We are excited to see the reopening of The Porch after an extensive refresh of the restaurant that has been a fixture of the Knox-Henderson neighborhood for more than a decade. The renovations, which closed the restaurant in January, bring a renewed energy with fully remodeled interiors and exterior upgrades, including a “beer garden” with pergola and porch swing, and—most importantly for Texas—a year-round air-conditioned and heated patio. (Yes, it’s dog-friendly, too!)
The redesign was spurred by Headington Cos. dedication to The Porch’s enduring value. “We believe The Porch has ‘good bones,’” says Chief Marketing Officer Jeny Bania. “This is a reinvestment in everything we already love here, so we kept the sensibilities of comfort, ease, familiarity, and unfussiness top of mind.”
Headington Cos. brand and creative team turned to local interior design studio Wallace Johnson (Beverly’s, Carbone, Odelay) to steer the refresh without stripping away the space’s authentic charm. Warm, stained woods and rustic finishes throughout are nicely complemented by contemporary approaches to bold color. The remodeled bar—which is a new late-night draw thanks to its cozy raised booths and brand-new cocktail program by awarding-winning bartender Gabe Sanchez (Midnight Rambler, Black Swan Saloon)—is anchored by a playful triptych piece commissioned from Dallas artist Kevin Todora.
Beyond the boost of curb appeal, The Porch is bringing a renewed focus on its culinary standing with refreshed menus for brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night. Fans of The Porch will be relieved to find the offerings enhanced, but not overhauled. “In menu and training meetings, we found ourselves saying ‘good food – good mood ’ so it became our mantra,” says Coner Seargeant, Headington Cos.’ Directory of Culinary Concepts and Operations. His team, helmed at The Porch by Executive Chef Dalia Rivera, outlines a robust menu with favorites—the famous spinach parmesan dip, short rib stroganoff, and best-selling fried chicken cobb salad—along with new options that broaden the culinary range. Tex-Mex lovers will appreciate new brisket tacos and enchiladas, while those who long for the day of Wheelhouse (a previous Headington Cos. restaurant in the Design District) will immediately recognize the cult-favorite Standard Burger, Tuna Poke Bowl, and tear-and-share giant pretzels. The Big Board, a customer favorite touting chef’s monthly features also remains a way for the culinary team to experiment and celebrate seasonal availability.
“Our approach to food, and hospitality in general, isn’t complicated,” says Seargeant. “We want to make good food from scratch so that people will enjoy time here gathered with friends and family.” One thing that’s not made in-house. Delightfully fresh breads provided by Commissary, Headington Cos. downtown café and bakery, which has recently expanded its wholesale baking business. Another benefit
stemming from the kitchen’s customer-first philosophy is a streamlined to-go ordering platform and dedicated curbside parking to make stops at The Porch even easier.
At the bar, Sanchez and team created a more inclusive bar experience with low-ABV and mocktails that rival the best in the city. On the harder side of things, a lineup of spiked iced teas brings a southern wink to a menu of bar classics, brunch cocktails, and even a boozy hot chocolate for those unexpected chilly days in spring.
Reverse happy hour with $5 frozés and complimentary signature popcorn after 10pm will make it a new neighborhood ritual, as will “Tini Tuesdays” with half-priced martinis all day and night.
“I’m most excited about the ways this refresh gives our regulars more opportunities to spend time here,” says General Manager Dominique Jafari. “From date nights at the bar, to drinks with colleagues while playing corn hole in the beer garden, to hangover brunches on the patio… there are so many options and spaces. Plus, with a patio that can be enjoyed 365 days of the year, I’m ready to live up to our name and have the best porch in Dallas again.”
The brand’s redesign presents new visuals: a new logo, branding, website, dishes and serveware, to-go packaging…But most importantly, the warm hospitality, comfort food, and loyal staff remain from a place that’s been loved for more than 15 years.
The Porch is located at 2912 N. Henderson Avenue and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Thursday through Friday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with valet parking in the rear. Visit theporchrestaurant.com for more information or call 214.828.2916, or follow along on social for updates on Instagram and Facebook.
