Resident Taqueria Has Expanded: Here's A Look

For over a decade, Resident Taqueria has been a staple of the Lake Highlands neighborhood and the Dallas food scene at large, bringing a gourmet, fine-dining perspective to a neighborhood outpost. All of our stops over the years have been wonderful, particularly the times when we can order the restaurant’s signature duck taco.

Since early June, Resident has closed off and on, citing a surprise new construction project. On July 15, the surprise was finally revealed. Resident has expanded westward, taking over the space next door that formerly housed a nail salon and reconfiguring it into a cocktail bar with additional seating.

Owner and chef Andrew Savoie says that expansion and redesign have been considered since the restaurant was only a year old in 2015.

“We quickly outgrew our space,” he says. “Especially during the hot summer and cold winter months. Our little 20-seat location definitely needed more room for the neighborhood.”

Extra picnic table seating in the parking lot didn’t do the restaurant justice; the new space was a long time coming. Aesthetically, though, the new layout is a sleek surprise, juxtaposing the original side’s ruggedness like oil and water. It was designed by Savoie in collaboration with Melissa Easley and features a wraparound bar counter, two TVs and new tables and chairs, all with a marigold-colored finish.

“I have always loved design and the creative process just like building a taco and working with food,” Savoie says. “I wanted a space that offered a new visual approach, just as seen in our seasonal specials.”

A rotating wooden wall in the middle makes the aesthetic divide between the two sides physical. This wall can close off the two spaces for private events. Previously, private event rentals would close down Resident for the day. Now, events can be held during regular business hours.
Resident will also offer an enhanced cocktail menu, though not a full bar. Savoie says that the bar will serve new tiers of tequila and mezcal to pair with the tacos, and specifically noted the new gin and tonic as a drink to try. The new space will have extended hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, remaining open until 11 p.m., serving beverages only.

Resident Taqueria serves food from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It's located at 9661 Audelia Rd #112