First Look: Birdie’s Eastside Bar & Grill Opens in East Dallas Next Week

Last August, we told you about Birdie’s Eastside, a new bar & grill from Dallas’ Imperial Fizz Hospitality. A “reimagining” of an iconic Luby’s Cafeteria location on Mockingbird Lane between Skillman and Abrams in Dallas, it’s got a boho vibe and a patio bigger than an NBA basketball court. And it’s set to open on December 13.

“We hope to replace the former institution with a new one,” Imperial Fizz Founder Jon Alexis said in a statement. “We’ve acquired an important property in the heart of East Dallas. Having been connected to East Dallas for decades, we can’t wait to serve this incredible neighborhood.”

Birdie’s is initially opening for happy hour and dinner servings only. It will expand its hours for lunch and weekend brunch early in 2024.

“Patio-driven” design

Sprawling patio at Birdie’s Eastside [Photo: Kathy Tran]

A big Birdie’s difference is its “patio-driven” design. A resort-style indoor/outdoor bar with backlit custom Mexican tile connects the dining room to the 3,500 square foot turfed patio, with dining tables and oversized furniture designed for “large festive groups.”

Lots of shade will help cool the outside spaces thanks to four newly planted live oak trees—helping Birdie’s stake its claim as a “shady spot for sunny people.” The patio also features an open space for kids to play as their parents unwind nearby.

Aiming to open as one of Dallas’ biggest indoor/outdoor concepts, Birdie’s will have room for 150 guests in its main dining room, where diners can enjoy “cozy booths and funky Texas art under cathedral ceilings and reclaimed wood beams.”

Birdie’s Eastside will also have a second cocktail bar featuring a larger selection of local craft beer, rare whiskeys, and tequilas.

Designed by East Dallas-based Hatsumi Kuzuu

Birdie’s Eastside features a “cosmic aesthetic.” [Photo: Kathy Tran]

Birdie’s boho vibe and cozy appearance are the work of East Dallas-based designer Hatsumi Kuzuu. Kuzuu devised a colorful palette and a “cosmic country” aesthetic that draws inspiration from Texas history, Marfa, and “East Dallas’ funky uniqueness.”

“We originally tried to ‘get the Luby’s’ out of the building,” Alexis said. “Soon, we realized the Texas legacy is the coolest part.”

Dining room at Birdie’s Eastside [Photo: Kathy Tran]

The old Luby’s sign out front was reimagined by local artist Jenna Fredde with“Cadillac Ranch”-style graffiti that allows the old Luby’s logo to peek through.

East Dallas-owned Riad Tile was also among the artisans enlisted by Imperial Fizz to put their stamp on the venue.

From bar & grill food to ‘date night entrees’

Birdie’s Eastside menu items [Photo: Kathy Tran]

So what’s on the menu?

“We created a menu with offerings for every type of guest,” Culinary Director Stan Rodrigues said in a statement. “Whether you’re looking for filling snacks, a lighter meal with a few surprising inspirations, or just a new date night, Birdie’s has it all.”

“Classic bar food standouts” will include shareables like Birria Sliders (Hawaiian rolls, roasted beef, melted cheese, cilantro, onion, beef broth), Ahi Tuna Tacos, Bacon Deviled Eggs, and Escondido’s queso and guacamole.

Healthy options will include “Big Healthy Bowls” including Vegetarian Harvest, Salmon & Grains and a Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl, and more.

An entree at Birdie’s Eastside [Photo: Kathy Tran]

Entrees will include 48-hour slow-cooked Brisket Tacos, Grilled Salmon, Half Roast Chicke, and a Fig & Prosciutto Flatbread.

Meanwhile, the all-important drink program offers local and domestic beer, wine, seltzers and cocktails: The frozen selections include a Sauvignon Blanc Slushie, with Frozen Espresso martinis also coming to give you a brain freeze with benefits.

A wide selection of margaritas from Alexis’s Escondido Tex Mex menu are available as well, along with a menu of “Spritzies.”

Imperial Fizz’s other “neighborhood-driven projects” are the result of a decade-long rollout. Alexis owns several other Dallas concepts including TJ’s Seafood Market & Grill, Malibu Poke, Escondido Tex Mex and Ramble Room.