If you love being the first to try new eateries, prepare to pencil in some dates because there’s a lot openings planned in the neighborhood in coming weeks.

The interior of Lounge Here was inspired by lounges that used to exist on airplanes. (Photo from Facebook)

The interior of Lounge Here was inspired by retro cocktail lounges that used to exist on airplanes. (Photo from Facebook)

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What has to be the most-anticipated new watering hole in Dallas is set to open this Saturday. Lounge Here, the brainchild of Dallas rockstar Julie Doyle of Polyphonic Spree, will likely be a hipster paradise. With its retro vibe and cozy design at 9028 Garland, it’s a place to linger and sip craft cocktails. The kitchen will be headed up by Micah Killough, previously of Common Table and HG Supply Co., while Julie Moore from Times Ten Cellars steps in as manager. Hours are Thursday-Saturday from 4 p.m.-2 a.m., and 4 p.m.-midnight Tuesday-Wednesday. On Sunday, Here opens for brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., then closes for an hour before opening again from 4 p.m.-midnight.

“Our idea was to create an evening space where adults can gather for some refreshing cocktails, good food and an easy listening soundtrack that is conducive to relaxation and conversation,” Doyle says. “We wanted the vibe to be almost as if we’re inviting them into our own living room.”

Over at the Lakewood Shopping Center, Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen is all set to open on Monday, Oct. 3, in the newly refurbished space that until January was occupied by Dixie House. (As an odd twist of fate this week, the Black Eyed Pea restaurant franchise, founded along with Dixie House by Dallas restauranteur Gene Street in 1975, shuttered all of its Texas locations this week after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year.)  Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen first launched to strong reviews in McKinney, with the same menu planned for here in Lakewood, to be headed by chef Andrea Maricich, who comes from the kitchen at The Second Floor in the Westin Galleria. The gourmet Southern-style eatery will be open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. to start, with brunch on the weekend.

Craft Beer Cellars will be open Oct. 15. (Photo by Emily Williams)

Craft Beer Cellars will be open Oct. 15. (Photo by Emily Williams)

Just up Gaston Road, Craft Beer Cellars is also looking at an October opening date. Owners Stan Nauman and Jim Waskow are new to the beer business, but the Massachusetts-based franchise provides an interesting model with a wide selection of local and international beers available by the bottle/case to go, in addition to a full tap room of rotating draught beers. Beer education classes will also be coming to 6324 Gaston, a site that previously housed Papa John’s. They’re hiring, if you’re a beer aficionado who’s always dreamed of working while surrounded by suds.

We’re opening the doors on Oct. 15, with a big grand opening event to follow at a date yet to be determined,” Waskow says. 

Toasted Coffee + Kitchen is one of the chic eateries that is bringing new life to Ross Avenue, along with freshly opened Milk•Cream ice cream shop next door. Created by East Dallas neighbors and restaurant pros Bob Sinnott and Joel Roldan, the new restaurant specializes in gourmet toasts topped with a wide range of goodness, from sweet to savory, along with sandwiches and other offerings. There’s also a full bar, and expect to get in on the mixing action with make-your-own mimosa and bloody Mary options. You can find it at 5420 Ross Avenue when it opens later this year.

We are pushing hard for late October,” Sinnott swears.