4 Pop-Ups Changing The Dallas Dining Scene

In the midst of the pandemic, revered restaurateur Nick Badovinus reimagines the industry standard and launches four pop-up concepts.

Vantina's patio

1. Vantina

Out of the Lowest Greenville space that houses Badovinus’ Desert Racer comes Vantina, a new pop-up concept. With a modern twist on Tex-Mex, this temporary spot serves up seafood, tacos and cocktails along with... yes, that’s right, a top-notch cheeseburger. Cool off with a sangria-swirl frozen margarita or a hibiscus tequila soda. Try the elote, the shrimp coctel or the grouper asada tacos. 1520 Greenville Ave., 214.827.1520, vantinatx.‌com

2. Burrito Jamz ’03

Vantina makes Tuesday the new Friday with its weekly burrito party! Their ’ritos come in two styles, poke and mission. The ahi and shrimp poke style is a must-have—who wouldn’t want sushi in burrito form? The mission style offers a more classic burrito with options like pork, chicken and even bacon cheeseburger. Spice up your Tuesday with dine-in or pickup burritos. 1520 Greenville Ave., 214.827.1520, vantinatx.com/burrito-jamz-03

3. Ese Pollo

This Desert Racer pop-up serves Mexican-style smoked chicken Tuesday through Sunday, or until they’re sold out, so get your chicken quick! The chicken setup includes flour tortillas, caramelized onions, jalapeno, salsa fresca, rice and charro beans. Cool down with freshly squeezed lime margaritas, or ranch waters that are bottled on-site. 1520 Greenville Ave., 214.887.4880, esepollo.com

4. Pizza Parm Project

With its mouthwatering menu, this Neighborhood Services pop-up is sure to satisfy your Italian cravings. Offerings include a variety of salads, pizzas, Parm heros and Parm schettis. You can’t go wrong with the chopped salad, cheesy garlic bread, eggplant Parm hero or the You Can Call Me Scorpion pizza. 5027 W. Lovers Lane, 214.350.5027, pizzaparmproject.‌com