Ladylove Lounge & Sound, Sandoitchi, and Mexican Test Kitchen — The Buzziest Dallas Restaurant Openings Kicking Off Summer 2023

The Dallas dining scene is always evolving. To help you stay in the know, we’ve gathered the buzziest openings, the unfortunate closures, and any other food news we might find fitting. The Dallas Dish is your weekly helping of need-to-know North Texas restaurant news — and will hopefully point you in the direction of your next great reservation.

The Latest Restaurant News to Know – June 2023

A new lounge from the owners of Spinster Records debuts in Bishop Arts.

Opening in the former Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. space on July 7, Ladylove Lounge & Sound is a new record lounge and bar from the team behind Spinster Records. According to the Dallas Observer, Andra Maldovan of Keaton Interiors designed the space with a high-quality sound system for listening to records. Jimmy Contreras of nearby Taco y Vino is creating a menu of bites to pair with Ladylove’s craft cocktails.

A West Village taco spot is turned into a Mexican pop-up concept featuring a well-known Dallas chef.

Founded by Mike Karns, Mexican Test Kitchen recently took over the former Honest Tacos space in West Village. As first reported by CultureMap, the new pop-up concept features chef Matt McCallister (formerly of Homewood) cooking up tacos, bowls, and salads. There are also cocktails and weekend brunch. Karns tells CM that the pop-up will be open while they re-concept the spot.

A pandemic-born, pop-up Japanese sando shop opens a storefront Downtown.

In 2020, Sandoitchi was created by chef and owner Stevie Nguyen, operations manager Keith Tran, creative director Angel Acosta, and marketing manager Andy Sirois. The idea was always to find a physical space in Dallas as they traveled around the country selling Japanese sandos out of ghost kitchens. The popular fluffy sandwich company has now taken over the former La Tarte Tropezienne in Downtown Dallas. They’re open on Thursday through Sunday as they work to re-design the space.

One of Dallas’ best barbecue restaurants has closed in Oak Lawn.

One of Dallas’ best barbecue spots, 18th & Vine BBQ, has shuttered in Oak Lawn — where it was in business for almost eight years. The restaurant announced on Facebook that it closed due to “outside factors.” According to CultureMap, construction at the nearby Old Parkland campus was a factor and led to a downturn in business. There are hopes to find another location for the beloved Kansas City-style barbecue joint.