This year brought Dallas a plethora of openings and we are excited to release the results from our annual Best New Openings in Dallas poll! Thank you to everyone who participated, we tallied thousands of votes, and give our congratulations to all the nominees and winners!
Updated December 2024
BEST REOPENING
ST. MARTIN'S WINE BISTRO
Known to many as the "Most Romantic Restaurant in Dallas", St. Martin's resurfaced this year at a new address after the closure of its original location in 2023. You'll still find the iconic piano player every night, a timeless yet modern atmosphere, and the same delicious Champagne Brie soup!
BEST NEW UPSCALE RESTAURANT
NURI STEAKHOUSE
The passion project from Smoothie King CEO, Wan Kim, who originally opened a “test restaurant,” Nuri Grill, in Koreatown which then closed in 2022 to become Nuri Steakhouse, a much more elevated steakhouse in the heart of Uptown. It’s a combination of Kim’s upbringing in Seoul mixed with a classic Texas steakhouse, with no expenses left for the buildout!
BEST NEW ELEVATED EXPERIENCE
GOODWINS
This lively two-in-one friendly Americana restaurant has a quaint patio and a moody cocktail bar at the back of the restaurant! On the menu, you'll find classic Americana dishes like burgers and sandwiches, plus an extensive oyster program.
BEST NEW COFFEE SHOP
B SIDE COFFEE
This coffee shop is housed in an old recording studio in Oak Cliff, transformed with sleek decor and moody vibes! On the menu, you'll find classic coffee shop sips like cold brew, espresso, and drip, along with an array of specialty drinks and syrups, plus made in-house sandwiches and breakfast tacos.
BEST NEW ITALIAN
SAN MARZANO
This family-run Italian restaurant has been a staple in NYC's East Village for years, renowned for its homemade pasta and casual atmosphere! Their menu features build-your-own pasta, where you can choose your pasta shape, sauce, protein, and toppings to create the dish of your dreams. It's a great affordable option -- appetizers are all under $9, and the build-your-own pasta is $14!
BEST NEW EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITY
SILO DALLAS
True to its name, SILO is housed in an old grain storage facility turned concert venue. The 1950s building underwent a full renovation that took 3 years of planning, as the space previously had no roof, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. Now complete, the 30,000-square-foot space can accommodate just over 3,000 guests, with a massive stage and two bars! So far, it's hosted some of the biggest names in EDM, and even a Boiler Room set!
BEST NEW PATIO
BIRDIE'S EASTSIDE
Located on the “Eastside” in the former Luby’s, Birdie’s Eastside is all about a great time. You can feel that the moment you walk in. The great food is not your typical bar menu, the drinks are equally good, it’s dog friendly and there’s even a dedicated kids area for families. Try the frozen espresso martini, it is especially good on happy hour!
BEST NEW SUSHI
UCHIKO
Uchiko means “child of Uchi”, and with Uchi’s Uptown Dallas location being a go-to happy hour spot for an elevated dining experience, we were thrilled to find out they were expanding the brand to the ‘burbs with Uchiko! The open-concept space has simple neutral decor, with a full bar, seating in front of the open kitchen, regular table seating, as well as a private dining space! Plus, enjoy complimentary valet parking!
BEST NEW FAST CASUAL
PICKLEMAN'S GOURMET CAFE
Hailing from Missouri, Pickleman's is a fast-casual franchise that has grown quite the following for their soups, salads, pizzas, and more. They have 30 locations across Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Nebraska...and finally, Texas! Their approachable and delicious menu features made-to-order sandwiches, pizzas, salads, mac and cheese, and more.
BEST NEW BAR
LOCAL PUBLIC EATERY
With a huge wrap-around bar, a 144-inch TV playing all the games, an outdoor patio with more TVs and cornhole, and a more secluded dining option in the back, LOCAL has such a great vibe, whether you want all the noise or something quieter. They serve elevated bar eats, fun shareable cocktails, and offer plenty of happy hour and game day deals!
BEST NEW BREAKFAST
RISE SOUTHERN BISCUITS & RIGHTEOUS CHICKEN
Known to be some of the best biscuits in the U.S., Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken is best known for their breakfast biscuits, chicken sandwiches, and boxes! It's a one-stop shop for breakfast foods, from scratch-made buttermilk biscuits, cheese grits, and even vegetarian "chicken", to sweet options like donuts, cinnamon rolls, and beignets.
BEST NEW SPORTS EXPERIENCE
PLAYKOUT
The visionaries behind Spotify and Postmates have a new venture in Dallas -- play-based, high-tech fitness! Designed to make your workout a fun, game-like experience, Playkout uses pickleball simulators to give you a workout that combines cardio, mental alertness, and strength training. It feels like a video game and fitness class combined! It's great for all levels of activity, whether you're a pickleball fanatic or have never picked up a racket.
BEST NEW SWEET TREAT
HAPPY FLOUR
Find this bakery nestled inside the Notre Dame School of Dallas, empowering students with disabilities and teaching them to become independent. Happy Flour does “drops” throughout the year so make sure to get on their mailing list, or order your own custom order! Not only are they creating an inclusive environment, but are making some amazing cookies while at it!
BEST NEW COCKTAIL / WINE BAR
BAR COLETTE
This chic European-inspired lounge in the West Village transports you to a global hub like Paris or London! Bar Colette focuses on craft cocktails that take several days to concoct via the production of all their meticulous ingredients.
