New Restaurant Takes Over Dallas’ Old City Hall

“You Can’t Fight City Hall,” declares a sign at the entrance to City Hall Bistro, which recently opened inside the storied Adolphus Hotel downtown.

The restaurant, whose name refers to what was the original site for Dallas’ City Hall, is the latest section of the hotel to debut as part of a massive renovation undertaken by Dallas design firm Swoon, the Studio.

With an interior of white subway tile, brass lighting fixtures, Carrara marble, leather, and warm wood tones, the bistro seamlessly blends with the upscale yet inviting ambiance echoed throughout the hotel.

We suspect it’s poised to draw not only those with rooms booked at the Adolphus but also the likes of Dallas socials who favor a chic interior as much as a delicious meal, and those who live and work downtown.

But back to the food. The Adolphus’ director of culinary Darren Anklam has breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner menus largely featuring shareable plates of Southern European-inspired cuisine. In addition to tables and booths in the designated dining space, two high-top banquet tables are just within the entrance — further emphasizing the shareable aspect.

Choose from house-made breads and pastries, wood-roasted vegetables, fresh fish, and braised meats. Among the dishes we sampled at dinner: Paella Valenciana ($29) with clams, mussels, housemade chorizo, chicken, peas, piquillo peppers, and saffron; the Venetian Carpaccio ($16) — beef tenderloin with pecorino and frisée; Lamb Chops ($29) with hazelnut romesco, black olive pistou, and escalivada; and the Roasted Veggie Flatbread ($12) with hummus, escalivada, feta cheese, and arugula.

In addition to cocktails (order Much Like Provence, made with genever, lemon, and lavender sugar), City Hall Bistro offers a list of old-world wines and local beer on tap. Enjoy breakfast and lunch Mondays through Fridays, dinner daily, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm.

City Hall Bistro, 1321 Commerce St., 214.651.3686.