East Dallas’ The LOT

8

IMG_4255

I adore living on the east side of town, but occasionally I feel like we miss out on some of the kiddo-friendly venues that North Dallas has to offer, places like jumpstreet and Kidville.

IMG_4226That’s why I was absolutely giddy when I learned that the former Backyard Beach Bar was recently completely renovated to The LOT, an entertainment oasis that just screams ideal for families.

Imagine The LOT as a Katy Trail Ice House meets your childhood sandlot meets the food from somewhere like The Porch.

IMG_4233

The new Lakewood hangout offers a little for everyone with tasty comfort dishes like deviled ham and cheese sandwiches for the foodies to a deliciously nostalgic sandy playground for the kids to run around.

IMG_4283IMG_4241

And for those special nights when you happen to be childless, there is a beer garden and adult playground with games like washers and corn hole kept separate from the kid chaos.IMG_4239

I dragged a couple of friends to visit The LOT over the weekend and we were shocked to learn that the restaurant was completely full a mere fifteen minutes after it opened.  We quickly put ourselves on an hour and a half waiting list and headed to the children’s play area furnished with adorable repurposed farm equipment.IMG_4245

(HINT: Several people told me they got there before opening time and stood in line to get a table when the doors open.)

It’s obvious that the neighborhood is starved for venues like The LOT where kids can roam free given the immediate popularity of the brand new space.  Our two year olds had an absolute ball digging in the sand and running around the playground with all of the kids.  Us adults supervised the kids with Lakewood lemonade (Makers Mark, lemonade, ginger, and mint) cocktails in hand (what’s not to love about that??)

IMG_4281

And once our table was ready, we enjoyed food from Dallas culinary queen Sharon Hage, also known for her former Lakewood gem York Street and the hot date night spot, Bowl and Barrel. Grilled cheeses were swiftly brought to our table for our “patient” two year olds.

Meanwhile, the adults opted for locally-influenced shared snacks like cayenne fried cauliflower (two thumbs up from the non-cauliflower lovers of the table) and yuca fries.  My girlfriend and I had a hard time deciding between splitting the “dainty” burger topped with smoky ham or the grilled pimiento cheese.  My husband is a kid at heart and loved his house-ground cashew butter and honey sandwich.

IMG_4298 IMG_4304

IMG_4259Managing partner John McBride, whose family previously started and owned and operated El Fenix, told me that the city has approved further development plans to open a path between the bordering Santa Fe Trail and The LOT.

Expect a graveled path between the hike and bike trail and the restaurant in the next month.  Imagine the possibilities of taking the family on a bike ride around White Rock Lake and then heading down the Santa Fe Trail for snacks and drinks at The LOT.

Dallas, we have been waiting for something like this for years!

My only complaint was when it was time to go, my son threw a good ol’ “terrible twos” fit because he had to leave his new precious love, the “sand”.  I heard, “I want more sand, I want more sand,” the whole way home.  Lucky for him, I am certain we will be back to The LOT soon and there will be sand in his future.

NOTE: The LOT did not incentivize me for this post.  I am just a super excited Lakewood neighbor who wants to spread the word to my favorite Dallas mamas.

8 COMMENTS

  1. Bethany, you are so right that we are “starved” over here in the White Rock Lake area for kid-friendly restaurants. My 5-year-old declared last week that he was tired of “grown-uppy” restaurants. So, we, of course, tried out The Lot last week. While I LOVE the idea, and the effort, I think their sand playground could use some tweaking–by parents with actual children. Both the little red wheel barrows had one arm already broken off (leaving a sharp stub on each); there was only ONE plastic shovel to be found. No pails. My older son dug up a few glass beads–the little half-round ones Michael’s sells to fill vases. My children are old enough to know better than to eat those, but we were nearby so many young toddlers and crawler that I immediately decided to hold on to them, lest they end up getting swallowed by a little one. The “horses” made out of old oil barrels are cute, but they scream “thigh burns” to me once the weather heats up, since there is no shade in the area. Like you, we had a wait to be seated and to get our food, but we didn’t care because my children were initially so excited to “wait” by playing in the sandbox. After 15 minutes, they started coming over to us repeatedly to ask if our food was ready. I think the box was losing its allure since there was so little to play with besides the sand itself. Hopefully, feedback from parents will help them improve the play area so that it’s much more engaging by the time the weather gets great.

    • Jennifer,

      That is terrific feedback. I can see how the sand area might get rundown fast and need proper upkeep and maintenance. Let’s make sure to share your ideas with the management next time we are there so that our kids have a place where they want to go back again and again (and we can then eat our dinner in peace while they play!)

      Thanks!
      Bethany

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here