In a neighborhood known for reinvention, LOCAL has taken a different approach: it has stayed. Not static, but steady rooted in both its food and its setting inside the historic Boyd Hotel, a structure that predates nearly everything around it.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Ruins in Deep Ellum is a place that doesn’t stray far from its purpose: tacos, cocktails, and a space to disappear into for a while. The menu centers on tacos rooted in Mexican tradition but twisted just enough to keep things interesting. There’s no attempt here to be a pan-Latin fusion spot or a comfort-food haven—Ruins keeps its offerings tight, deliberate, and built for flavor.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
In Deep Ellum—a neighborhood long defined by amplified guitars, brass sections, and late-night movement—The Free Man Cajun Café & Lounge has operated since 2011 as both restaurant and working music room. Its model is deliberate: Gulf Coast cooking executed with technical discipline, paired with a nightly performance schedule that rarely leaves the stage dark.
The culinary identity is firmly Cajun and Creole, grounded in classic technique rather than novelty. The kitchen builds depth the right way—through roux development, layered aromatics, and calibrated heat. Gumbo arrives dark and structured, its body signaling time and attention rather than thickening shortcuts. Jambalaya carries a smoky backbone, the rice properly infused instead of superficially seasoned. Crawfish Étouffée leans into butter and spice, while Red Beans and Rice delivers the slow-cooked comfort that defines the genre.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle
Adair’s Saloon opened in 1963 on Cedar Springs and operated by S.L. and Ann Adair. They were known for their cold beer and a half pound cheeseburger that brought in plenty of local college students who were encouraged to let their artistic side out by marking up the walls with graffiti. Continue reading
Filed under Crave, Steven Doyle
After years as a Deep Ellum fixture on Elm Street, Brick & Bones has moved just a few blocks over to a new, roomier home at 2651 Commerce Street, #100 in Dallas. The relocation gives the restaurant more breathing room—better seating, a covered patio, and a layout that finally matches how busy this place gets. But the address change doesn’t alter the reason people keep showing up. The chicken is still the point.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Hawkers Asian Street Food in Deep Ellum bursts to life the moment you enter, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and aromas of Asia’s bustling street markets. The air buzzes with the scent of sizzling woks, fragrant spices, and vibrant conversation, while colorful murals, hanging lanterns, and long communal tables create an atmosphere that feels both dynamic and welcoming. The space hums with excitement, and from the first second it becomes clear: this is more than a meal—it’s an experience.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
After 25 years at the heart of Deep Ellum, Mike Snider, the owner of AllGood Café, is retiring, closing one chapter but leaving a legacy that will echo through the neighborhood for years to come.
Snider has been part of the Deep Ellum scene since the mid-1980s. He’s been a concert promoter, music historian, philosopher, philanthropist, and hard-working restaurateur — the kind of person whose passion for music and community is impossible to ignore.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Known for its energetic vibes and lively atmosphere, Punch Bowl Social is Dallas’ ultimate destination for holiday cheer this season. To kick off the festivities, the Deep Ellum location has teamed up with the locally based and nationally recognized Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop to host a festive pop-up from Tuesday, Nov. 18, through Sunday, Dec. 28—perfect for grabbing that quirky holiday sweater or snapping a fun seasonal photo.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
