Maybe we’re nostalgic for the 80s, when J.R. Ewing and S&Ls abounded. Maybe we’re tired of everyone associating Austin with everything good about Texas. Or maybe it’s just time we got back to the basics. Whatever the case, Texana is taking a place in East Dallas night life. At two new places — Bandera and Bryan Street Tavern — Texas pride is front-and-center.
Bandera, on Greenville Avenue where Poor David’s Pub used to be, is expected to open around July 15. Its focus is on Red Dirt music, and the owners aim to draw Red Dirt bands to Dallas.
Bryan Street Tavern opened in March, and features a lounge area with overstuffed leather sofas and soft lighting, reminiscent of the Gage Hotel, plus a huge patio with a washers game. I scoped it out recently because more than one person has told me that their pizza is "better than Louie’s." And well, the pizza at Bryan Street is good. But Louie’s is a dang high standard. I am excited about its small music venue, brand-new shuffleboard table and three — yes, three — dart boards. It’s a fun place to hang out, and they seem to be getting a pretty loyal following.
