It’s not just restaurants, actually. Lots of exciting things are on the horizon for our neighborhood’s restaurant scene in 2014. But also, three craft breweries are in the works. Here are some of the most anticipated Oak Cliff restaurants … and breweries … in 2014.
1. Chino Chinatown
Duck fat fried rice from Chino Chinatown, via facebook
This Trinity Groves restaurant from Chef Uno Immanivong, who was a contestant on ABC’s “The Taste,” and restaurateur Adrian Verdin opens Dec. 30 serving Latin/Asian fusion, including cochinita pibil steam buns and “phozole.”
2. Whatever is coming to the old El Padrino
Hattie’s owner Tony Alvarez has plans for the Bishop Arts taco stand that formerly housed El Padrino taquería. Those plans are still under wraps so far, but whatever Alvarez has planned ought to be a winner.
3. Noble Rey
Noble Rey is one of the three craft brewers that could open in Oak Cliff this year. Owner Chris Rigoulot says Dallas City Council is set to vote Jan. 22 on a zoning change for the brewery, which leased the building off Interstate 35 that used to house The Ad Place. If the zoning change is approved, then Noble Rey can apply for state and federal licensing.
3. Small Brewpub
Small Brewpub started hosting pop-up tastings in Oak Cliff backyards over a year ago. This past fall, the upstart beer makers added monthly free concerts along with their beer. Oak Cliff could have the opportunity to pay them back this year when a permanent Small Brewpub is expected to open at Jefferson Tower.
4. Bishop Cider Co.
Bishop Cider Co. is the third brewer, but it won’t offer beer. This would be the first cidery in North Texas, offering a selection of hard cider on tap but no food. Owner Joel Malone told Side Dish in October that he was planning to open the place at 509 N. Bishop, adjacent to Lockhart Smokehouse. He didn’t respond to our email requesting an update.
5. The ramen shop at Sylvan Thirty
Ramen from Tei-An, via facebook
Teiichi Sakurai, owner of Tei An and Tei Tei Robata Bar, has scrapped the idea for a fish market at Sylvan Thirty and instead is producing a ramen shop at Sylvan Thirty. God love him.
6. Stock & Barrel
Chef Jon Stevens, formerly of Nosh Euro Bistro, is planning his own concept in the former Safety Glass building in Bishop Arts. The menu is described as “Americana,” and it’s supposed to open early next year.
7. Off Site Kitchen
via yelp
Restaurateur Nick Badovinus says he prefers not owning a restaurant in our ‘hood, even though he lives here. But he does have plans for Trinity Groves. He announced plans this past summer to open an Off-Site Kitchen there.
8. Saint Rocco’s
Saint Rocco
Restaurateur Phil Romano is one of the developers behind Trinity Groves, which brought more than a handful of successful new restaurants to our side of the river this past year. Romano also is planning his own restaurant concept at Trinity Groves. Saint Rocco is Romano’s concept with Eatzi’s executive chef Jay Valley. Few details have been revealed, other than Saint Rocco’s will specialize in Italian comfort food.
