There's nothing higher than a neighborhood restaurant, and Goodwin's on Greenville Avenue in east Dallas will likely be arduous to beat.
It's like Houston, if East Dallas had a Houston.
Besides this restaurant is run by finest mates Austin Rodgers and Jeff Bekavac, every of whom have just a few a long time of Dallas restaurant expertise. The 2 opened their upscale US location at 5pm on Might 21, 2024, promoting a greatest-hits meals menu that gained't make you assume too arduous. They don't need Goodwin to look sophisticated or pretentious. They need to “forged a large web,” as Rodgers places it, opening a sexy however cozy American restaurant rather than Blue Goose Cantina, open in Decrease Greenville for almost 40 years.
In honor of the beloved outdated restaurant, Goodwin's has a aspect bar referred to as the Goose Bar. Thick curtains block out daylight and site visitors on Greenville Avenue, making a drunken den that seats 22 on the draw bar and 20 extra on the tables behind her.
Wait a minute and all of Lakewood will need to sit at that bar.
Martinis really feel important. The cocktail listing is topped by the Goodwin Martini, and prospects can select between gin or vodka. They arrive in batches beforehand taken from a 12 diploma freezer, able to be served in a chilly glass.
A lot of the remainder of the cocktails are named after close by streets. Right here is the perfect within the neighborhood. There may be the Marquita Rita, the Lakeshore Paloma and the Woman Ridgedale. I might suggest the Palo Pinto Smash, a citrusy, herbaceous cocktail with gin, and I don't even stay on that avenue.
Maybe Greenville Avenue appeared comfy to Rodgers, proprietor of the Alamo Membership and Mayer's Backyard, two close by bars/eating places. Bekavac is a Lake Highlands resident. The 2 have been mates since working collectively at Neighborhood Companies, Bekavac as culinary director and Rodgers as senior supervisor. There, Bekavac even launched Rodgers to his now spouse, Havana, who has additionally spent her profession in eating places.
“We determined if we have been going to do one thing collectively, that is it,” Rodgers mentioned of this Greenville Avenue lease.
We referred to as Goodwin's and Goose Bar one of the crucial thrilling eating places opening in 2024, and after eating there, that's nonetheless true.
The 2 house owners have been visiting the restaurant virtually every day for a yr. I noticed them filling pots with greenery one Saturday morning on the patio.
Whereas many would contemplate Goodwin's a superb evening out in East Dallas, the 2 say they have been cautious with pricing. Snacks like home made rosemary focaccia, crispy zucchini chips and loaded sizzling canines referred to as Lil' Rippers price between $10 and $14.
Nancy's Occasion Dip, a mixture of feta cheese, piquillo and chilli peppers and roasted spring onions, was one in every of my early favourites.
Entrees embrace a dry-aged bone-in pork chop ($28), salmon with roasted farro ($26) and a half hen ($27) which can sound easy nevertheless it's not: the cooks cook dinner it two methods after which serve it with beef tallow. French fries and hen juice.
You're ready to listen to concerning the burger. Theirs is a beef burger with grilled onion, pickles, American cheese and Dijonnaise on a brioche bun ($18). I might have licked my fingers.
Solely one of many entrees prices greater than $30, and that's the $36 Gulf crimson snapper. A choice of steaks provides Goodwin's highest costs: a filet, strip or rib-eye, for $49, $55 or $62.'
“I would like folks to say the meals was nice and the service was nice,” Rodgers mentioned. “In the event that they point out the worth, I would like it to be on the finish of the sentence.” In different phrases: you may spend much more someplace else.
He says the wine listing is stuffed with bottles that “punch above their weight class. “If it’s a $20 bottle, it ought to be drunk like a $40 bottle.”
Why are we nonetheless right here? I see you there.
Goodwin's and Goose Bar are at 2905 Greenville Ave., Dallas. Simply dinner, for now. Lunch is anticipated to be added in mid-summer 2024. Reservations are really helpful however not required.