There's a little lunch spot in the Design District that's often overlooked. The Bleu Artichoke Cafe is located at 1225 North Riverfront Boulevard, tucked inside of Found Antiques. The tight space holds about 45 diners and is only open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2.
In other words: If it's not a go-to for busy lunch-hour diners, it's dead.
For a small space, the menu seems diverse enough to appeal to anyone's appetite. They've got a variety of sandwiches, salads, quiches, and crepes. Their signature "Bleu Artichoke" sandwich, with artichoke hearts, bleu cheese, and bacon on sourdough, is the most popular. The specials change weekly, and the soup of the day switches slightly more often. The plum sake iced tea (unsweetened, non-alcoholic) was spotted on nearly every table during a recent visit, and "The Peasant's Lunch" is definitely a standout: a baguette with brie, bacon and tomato, served with a choice of mixed greens or Caesar salad, and a cup of soup, for $9.
But still: A had-to-find restaurant with such limited hours is always going to have a tough go. Which is why the new managers at The Bleu Artichoke are actively soliciting the opinions of Dallas diners.
What would you need in a lunch cafe? If you've been here before, what would you change? If you haven't, what would make you choose this over $3 street tacos or the nearby Meddlesome Moth?