By The Editors By The Editors | December 20, 2022 | Lifestyle Feature
From tasty eats to stunning staycations, here's everything you need to know about the Design District in Dallas.
Locals know you don’t skip a caffeine fix from Ascension. The fair-trade beans (mainly from South America) and single-origin pour-over method translate to some of the best brews in the city. Pair a latte with Ascension granola at breakfast, a soppressata and fig jam panini at lunch, and cheese plates and wine at dinner time. 1621 Oak Lawn Ave.
This unique gastropub has a delectable selection of fresh oysters and a more than ample menu of beers. For dinner, enjoy grilled oysters, crafted and served with whipped nduja butter and parmesan butter. Try a flavor-packed oyster dish like the Belgian mussels, served with lemon, thyme white wine, and butter, or the Thai mussels, served with coconut milk, red curry, and Thai aromatics. Stick to a classic with the spot’s classic raw bar oysters, served with pink peppercorn mignonette, and house-made fermented Fresno pepper cocktail sauce. 1621 Oak Lawn Ave.
Continue your artistic adventure at Tango Room, where an Andy Warhol original sits in the entryway amid romantically soft lighting and deep burgundy hues. Sample a classic craft cocktail or choose from the expertly crafted wine list—think California cabernets, serious vintages and more. Menu highlights include seared foie gras with pear tarte Tatin and pink peppercorn; oysters with smoked roe mignonette and Tango cocktail sauce; and, of course, a fine selection of New York strips and filets. 1617 Hi Line Drive, Ste. 25
Italian design from the 18th century to the 1970s inspired the lavish decor at Chas Martin’s sexy 80-seat dining venue in the Design District. Chef J. Chastain (former stints include time at Stephan Pyles and The Mansion on Turtle Creek) helms the kitchen, focused on shareable crudos, wood-fired fare and pasta made in-house. Bar Charles, a sultry extension of the restaurant, is a delightfully laid-back Champagne lounge perfect for an aperitif or two. 1632 Market Center Blvd., thecharlesdallas.com
Wits isn’t your typical steakhouse—now open in the former Oak space, the resto showcases traditional steakhouse classics with dynamic South African-inspired twists. Created by Richard Ellman, founder of Apheleia Restaurant Group, the 4,000-square-foot contemporary eatery seats 80, including a semiprivate chef’s table and large outdoor patio. Nosh on creative dishes like biltong (jerky), South African braai (grilled chicken with roasted peppers and sunchokes) and the New Zealand lamb rack with wild rice. Other unique menu offerings include a South African beer and wine program, as well as a sushi menu serving up sashimi, nigiri and chef-inspired rolls. 1628 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. 110
Known for its delectable pasta and Italian dishes, the celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant opened in the heart of the Dallas Design District March 31. All of its classic dishes are on the menu, like spicy rigatoni in vodka sauce, veal chop Parmesan, octopus pizzaiolo, a charcoal-grilled porterhouse steak for two and linguine vongole. 1617 Hi Line Drive
Plan your next staycation at the red-hot Virgin Hotels Dallas, which boasts a prime location in the bustling Design District. Recharge at Funny Library coffee shop and marvel at the curated collection of eclectic art that bedecks the space. For a break from reality, relax in a poolside cabana while taking in sweeping views of the Dallas skyline. 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd.
BalancingEnergy Health & Yoga Center
BalancingEnergy Health & Yoga Center is a place to renew, restore and discover, providing a variety of holistic services to support and encourage optimal health and well-being. The sanctuary offers holistic nutritional counseling, vinyasa flow yoga, core strengthening and stretch classes, energy healing and infrared saunas. 1444 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. 319
New to the Arteriors portfolio is its F22 Collection, featuring a vast array of cutting-edge accessories, lighting, wall decor and furniture that reflect the brand’s modern design concepts. This collection is far from ordinary, elevating every home decor with pieces that double as art. Whether it’s a sleek Meadow cocktail table or an intricate Jurin pendant light, Arteriors’ international presence is evidence of its unrivaled innovative and creative approach. With 35 years of experience in the craft, the brand’s showroom in the Dallas Market Center showcases its latest collection of sophisticated and acclaimed designs. 1413 Dragon St.
Dallas Auction Gallery, founed in 2002 by the Shuford family, has developed a worldwide reputation for auctioning the best in antiques, fine art, jewelry and Asian antiquities. The gallery is known internationally for integrity, straightforwardness and personal service for both the buyer and the seller. 2223 Monitor St.
Take one step into the Design District location and be transported into another world. Pour through layers of vintage finds and rarities fit for a queen. 122 Howell St.
At Cantoni and Cantoni Trade, each closet system is handcrafted in Italy and designed to address you or your client’s specific requirements. With an extensive range of styles, materials and finishes to choose from, Cantoni provides endless options to create your dream modern closet. 960 Dragon St.
Beer nerds rave about this brewery’s year-round favorites, including Mosaic IPA and acclaimed Witbier. But Community offers far beyond award-winning beers: you’ll find a taproom with brews sold by the glass, tours, beer “school” concerts, art shows, pre AAC game events, movie nights, fundraising events and more. 3110 Commonwealth Drive
Family-owned since 2014, Texas Ale Project is a vibey brewery serving up American-style ales and lagers crafted in-house. The multistep mash brewing process yields a delectable result: well-balanced sips with superior flavor. Try the Fire Ant Funeral amber ale or the Texas Blood, a blood orange IPA. 1001 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Head to Dallas Contemporary for new and challenging ideas from regional, national and international artists presented in an industrial-style setting. The museum’s extraordinary ability to bring the new and unconventional to Dallas never fails to inspire, surprise and excite. 161 Glass St.
Stomping Ground Comedy Theater
Located in Trinity Trail Center, Stomping Ground Comedy Theater offers hilarious improv and standup comedy shows alongside plays and so much more. The goal? To use comedy as a force for positive change. Let’s laugh! 1350 Manufacturing St., Ste. 109
SITE131 hosts thought-provoking contemporary art exhibitions in a modernized 1940s industrial space. Walk through incredible installations as young, up-and-coming artists present works dealing with modern-day concerns. 131 Payne St.
The Design District’s own glassblowing studio, Carlyn Ray Designs boasts incredible art installations for both residential and commercial spaces. Glass designs, from weavings and ribbons to lighting and sculptures, abound throughout the studio. Hot tip: Try it yourself at Carlyn’s studio Dallas Glass Art. 8510 Chancellor Row
Photography by: GABRIEL TOVAR/UNSPLASH