By far, spring is the best time to experience the outdoors in Dallas. With mild temperatures and warm breezes, the weather is just right for dining alfresco on an early Sunday afternoon with family and friends (and maybe a few mimosas). These five brunch spots not only serve up excellent entrées, they’ve got an extra helping of atmosphere, to boot.
Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar
This Uptown establishment touts the largest garden patio in Dallas. While the restaurant is situated inside a historic schoolhouse, the outdoor dining area is encircled by art and lush greenery. The metropolitan backdrop features area skyscrapers and the beautiful Rosewood Crescent Hotel. Choose from brunch staples such as the steak and eggs, pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream, or the breakfast flatbread with bacon, spinach, chorizo, poblano sauce, red onion, jalapeños and fried eggs for some Mexican flavor.
The Mansion Restaurant
This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star dining icon has wooed guests for decades with fine cuisine and unparalleled service. The mature trees that shade the terrace offer privacy and seclusion — it’s easy to forget you’re in the midst of a bustling city. Gather around bistro seating or in lounge areas to enjoy bottomless mimosas and executive chef Bruno Davaillion’s selections. The brunch tasting menu is the best way to experience Davaillion’s work, with an amuse bouche, a starter, an entrée and a dessert. Try the Mansion baby greens with walnut-yogurt dressing, apple and grapes, and the lobster Benedict with brioche, watercress and chili hollandaise.
DISH Restaurant & Lounge
This trendy hot spot features cabana-influenced seating on its cozy, covered patio. The stylish wood tables, touches of greenery and cheerful lanterns are offset by mod white chairs, and the soft hum of activity on Cedar Springs Road adds to the urban charm of the setting. DISH offers both style and substance with brunch cocktails, including the Effen cherry lemonade with black cherry vodka, and an orange blossom spritzer with premium vermouths and Cointreau. Specialty plates include a rich, stuffed brioche French toast and fried chicken and waffles.
Fedora
Located in One Arts Plaza, Fedora does outdoor dining with urban ambiance. From the umbrella-dotted patio, enjoy a reflecting pool punctuated with sculptures and fountains. Downtown Dallas is generally quiet on Sundays, so despite the setting, brunch at Fedora is peaceful. The menu is reflective of the restaurant’s dedication to North Italian cuisine and is translated deliciously into the asparagus frittata and granchio omelette with lump crabmeat, Asiago cheese and tomato relish.
Woodlands American Grill
The Preston Road and Forest Lane shopping district has its fair share of dining options, but even from an architectural standpoint, Woodlands stands apart. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house, the structure captures timeless yet modern appeal with stacked natural stone, steel and wood. The design aesthetic continues to the expansive patio. The seating area is spacious, with tables shaded by crimson umbrellas. Once your inner design enthusiast is done admiring the space, the quiche with mixed greens, red pepper, pine nuts and asparagus; breakfast enchiladas with eggs, sausage, cheddar, avocado cream and ranchero sauce; and buttermilk-blueberry pancakes are sure to tempt the palate.
Photos Courtesy of DISH Restaurant and Lounge, Mansion
