Tag Archives: Dakota’s

by Steven Doyle | August 17, 2026 · 12:39 pm

Southlake Approves Dakota’s Site Plan as Developer Sets 2027 Target

Dakota’s Steakhouse in Southlake has a foundation date now, and it also has a firm answer on when the doors open: 2027.

Southlake City Council approved the site plan for Dakota’s new location at its August 4 meeting, signing off on elevations for three retail buildings, updated designs for the event center, and revised parking for the project now known as Kirkwood Reserve. Developer Tim McEneny told the council crews have finished pouring an 820-foot retaining wall on the property and expect to pour the restaurant’s foundation soon. He put the total project cost at around $25 million.

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Dakota’s to Re-Open Sept 13

Dakota’s Steakhouse will reopen its doors on Monday, September 13. After closing its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic after 37 years, the iconic subterranean restaurant is reopening under new ownership and chef at the helm. In anticipation of the restaurant’s second debut, Dallasites can now reserve a table on OpenTable

Dakota’s Steakhouse, the storied underground staple of Downtown dining, is revived by Meredith McEneny, the new sole owner who assumed controlling interest in January 2021, and Chef Ji Kang.

Many Dallasites are familiar with the McEneny name due to her husband, Tim McEneny, a local restauranteur with years of hospitality experience under his belt. After 10 years of supporting her husband’s companies, McEneny is thrilled to channel her talents and expertise toward re-launch the historic restaurant.

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Dakota’s Wine Dinner Delighted A Capacity Crowd

by Steven Doyle

It is always a welcome sight to see your chef strapping and in charge, as we did last Friday at Dakota’s wine dinner. Although Dakota’s shies away from the street level madness, Executive Chef Pete Harrison is epic in his kitchen. Nightly Harrison is driving out bodacious haunches of beef and seafood to the smiling and eager tony downtown crowd in the oasis residing just below the surface of Akard in downtown Dallas.

The evening was beautifully paired with some very special wines that are readily available to the public at most any outlet, making this extremely interesting as Chef Harrison set the pace with offerings a bit removed from is usual bone-in rib eyes, lobster tails and seared foie gras. This day Harrison strayed a bit on the wild side with elk and game birds. Continue reading →

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Tagged as Chef, Dakota's, Dallas, Pete Harrison, Restaurant

by Steven Doyle | January 14, 2013 · 12:06 pm

Orin Swift Dinner At Culpepper’s To Feature Seven Chefs

by Steven Doyle

Winemaker Dave Phinney will be on hand for a special dinner at Culpepper in Rockwall January 31, 2013 starting at 7pm. The owner of Orin Swift Cellars has an interesting and storied history and will share his adventures in wine with the crowd. The Culpepper wine dinners always sell out quickly and for very good reason. The winemakers are always top shelf, and Executive Chef Chad Bowden consistently plans for the special occasions. Continue reading →