Lauren Drewes Daniels
Audio By Carbonatix
Oh, but did you get enough butter? What about yeast? Baking a loaf of bread helps heat the house. And your cold soul. Have you ever made caramel popcorn in the microwave? You gotta do that too. (You’ll need brown paper bags.)
Some stores, restaurants and dive bars are already planning to stay open to make sure their neighbors have all the necessities from chicken broth to hot cocoa with a shot of whisky. Below is information we could find, starting with grocery stores, including some helpful links. Or maybe jump straight to bars and restaurants.
I’ve also included a couple of general-purpose hacks involving Waffle House and Whataburger. Know this: if Waffle House is closed, things are bad.
Obviously, use your best judgment and double-check (ask Mom) before heading out.
If you want to add your business to this list, email me at Lauren.Daniels@DallasObserver.com.
Grocery Stores
H-E-B
For now, H-E-B is planning to keep normal hours, but keep an eye on their website for updates. Spokesperson Mabrie Jackson said that H-E-B’s top priority is taking care of Texas. “Across our business, we regularly prepare for extreme weather events,” she noted. “All stores are operating normal hours. Our stores are receiving product deliveries, and our dedicated Partners will restock shelves throughout the day, so we can serve our customers with the products they need.”
Cedar Market Ranch
This downtown market at 2434 S. Harwood Street plans to be open on Saturday (though it’s normally closed on Sunday). Customers posted that they stocked up on everything they needed there on Thursday. Check their Instagram for updates. Then, follow them on Instagram because they’re funny.
Albertson’s
An Albertson’s spokesperson says they are working hard to remain open so customers can access critical food and supplies, while also prioritizing the safety of their associates. A spokesperson said they will “update Google maps, post on Facebook and Instagram, update the stores’ automated phone attendants, and update our customer service team so customers can call the call center or the stores’ phone number.” So, call?
Braum’s
When all the other stores are out of milk, go raid a Braum’s market and do not sleep on the chip dips. They also have solid bacon and usually fresh fruit. And the brownies! And the dark chocolate sea salt caramels. And get a banana split while you’re there. Call ahead to make sure they’re open.
Kroger
Kroger has a section on its website for inclement-weather store updates.
Target
Wine, a heated blanket, a framed cow mural and chocolate. Check the store locator.
Walmart
Check out Walmart’s status map(!). It pains me to write this, but Walmart wins with this. (We can only use exclamation points ironically here, especially when it comes to Walmart.)
Restaurants and Bars
Pilllar Bistro, Bishop Arts
This Bishop Arts Bistro is open all weekend, giving out hot chocolate to lure in customers.
Lakewood Landing, East Dallas
We asked the folks at this East Dallas dive bar if they will stay open come hell or high ice, as they have in the past. “Always. We have a generator,” said Antonio Guevara at Lakewood. “I believe I said before, we will stay open during Armageddon. Which…ya know…seems more and more likely every day.”
Mot Hai Ba, East Dallas
Open all weekend. And if you have skates or snowshoes, you could go to Lakewood Landing after.
Beyond The Bar, Richardson
Beyond the Bar (101 S. Sherman St.) has salted the walkway and will have warm zero-proof cocktails for those looking for a third space.
Las Almas Rotas, Fair Park
Open for the storm and loaded down with tequila. They’re committed to all day Saturday and Sunday will “keep the lights on as long as we can.” And Taylor’s chilaquiles will also be available.
The Avenue Sports Grill, Lower Greenville
This spot at 2121 Greenville Avenue has posted that they are open all weekend, and we quote: “For everyone’s safety, we are open due to the weather conditions.” No typos. Doors open at 8 a.m. Go make some new friends.
San Martin Bakery
This vibrant Guatemalan bakery plans on having both locations open. They have one store in Uptown at 3120 McKinney Avenue and another in Addison at 5407 Belt Line Road.
Mariscos La Reyna, Grand Prairie
Mariscos La Reyna is a wonderful family-operated Mexican seafood spot in Grand Prairie (730 W Main St.). They’re open Saturday with $10 mariscos ramen; they’re playing Sunday by ear.
Linke BBQ, Wylie
Wylie is a road trip, but in case you’re in the area, this hidden gem barbecue spot is open all weekend.
On Rotation, Love Fied Adjacent
On Rotation, a small-batch craft brewery near Love Field (7701 Lemmon Ave.), plans to open on Saturday, but may close early depending on the ice. Check socials or maybe call (972-850-9279).
Sanjh, Irving
Sanjh ain’t scared. They’re open “all three days,” per an Instagram message. Go get some amazing Indian food at 5250 N. O’Connor Blvd. in Irving.
Hacks and Such
The Whataburger App
Back in 2024, when big storms knocked out power across southeast Texas, Houstonians used the Whataburger App to find out exactly where power was popping back on. In this case, use it as needed for a burger run or heat. Just pull up the store locator in the app: grey means a store is closed, orange is money. (Ordering hack: get a double meat-and-cheese junior burger here. More flavor, less bread.)
Waffle House Location Map
Waffle House goes hard in the paint when it comes to being open 24/7. They literally work to stay open; it’s a point of pride. FEMA calls this will the Waffle House Index. Use the site map to get an indication of how areas are doing.
