Photos by Ben Gibson
They probably didn’t know their restaurant name would divide offices and families with an audio debate for the ages, but Laurel (or is it yanny?) Tavern will open next week to add elevated dining paired with creative cocktails to Lowest Greenville’s dining scene.
Many were surprised when acclaimed Clark’s Food and Wine closed on Greenville in December of 2016, but Laurel Tavern looks to fill the space with creative shared plates, salads, sandwiches and burgers that can be enjoyed inside or on the patio.
Their food menu reads like a Millennial dreamland, with avocado toast, pork belly and burgers with plenty of bacon. Roasted beets, edmame, free-range chicken and house ground beef appeal to the foodies.
Laurel’s Tavern’s cocktails hit all the favorites and include pop culture references such as Big Buck Hunter (bourbon, ginger beer, mint), El Chapo (tequila, basil, cucumber) and Lost in Translation (whiskey, rose liquer, rosemary). They also serve a variety of wine and daily beer selections.
Laurel Tavern was born when its restaurant group came to town for a social visit and fell in love with the neighborhood. Co-owner Michael Leko recently moved to Dallas. “When I was moving out here, I fell in love with Lower Greenville and East Dallas in particular. The tight and gracious community here has been great to us and we strive to be an asset to them,” said Leko via media release.Â
The owners see their restaurant as a comfortable and inviting gathering place for neighbors. “We even tailor our sound system to be not too loud so people can talk,” says co-owner Jonny Valenti.
Laurel Tavern is from William Shamlian and Mark Leddy and current partners Leko, Valenti and Hardy Edwards. Together, they represent more than 100 years of experience in the industry. It will be open at 1920 Greenville Ave. from 5 p.m. to midnight starting on May 23, with brunch on its way in a few weeks.Â
