Sunday, February 26, 2012

Head DAT way to The Mason Bar

photo courtesy of Eater Dallas
Developed by long-time Dallas entrepreneur Brandt Wood, walking into The Mason Bar feels like you've been transported to a bistro on Magazine Street in New Orleans.  Considering that Wood is a NoLa native, it's not surprising that the vibe in this place is authentically Big Easy cool.

Housed in a former Masonic Lodge (how cool is that in and of itself!?) the interior "features incredible arched, leaded windows with streaming light, plus art, gig posters, photos and just stuff from general manager Brandt Wood's personal collection.   Fixtures are industrial but smooth and finished, not overtly masculine. Padded booths balance wooden bar chairs and white table cloths temper warm, wood cocktail-level six-tops.

photo courtesy of The Mason Bar's Facebook Page
At times, the architecture and the rock-meets-vintage decor can seem like strange bedfellows, but the "this is us" honesty that comes from it all overrides doubts and reinforces a comfortable vibe." says Eater Dallas.

Underground Dinners no longer involves waiting lists, sketchy locations or secret handshakes. Chef David Anthony Temple (a.k.a. Chef DAT) is now is residence inside the Mason Bar's kitchen.

"Menu prices range from $4 to $17 for "snacks" and shared plates, all the way up to $24 for a Waygu Flat Iron Steak or Seared Hawaiian Walu. Locally sourced and vegetarian-friendly menu items were plentiful, and delightfully unexpected for a place with "bar" in its name," informs the Dallas Observer.  Other mains include Seared Sea Scallops with Cheddar Grits, Blackened Redfish with Jambalaya, the requisite Burger, and a Creole Chicken and Biscuit concoction sure to leave your taste buds doing a happy dance.

photo courtesy of The Mason Bar's Facebook Page

My only criticism of the place was that the kitchen was slow to deliver. I'm chalking this up to them only being open 3 weeks. Hopefully, they will find their groove and streamline their performance. Once the food arrived, it was so divine, that any irritation I had over the wait quickly vanished.

Wood told me they are busy transforming the basement of the building into a Prohibition-style speakeasy lounge where you will sip cocktails from tea cups. Look for it later this Spring.  Awesome!

The Mason Bar, 4701 Guillot St., Dallas, TX 75204
214-220-0227
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