Catch Dallas and Its $40 Cocktail Land in Uptown

A seafood favorite has landed in Dallas, and the clientele is already proving star-studded.

Earlier this month, Catch opened its first Texas location, in Uptown Dallas. The restaurant started out in New York's Meatpacking District in 2011 and has since expanded to LA, Las Vegas, Miami Beach and Aspen, Colorado. Dallas was, naturally, the next stop.

Like the Italian chain Carbone, the restaurant appears to be a favorite among the stars. According to popular gossip site Deuxmoi, Lizzo, Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber and Cardi B are frequently spotted at the New York and LA locations. With the rooftop view of the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA, who could blame them?

This newest outpost in Dallas is inside the revived Maple Terrace in Uptown. In its heyday, this nearly-century-old property was briefly home to Judy Garland, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley and Zsa Zsa Gabor. The recent refurb of the property enhances the experience, with glossy new restaurants in front and a luxury tower on the far side. 

We arrived at Catch on a Thursday evening and the place was jam-packed. The bar area was filled with people waiting to be seated — us specifically; our table wasn't ready until 20 minutes after our reservation time. Guests dressed to the nines in furs, suits and designer fits crowded the entryway. The dress code, which Catch describes as “smart elegant attire,” is strictly enforced, with no sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts or visibly revealing clothing allowed, nor are sunglasses permitted indoors. Though it's worth noting that we did spot a few shades-clad offenders, perhaps trying to give themselves an air of mystery.

The bar itself is detailed with copper, and the walls throughout the restaurant give off a royal feel with a rich green lacquer.

After being seated, we were tended to immediately and our $11 bottles of San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna quickly arrived as we waited for cocktails, which start at $17 and work up to $40; four beers are priced to move at $9 and $10. We started with one of Catch’s signature cocktails, the For Lychee’s Sake ($19), made with Belvedere Vodka, Nigori Sake, lychee, yuzu and orange blossom.

On brand, Catch takes one of the most basic cocktails and makes it bougie. The old fashioned here is made with the exclusive Angel's Envy Rye and costs $40. Status signaling on a block of ice.

Catch’s menu is what so many upscale spots are doing these days: Asian (edamame, crispy rice cakes, sushi, oysters) mixed with fried cauliflower, salads, brand steaks, whole fish and, maybe, a couple of pasta dishes (one spicy, one with truffles and one mac and cheese). Go ahead and start counting the new upscale spots with that basic menu; we'll wait.

Here you can even buy A5 Kobe beef at $65 per ounce and cook it yourself tableside on a rock.
We started with the Truffle Sashimi ($25), which comes with three pieces each of tuna and hamachi in a puddle of spicy chili ponzu topped with a bit of caviar and a "Black Truffle Purée" per the menu, a mixture of truffles, olive oil and salt. The earthy richness of truffle puree blends well with the delicate umami of fresh fish, punctuated by the vibrant notes of spicy chili ponzu. Another good choice was the hamachi crudo seasoned with a nice matcha salt.

For an entree, we started with the salmon a la plancha ($34) served with a barely there side salad and a ramekin of jalapeno cucumber emulsion. Though many of Catch’s plates appear large, the salmon a la plancha sits easily and light.
But for those wanting to indulge, the Miso Glazed Sea Bass ($54) makes for a tasty fusion of both Southern and Japanese elements. The fish cuts easily and is fairly portioned. On our list to try next time are the Cantonese lobster and the truffle mushroom spaghetti with jumbo shrimp.

Provided you still have room for dessert, the Autumn Harvest Kakigōri is excellent. This particular dessert is made with apple-pear shaved ice, apple cider, fruit compote, spiced mascarpone mousse and Speculoos cookie crumble (you know, the stuff that Trader Joe’s cookie butter is made with). But for those wanting to keep it light, the pistachio cheesecake is also a great choice.

Catch makes for a fun night out for a date or with friends, and right after payday, we'll definitely go again. Even if you may not feel like a coastal elite, you’ll certainly spend like one.

Catch, 3005 Maple Ave. Daily, 5–10 p.m.