Preston Barta
Audio By Carbonatix
Dallas, a city known for its larger-than-life personality, has just added another jewel to its crown: Netflix House Dallas. Only the second of its kind in the nation, and nestled in the heart of the Galleria Dallas, this entertainment haven is a love letter to fans of the streaming service’s iconic shows and movies. It’s not just a place to visit — it’s an experience to live, breathe and taste. From immersive adventures to culinary delights, we explored the playground for the imagination before it opens to the public on Thursday, Dec. 11.
Here’s what we saw:
*Tuh-dum*
A Red Envelope Welcome
The first thing you’ll notice about Netflix House is its striking facade, which is a nod to Netflix’s humble beginnings as a DVD-by-mail service. The building, designed by the legendary Philip Johnson, retains its architectural charm while embracing a modern, cinematic flair. Local artist and Booker T. Washington grad Jeremy Biggers has adorned the exterior with a mural that brings beloved characters to life, blending the city’s cultural fabric with the streaming giant’s global appeal.
Step through the double doors, and you’re greeted by a lobby that’s nothing short of a visual feast. The walls come alive with 3D art and neon-lit tributes to Netflix’s greatest hits. From the Stranger Things alphabet wall to chess pieces suspended mid-air for The Queen’s Gambit, every corner is a photo op waiting to happen. And let’s not forget the massive “Red Light, Green Light” installation from Squid Game, which looms over the atrium like a playful yet ominous guardian.
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Preston Barta
Dallas at the Heart of It All
Greg Lombardo, Netflix’s Vice President of Experiences, couldn’t have chosen a better city for this venture.
“Dallas is an incredible city for piloting Netflix House because it has a population of entertainment fans and an incredible cultural fabric,” he tells the Observer. The Galleria’s central location and its history as a shopping and entertainment hub make it a worthy home for such an ambitious project.
Local talent plays a starring role here, from the tradespeople who built the space to the artists and performers who bring it to life. Over 260 tradespeople worked tirelessly to transform the 100,000-square-foot space, and now, 300 Dallas locals keep the magic alive daily. Even the menu at Netflix Bites features locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every bite supports the community.
Preston Barta
Bites, Sips and Sweet Treats
Speaking of bites, the Netflix Bites lounge is a culinary adventure in its own right. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, the menu offers something for everyone. The Preacher’s Classic Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup is a comforting favorite, while the WWE Smashburgers pack a flavorful punch. For dessert, don’t miss Eleven’s Waffle Gelato, a sweet nod to Stranger Things. The House Popcorn Cake, meanwhile, is a whimsical blend of browned butter cake, popcorn pastry cream and caramel popcorn.
The drinks are just as impressive. The Old-Fashioned Gentleman is a classic with a twist, while the Streaming Optimism offers a margarita-like burst of flavor. Watching the bartenders craft these concoctions is a show in itself, adding a touch of theatricality to the dining experience.
Preston Barta
RePLAY and Retail Therapy
The arcade area, aptly named RePLAY, is a nostalgic yet innovative space that combines timeless games with Netflix-themed twists. Dance Dance Revolution gets a KPop Demon Hunters makeover, while a Bridgerton-themed Labyrinth board game invites you to navigate a maze of romance and intrigue. Retro gaming fans will love the Happy Gilmore 2 game, where you can channel your inner Adam Sandler and take on gators and the green with a golf club.
The gift shop is a treasure trove of Netflix memorabilia, from deep-cut keychains to exclusive apparel. It’s a place where fans can take a piece of the magic home, but be warned: you might need a bigger wallet.
Preston Barta
Immersive Adventures Await
Netflix House Dallas isn’t just about food and games; it’s also home to two featured experiences: Squid Game: Survive the Trials and Stranger Things: Escape the Dark. We had the chance to dive into the latter, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.
Armed with a headset and flashlight, participants are tasked with finding three missing characters in iconic Stranger Things locations like Castle Byers and Eddie Munson’s trailer. The production design is so immersive that it feels like stepping onto the set of the show.
“The Walkman delivers binaural sound, and the flashlight is filled with technology that unlocks special effects,” Lombardo explained. “We conceived this entire story with Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of the show, and collaborated closely with the production, sound and costume designers to bring an authentic Stranger Things experience to life.”
The experience culminates in a haunted house-style maze that’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying. From soldiers patrolling the area to the eerie glow of the Upside Down, every detail is designed to keep you on edge. It’s a PG-13 adventure, so younger fans might want to sit this one out.
Preston Barta
A House Built to Last
Netflix House Dallas is a permanent fixture designed to evolve with the times.
“In 10 years, people will be coming to Netflix House and experiencing a title that we don’t even know exists yet,” Lombardo said.
The plan is to reinvent and reimagine the space regularly, so that there’s always a reason to come back and step into the world of a new favorite.
Above all, we found Netflix House Dallas to be a love letter to storytelling, a celebration of creativity and a testament to the power of community. It’s a place where the lines between reality and fiction blur, where every corner holds a new adventure and where fans can step into the worlds they’ve only seen on screen. We could all use an escape these days.
So, whether you’re a die-hard Stranger Things fan, a foodie looking for your next favorite dish or just someone in need of a little escapism, Netflix House Dallas takes the monotony out of trying to figure out what to watch, because it does the work for you. As Lombardo put it, “If you’re a fan of entertainment, if you have 30 minutes or three hours, you will find something to love inside Netflix House.”
Your Netflix adventure awaits, Dallas.
Preston Barta
