Here's a look at new Dallas/Fort Worth eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces to open for events this fall. The new and renovated venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fund-raisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, teambuilding activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
Adding to its stable of six restaurants in South America, Corrientes 348 opened its first United States location in downtown Dallas in June. The menu at this Argentinian steakhouse focuses on high-quality meats and Latin accompaniments like rice, empanadas, and chorizo, as well as a carefully curated wine list. The 10,000-square-foot space seats as many as 250 guests, with room for an additional 35 guest cocktail-style in the bar and 60 seated guests on the patio.Â
Dirt, a florist in the Bishop Arts District, in February opened its own event space, House of Dirt, around the corner from its original store. The charmingly funky space includes a 600-square-foot dining room, a 600-square-foot front porch, a 1,100-square-foot enclosed greenhouse, and a 1,750-square-foot backyard with a built in stage. The space accommodates as many as 250 guests for cocktail-style receptions or 40 for seated parties. The unique decor includes hand-painted floors, a custom-built bar, vintage furnishings and—of course—fresh flowers. A sound system runs throughout the entire space, and catering is available from several local restaurants.
Slater’s 50/50 opened its doors in Greenville in June. The bi-level restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere, while the rooftop patio offers sweeping Dallas views. Together, the 4,094-square-foot ground level and 1,225-square-foot mezzanine seat as many as 171 guests, with room for an additional 129 on two patios. A highlight of the eclectic menu is the unique burger blend, made with 50 percent ground beef and 50 percent ground bacon. Guests also can choose from 50 craft beers on tap.
Diners in the Bishop Arts District no longer need to choose between indulging in ice cream or alcohol. Open since July, Ice Cream Wasted specializes in alcohol-infused ice cream. The 1,700-square-foot venue’s dairy-free vegan sweet treats can be made up to 80 proof in flavors like Russian Colombian Coffee Cup and Sugary Puffy Cloud (topped with spiked cotton candy). The venue will work with planners to create customized themed menus for special events, and it seats as many as 30 guests.
Popular local mini-chain Norma’s Café opened a fifth location in June. The 5,340-square-foot Norma’s Café—Plano is a retro-style diner that seats as many as 50 guests, with room for an additional 20 seats on the patio. The kitchen dishes out Texas-style cooking, with options like southern-fried catfish and chicken-fried steak. As the restaurant is B.Y.O.B., planners are welcome to supply their own alcohol for events. A screen with USB hookup capabilities is available for audiovisual needs.
Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas is scheduled to complete a renovation of its meeting spaces, courtyard, and guest rooms on August 31. The 173-room property features contemporary decor and has several audiovisual-equipped meeting spaces available for events. The 2,376-square-foot ballroom accommodates as many as 130 guests banquet-style, 200 theater-style, or 100 classroom-style; a 2,000-square-foot courtyard holds as many as 100 for seated receptions or 140 theater-style. Two additional spaces, measuring 352 and 400 square feet, are available for smaller groups.Â
Indoor funplex Pinstack opened a location in an upscale section of Irving in July. Pinstack Las Colinas offers recreational activities of all kinds for kids and adults, including bowling, rock climbing, a ropes course, bumper cars, laser tag, and video games. The 53,000-square-foot facility accommodates as many as 1,800 guests in total. Private function rooms are available for smaller parties and include overhead projectors, drop-down screens, wireless microphones, Wi-Fi, and podiums. The on-site kitchen provides modern American cuisine, and the bar pours craft beer, wine on tap, and mixed cocktails.Â
District 30 Craft Bar & Kitchen opened in Oak Lawn in July. The relaxed neighborhood venue serves eclectic American cuisine, with dishes like Cajun-style deviled eggs and short rib grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as hand-crafted cocktails and 30 beers on tap. In total, the 6,000-square-foot space accommodates as many as 500 guests for receptions. For smaller groups, a 200-square-foot private space seats as many as 20, and a 2,000-square-foot semiprivate space holds 100 standing. The restaurant also boasts a climate-controlled patio.Â
Chicago-based chain Roti Modern Mediterranean opened its first Texas location in Dallas in June. The health-conscious spot features a menu that includes wholesome proteins like grass-fed beef, hormone-free chicken, and sustainably sourced salmon, alongside fresh vegetables and whole grains. Measuring 2,400 square feet, the space accommodates as many as 80 seated guests inside and 20 seated on the patio.
Waters Restaurant in Fort Worth relocated from West 7th to Sundance Square in April. Serving a shore-to-door menu, the fine seafood restaurant offers dishes like oysters on the half shell, Maine lobster tail, and Alaskan halibut. The 5,200-square-foot upscale restaurant includes a 200-square-foot chef’s table that seats as many as 14 guests. The private event space also includes two 72-inch flat-screen TVs with VG and HDMI hookups.
