Look past the silly names for entrees such as Cure For The Common Cabbage or Everybody Loves Relleno, and you’ll quickly realize that Rye serves seriously good fare that you’re unlikely to find in mainstream Dallas restaurants. Dinners are built from an array of plates that grow progressively larger on the menu, each selection a smart combination that encourages discussion between flavorful bites. Of course, with a name like Rye, there is plenty of brown liquor available, as well as a serviceable wine list. Small plates might be a foreign concept in Dallas, but we’re grateful to Rye for continuing our education.

Top pick: The Icelandic hot dog on the traditional Danish rugbrød (rye bread) is barely two bites, but the Wagyu beef sausage with sweet mustard and remoulade is a mouthful of flavor. You would be forgiven for ordering two, three or even five of them for a meal, if there weren’t so many other options on the menu to explore.