Tag Archives: suggestion

a good place to land

At least they own up to the fact that they are a dive … because Lakewood Landing sure as hell is.  The dim lighting veils the locals and gives the atmosphere an intriguing feel – I think it’d be too dark to eat anywhere but the booths!  Stroll past the bar where the locals quietly sip their elixers and you will find a pool table, juke box, and Golden Tee complete with a couch for your VIP cheering section.  Don’t count on LL for game-watching because they have limited and small TVs.

It’s incredibly quiet in Lakewood Landing; my friend and I were holding the 2nd loudest conversation and were very aware of that fact (the loudest was two men that we think had been there since noon!).  On the weekends it livens up, though.

We ordered a drink and dinner; the first drinks weren’t very strong but the 2ndround seemed MUCH stronger.  The second the food hit the table, we dug in (in a big way).  They have INCREDIBLE wings and cheese fries – I can’t wait to go back to try more of their culinary offerings.

LL is definitely a much-loved local spot, but one everyone should experience for themselves so you can understand Lakewood residents in a whole new light.

Drink strength: 3 
Overall: 3.5

Lakewood Landing
www.lakewood-landing.com
5818 Live Oak Street | (214) 823-2410

no bull

Pulling up to Cock and Bull (which is quite hidden) I knew I was in for an experience.  Anyone who has been hasn’t just been … they all seemed to have frequented the place for a time.  When I walked in and saw a group of regulars doing shots of Sambuca with the bartender, I knew I was home.

The service was snappy (really snappy) and the waitresses checked on us often.  The booths were really only the least bit tattered and had the look that they’d smell if you got too close.  Try not to use the bathrooms if you can help it.

We went on a Monday and Mondays are the night of the $9.50 burger and draft deal.  Who could ask for more than a great burger and draft deal with many choices of both drafts and burgers (I had the one with mushrooms and it was deLIGHTful).

In short, a pretty ok night in a fun area.  Give Cock and Bull a try … especially if it’s in your neighborhood.

Extras:  free WiFi, 1 TV (if they let you turn it on)

Drink strength:  2.5 
Overall: 3

Cock and Bull Neighborhood Pub
www.cockandbulldallas.com
6330 Gaston Avenue
(214) 841-9111

Specials:
Sunday| Stella Artois $4, Blue Plate Special $6 
Monday | Burger and Draft $9.50, wells $2.50 
Tuesday| Domestic Bottles $2.50, ½ Price Appetizers (axcept cheese plates)
Wednesday | ½ Price Wine by the Glass, cheese Plate $8, Heineken $3 
Thursday | Guinness/Harp $4, Irish Car Bomb $5

ravenna

I am always a bit reticent to head into the traffic-packed cement jungle that is downtown Dallas, but I am quite glad I braved the traffic on this Wednesday evening.  Since I didn’t have to go too far into the mess, I was glad to spend some time at Ravenna.

Ravenna is a pretty darn authentic Italian restaurant nestled on the corner of Main and Field.  The feel of the restaurant is cozy and the staff is all incredibly friendly and helpful.  Our time at Ravenna was really enjoyable and the drinks and food made it even better.

The happy hour crowd appears to be mostly regulars sitting at the bar but this place gets really packed later.  People will wait for the downtown clubs to open or let them in and grab a slice and a martini at Ravenna to pass the time.

Milan, the proprietor, was incredibly attentive and entertaining.  He sat with our table and regaled us with with his journey from Chicago to Dallas while we sipped our potent and delicious ginger martinis (a Milan creation).  Ravenna is so focused on customer service that they will stay open until everyone leaves (and they deliver pizzas late late late!).

Go for the drinks, stay for the food.

Drink strength: 4

Ravenna Italian Restaurant
www.ravennadallas.com
1301 Main Street | Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 744-9333

Specials:
Monday-Friday | 5-7 p.m. | $1 slice of pizza with purchase of $3 Brooklyn pint
Monday-Friday | 2-7, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. | $3 wells and domestics, $3.50 margaritas, $5 signature martinis

the hacienda on henderson

All I can say is, “What a night.”  Not only is a Tuesday at Hacienda $3 margarita night, but  as it turns out, it’s also the night they bring in liquor companies to hand out samples.  Needless to say, we enjoyed ourselves.

I got there before everyone else and the waitress took the time to have a chat with me so I wasn’t sitting alone for too long (how nice!).  When my friends got there … menus were distributed and it came time not for the decision of WHICH tex-mex tapa to try, but which to try first.  Mouths watering, we ordered our tapas and margaritas and partook in the chips and salsa.

The food was great and the margaritas were even better.  You can add a shot of “infused” tequila (choose from strawberry, pineapple, and mango habanero) for only $2 – and they sure pack a punch.

Fun things about Hacienda:  a great porch, a great location, live music Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, free booze from promotors on Tuesdays, and a kitchen that stays open til 2 a.m. (perhaps an homage to Cuquita’s which was formerly housed nearby).

Drink Strength: 3

The Hacienda on Henderson
www.haciendaonhenderson.com | @haciendadallas
2326 N Henderson Ave | Dallas, TX 75206 
214-515-9990

Specials:
HAPPY HOUR DAILY | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | $1 off all drinks
Tuesday | $3 house margaritas and $3 tapas
Sunday |  brunch 11am-3pm