Audio By Carbonatix
This week I review 303 Bar and Grill, an Oak Cliff newcomer with macabre decor and grim cooking. I wasn’t excited about the time I spent in this interesting space, but I was very excited about the neighborhood. Oak Cliff has been a hot bed of innovation for the Dallas restaurant scene, and it’s quickly become my favorite restaurant neighborhood.
Bolsa, Lucia, Jonathon’s, Oddfellows, Eno’s, Lockhart Smokehouse, Hatties, B.E.E and more mark a growing list of small(ish) restaurants that serve a neighborhood that feels alive weekend nights. While a lot of Dallas is terrible for walking, the Bishop Arts District boasts nice sidewalks that are full of restaurant-goers. It’s a lively scene that I hope continues to grow.
303 Bar and Grill, however, has some work to do if it wants to garner a return visit. I’m dumfounded that restaurants like Stackhouse and Goodfriend didn’t seem to make an impression on the owners here. I’m not saying the restaurant business is easy — it never is — but when you see burger places all over Dallas that are drawing hoards, why not try and leverage that success? For now 303’s burgers are lackluster, and supporting dishes are worse.
