Ghost Donkey and Palma: Deep Ellum's New Glitzy, Boozy Duo

Two new sister concepts celebrated a grand opening in Deep Ellum recently, and a little corner off Main Street is somehow boozier and a bit more glamorous. The yin to a night of neon lights and mezcal's yang is a neutral, botanical outpost with a transformative atmosphere.

Ghost Donkey and Palma are both from Flagship Restaurant Group, an Omaha-based hospitality company behind Blue Sushi Sake Grill and Plank Provisions. It's under a small roster of owners: Nick Hogan, Anthony Hitchcock, Tom Allisma, and Tony Gentile. Ghost Donkey and Palma mark the group's 53rd and 54th openings.

Both concepts have distinct visions and experiences, but in a shared setting. "Guests can sip mezcal cocktails under neon twinkle lights at Ghost Donkey or enjoy Tex-Asian fare in Palma's lush, indoor-outdoor space," the press release promises.

These new side-by-side spots are at 2625 Main Street in Deep Ellum, where the old Braindead Brewing was before closing in 2021.
Ghost Donkey is an NYC-born concept with locations in Las Vegas, Denver, Phoenix, Omaha, Chicago, Auckland (New Zealand), Melbourne (Australia) and now Dallas. It's a mezcal and tequila bar at its roots with award-winning offerings, like the coveted Fortaleza tequila and tepeztate, a mezcal made with wild agave.

The neon-lit bar also serves cocktails, wine and N/A options. Food leans towards casual light bites and shareables like tacos, quesadillas and guac. And before you ask, yes, they're calling it a speakeasy. Hey, they said it. Not us.

You won't come here for a sit-down dinner, but that's what Palma is for.
Palma, per the press release, has no pretenses, no labels — just damn good food and undeniable energy. The space parallels Mar Y Sol, with its resort-style layout. Think neutrals, many plants and wicker chairs, but with more traditional details like clay pots and fountains.

The Dallas location is the second of the concept, with the flagship in Phoenix. It will be open for lunch, dinner, happy hour and a weekend brunch.
The menu has Asian and Southwestern influences; they have some interesting items. The banh mi cheesesteak, ube bingsu sundae and something they call party platters caught our attention. The platter "The Cure" comes with a combo of crab rangoon, hatch chili queso, salted charred edamame, popcorn chicken and Yummy Fries.

The smashburger is $16. We'll report back on whether it's worth it.
A common theme for new concepts like these is a stop-and-smell-the-roses atmosphere. On Palma's reservation page, they encourage you to "come as you are and stay as long as you want." Does a restaurant ever really mean that? If so, they're severely underestimating the longevity of a good yap session.

We love Deep Ellum and hope this new concept can deliver on its promise of resonating with the local energy. Stay tuned for a first look.

Palma and Ghost Donkey, 2625 Main St., Monday - Wednesday, 11 a.m. - midnight; Thursday 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.; Friday 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.