"Is that a squirrel?" That was the entrée into one of these conversations, launched from a few bar stools down. It was a reference to my sandwich, the Bye-Bye Birdie — a massive chicken breast encased in a thick greasy coat of deep-fried waffle batter. As far as chicken sandwiches go, this one comes up short, tasting of bland chicken and an oily waffle coating.
Most of the menu items here sport names that may test your patience. Order the Dippity Do if you want chips and salsa, and Cuddly Pigs if you want to try hot dogs wrapped in bread, a snack that features links from Rudolph's in Deep Ellum. Request Spuds Mackenzie if you want a mountain of waffle fries covered in queso, sour cream and jalapeño peppers. All these dishes pass as decent bar food.
1154 Peavy Road
Dallas, TX 75218
Category: Restaurant >
Region: White Rock Lake Area
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Nacho Mamma invokes a sizable aluminum plate of small tortilla chips. The queso is floury and short on flavor, and braised pork is mushy, like soft, wet yarn. But a bright green chili flavor sent me hunting for more pork anyway.
Lovin' Cup produces a sizable bowl of meat, not unlike any other competent bowl of chili served in Texas. The kitchen tops it off with sour cream, cilantro and cheese, but they should serve it with hot sauce or a lime wedge as well. This stuff screams for acid.
Better are the burgers, which you'd expect to be passable at a place with "burger house" in its name. In fact, despite some dryness, they border on greatness.
Each sandwich comes on a white bun buttered inside and out and is served on aluminum quarter-sheet baking trays lined in parchment paper. The burgers come out as ordered more often than not; a request for rare produces a warm but almost raw center. Better to follow your server's suggestion and order yours medium — you'll enjoy a well-cooked, pink and flavorful burger that tastes simply of charred, high-quality Angus beef.
The Loretta Lynn is a showstopper. Topped with cave-aged blue cheese to recall the country singer's coal-mining roots, the burger features a sweet, bacon-laden onion jam.
P.L.O.T. comes with lettuce, onions, tomato and thick-sliced pickles. If you're a mustard person you'll enjoy this burger's most complementary condiment, and if you're not you should reconsider — the sharp yellow tang plays nicely off the crunchy, sweet cukes.
Longtime East Dallasites have a little gem in this modest local bar, where the old neighborhood gang can drink comfortably and where even a few Scorpions have returned to make an appearance or two. And it's just as appealing to the new guard, who've come in search of affordable urban living, a sanctuary from the exurbs and a little slice of Texas that feels like a little slice of somewhere else. For the newcomers and old-timers alike, there's something familiar in Goodfriend, which may not be a lifelong companion for everyone, but is certainly a worthy shoulder to lean on, at least until it's not.
my wife and I love Goodfriend. It's a neighborhood bar. The beer selection is fantastic. We meet people every time we go. Matt and Josh could teach classes on being gracious hosts. The wait staff is responsive, friendly and informative.
It's a five minute drive and about 30 minute walk from the house. Very nicely done. Improved the neighborhood, which I already loved.
GoodFriend is a true neighborhood bar. All kinds of people there for a drink or a bite to eat. Our neighborhood has been desperate for a decent bar for as long as I have lived there (over 12 years). The fact that they have decent food is super bonus. I'll gladly pay $10 for a hamburger if I can have a decent drink to go with it. Some good company. Nice bartenders and servers. I love it.
Good spot, good beers. I wonder if the neighborhood / market will support the prices in the long run. ($8-9 for a burger, w/out fries, if memory serves). It was a good burger, but I was a little surprised to see Uptown prices in cozy little East Dallas.
Good Friend is the product of a great friendship turned partnership. Josh Yingling and Matt Tobin, keep up the good work.
Yes, Josh is the best! And they both deserve credit for creating great families at Vic and Good Friend.
"Dive bars are plentiful here, " Not true at all, if you're speaking of a truly neighborhood spot. This part of Dallas was dry until just recently, which I assume was the catalyst of Goodfriend's opening. Goodfriend is the first to take advantage of the new restrictions on alcohol being lifted.
I live within walking distance of Goodriend, but I prefer the burgers, fries and prices at Stack House, which is on my way home from work. I know that's probably irrelevant to the majority of the people who frequent a place mainly because it is a bar, but if the food and prices were better, I would be a regular customer.
white rock sports bar, lonestar roadhouse...all I can think of.
we needed a goodfriend type place real bad. if you want to save some money, eat at the tortas place across the street beforehand. its really good and cheap.
I saw that torta place and was curious. I wish I'd stopped in. Hard to do after a chicken sandwich the size of a large rodent, a burger and some nachos though.
Scott, I know I have been a little tough and snarky, but this is good stuff: it's something new, not on the blogosphere radar, and you give it a lot of flavor. Thx for the find.
We live in little forest hills and absolutely LOVE goodfriend. Never actually had the food, just the beer (and cocktails). Great crowd, cool vibe, and great music.
Sounds like I need to try the burgers.
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