Another Big-Name Restaurant Will Expand to Dallas

From our keyboard and press release perch, we see big trends emerge over the years. Some are good, like Nashville Hot Chicken, and others are annoying, like Instagram-ready interiors. The wicker rattan lighting phase was great — we'll always be here for soft ambient lighting.

More recently, however, the common theme among new restaurants is that the Dallas location is an expansion from LA, Las Vegas, Miami or Scottsdale, Ar. These restaurants and clubstaurants are many, like Bottled Blonde, Komodo, Carbone, Monarch and CATCH. Chains for the affluent and sexy, ready to show you the good time you didn't even know you were missing. With glitter and bottle service.

We've written a lot about this trend; even our feature this week touches on it (it actually smashes on it like Whac-A-Mole).

Next up is Toca Madera, a 14,000-square-foot, high-energy, modern Mexican steakhouse with outposts in West Hollywood, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, Houston and Miami. It will live in the developing East Quarter (between Deep Ellum and the central business district) at 2203 Commerce St., in what is now an empty lot.

Toca Madera's main dining room will have room for you and 414 of your dearest friends. There will be an outdoor dining patio and two full-service bars. A lounge you ask? Of course. And a private members' speakeasy along with a private dining room — "all paired with an elevated, high-energy atmosphere and nightly live entertainment."

Mikey Tanha the co-founder and CEO of Noble 33, the hospitality group behind Toca Madera, says that this sixth location will be the largest yet and a testament to Dallas' "international flair and rich culture."

The design at Toca Madera (which means knock on wood) is described as biophilic, which, according to Merriam-Webster, relates to the human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature. Throw in there a transcendental multisensory dining experience and flame dancers. Also, unique to this location will be The Bird's Nest, "an immersive art piece that encapsulates the lounge area in an incredible nest-like structure featuring a lush greenscape in addition to one-of-a-kind art pieces and a sweeping, undulated wood slat ceiling."

Wow. So, if microdosing were a restaurant, would this be it? Or is this the type of restaurant you think up while microdosing?

The menu is from executive chef Martin Heierling and will offer Toca Madera's signature and popular dishes like sashimi Mexicano and A5 Wagyu tacos in a crispy wonton shell. Also expect Austrailian and Japanese beef and a "show-stopping Flaming Tomahawk," sliced tableside.

The highlight of the cocktail program, according to the company, is a Como la Flor, served with edible flowers and "rose air," engaging all of the senses.

We'll have to wait until 2026 to see what that's all about.