders.

Desert Racer

1520 Greenville Ave (Lowest Greenville)

Desert Racer staff must wear masks. Fortunately, the Greenville Ave spot’s large outdoor patio allows ample space for social distancing, for those wanting to feel safer.

Neighborhood Services

5027 W. Lovers Lane (Preston Hollow)

Staff must wear masks, but diners are not required.

Montlake Cut

8220 Westchester Drive (Preston Center)

Employees are required to wear masks at this Pacific-Northwest seafood inspired restaurant.

Town Hearth

617 Market Center Blvd. (Design District)