Located right in the center of the Bishops Art District, Hattie’s Dallas Restaurant features American Southern-influenced cooking – revved up a notch or two. The menu changes seasonally but you can usually find some variation of grits served here, even on the dinner menu.
Shrimp and Grits, fried oysters wrapped in bacon and different types of quail (including a jalapeno stuffed version) have been featured menu items. There are plenty of comfort foods, too, and be sure and leave room for Southern fried pie (yes, fried, and very tasty).
You’ll want to allow some extra time before dining so you can browse the stores located in the Arts District. If you would rather schedule some sightseeing into your day before easing into a friendly dinner atmosphere, the Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza are within 3 miles of Hattie’s Restaurant. Nearby hotels include the Hyatt Regency as well as the Belmont Hotel.
With a relaxed attitude, this restaurant suits all ages. True to the Southern accented food found at Hattie’s, you’ll find Fried Green Tomatoes ($7.50) served with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing as well as a very tasty Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (the kids should love this).
The meatloaf comes with mashed potatoes and gravy and is priced at $12.95. Hattie’s is not a fussy place so if you simply want to relax and have a good time, this should suit you just fine. The Fried Green Tomatoes, noted above, have the reputation of being the best in Texas.
What you won’t find at Hattie’s is bland or boring food. Even a seemingly simple bowl of tomato soup surprises with fresh flavors and is clearly made from scratch.
When it comes to wine, be sure to ask you waiter for the special wines of the day. You can order by the glass or bottle. You won’t find an extensive wine list but what is available is perfectly fine.
Prices are surprisingly inexpensive for the generous portions. The Shrimp and Grits is around $17.00 and even the fairly esoteric Texas quail is only $15.95.The prices are particularly low when you consider the fact that most are served with vegetables so that you don’t pay extra for them.
You’ll find Hattie’s to be particularly busy and full of chatter on Saturday nights. Everyone seems to be having fun there on the weekend. The restaurant gets special kudos for quick service and the staff’s willingness to explain the tradition behind many of the menu choices. Whether you dine during the week or on weekends, reservations are recommended.
The decor blends rustic with contemporary lines and a huge Blue Willow and over-sized plate dominates one wall. Calla lilies are nearly always on display on tables throughout the restaurant. They echo the yellow lights which adorn the banquette area.
Hattie’s Dallas is open from 11:30 -2:30 for lunch from Monday through Saturday and 11-2:30 for brunch on Sunday. Dinner starts at 5:30 on Monday through Saturday and a Sunday “lunch” is served at 5:30 on Sunday. The restaurant is located at 418 Bishop Avenue and can be reached at (214) 942-7400.
If you’re looking for an unpretentious restaurant which welcomes you to come in and set a spell, Hattie’s is an excellent pick. If you like Southern food, it should definitely be on your list of “must visit” restaurants. From basic to inspired, you find a range of dishes to suit all tastes at Hattie’s Restaurant.
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