What is it about summer that makes us want to find a cozy table in a restaurant, order a glass of wine and get someone else to cook for us? Well, obvious- ly, it’s that we don’t want to raise the temperature in our kitchen to a balmy hellfire—but also, things feel slower and more relaxed, making it a great time to gather friends and family for familiar favorites or new delights. 501 Yacht Club, in Rockwall’s Chandlers Land- ing neighborhood, offers a stunning place to dine. Guests can take in gorgeous sunset views of Lake Ray Hubbard while enjoying hand-crafted American fare: Wagyu burgers, shrimp and grits, a 16-ounce Berkshire pork porterhouse, ribeyes, filet mignons, and rainbow trout, just to name a few. Signature cocktails include the Bubble Trouble, with vodka, el- derflower liqueur, lemon and Champagne, and the 501 Frozen Margarita, with tequila, lime, and orange. Little ones can choose from favorites on the kid’s menu—and of course, dessert is encouraged (don’t sleep on the flourless German chocolate cake. 501 Yacht Club is also available for private events. Texas Live! in Arlington’s vast sports and entertain- ment district is a one-stop shop for pre-concert and game-day meals, televised sporting events, and nights out with the crew. The massive venue boasts a Texas-sized patio and restaurant experience: enjoy an outdoor area with beer gardens, or step inside when things heat up and enjoy bars aplenty, plus cuisine from local favorites Lockhart Barbeque, plus Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint, Pudge’s Pizza, and Revolver Brewhouse. Arlington Backyard, Shift4 Arena and Troy’s feature live music and televised sports events for premium entertainment in close proximity to all the Arlington-based action. Visit texas-live.com for a full list of venues, events, and weekly specials. 3 Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails dishes out farm-to- table fare and scratch cocktails in Dallas’ West End, with weekend brunch, daily lunch specials, happy hour, dinner and private banquets and events. Din- ner guests can order up seafood specialties, like the Chilean sea bass, pan-seared Gulf shrimp, and scal- lops—or Texas steaks and fowl: ribeyes with cognac and peppercorn sauce, center-cut filets, and the 311 half chicken sous vide with rajas and cream corn. Brunch means plenty of breakfast offerings (like Texas omelette frittatas or breakfast tacos), lunch- ables (crab cake sandwiches, anyone?), and hearty steaks, plus classic brunch cocktails. Ever tried a Manmosa? It’s the traditional orange juice and Champagne…with a vodka twist. Seasonal cocktails use the freshest ingredients to optimize flavors, and Hemmingway’s Possum Kingdom FOOD & DRINK FOOD & DRINK 16 DALLAS OBSERVER • SUMMER GUIDE 2025
