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Look inside Hendy's, East Dallas' newest restaurant opening this week

Hendy's Debuts on Henderson Avenue: A Fresh Take on Dallas Dining with Elevated Comfort Food and Craft Cocktails

Dallas's vibrant Henderson Avenue is about to get a new culinary hotspot with the opening of Hendy's, a modern American restaurant that promises to blend nostalgic comfort with innovative twists. Slated to welcome its first guests in mid-July 2025, Hendy's is the brainchild of local restaurateurs Alex and Mia Henderson—no relation to the avenue itself, but a serendipitous nod to their family name. The couple, who previously made waves with their upscale bistro in Uptown, saw an opportunity to revitalize a corner of East Dallas that's long been a hub for eclectic eateries and nightlife. "We wanted to create a space where people can unwind with familiar flavors but discover something new in every bite," Alex Henderson shared in an exclusive preview. This isn't just another addition to the avenue's lineup; Hendy's aims to carve out its niche by focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients while infusing global influences into classic dishes.

Nestled at 2301 N. Henderson Ave., the restaurant occupies a renovated 1920s building that once housed a beloved neighborhood bar. The transformation is nothing short of stunning: exposed brick walls meet sleek mid-century modern furnishings, with warm lighting from custom chandeliers casting a golden glow over the 150-seat dining room. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the expansive patio, complete with retractable awnings and fire pits for those cooler Texas evenings. Inside, a central bar crafted from reclaimed wood serves as the focal point, where mixologists will shake up inventive cocktails. The design team, led by Dallas-based firm Urban Edge Architects, incorporated sustainable elements like recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting, aligning with the Hendersons' commitment to eco-friendly practices. "Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us," Mia Henderson explained. "From our farm-to-table sourcing to our zero-waste kitchen initiatives, we're building a restaurant that gives back to the community."

At the heart of Hendy's appeal is its menu, curated by Executive Chef Elena Vasquez, a rising star who honed her skills at acclaimed spots like The French Laundry in California before returning to her Texas roots. Vasquez describes the cuisine as "elevated comfort food with a worldly edge," drawing inspiration from her Mexican heritage and travels abroad. Starters kick off with shareable plates designed for groups, such as the Crispy Brussels Sprouts tossed in a tangy gochujang glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds—a nod to Korean street food that adds a spicy kick to the familiar vegetable. Another standout is the House-Made Burrata, served with heirloom tomatoes, basil pesto, and balsamic reduction, sourced from nearby urban farms. For those craving something heartier, the Charcuterie Board features artisanal cheeses from Texas dairies, cured meats, and house-pickled vegetables, paired with freshly baked sourdough.

Moving to entrees, Hendy's shines with its protein-forward offerings. The signature Hendy's Burger is a must-try: a juicy Wagyu patty topped with caramelized onions, aged cheddar, and a secret house sauce, all sandwiched in a brioche bun from a local bakery. Vegetarians aren't left out—the Roasted Cauliflower Steak, marinated in harissa and served over quinoa pilaf with tahini yogurt, provides a flavorful alternative that's both satisfying and visually striking. Seafood lovers will gravitate toward the Pan-Seared Salmon, glazed with miso butter and accompanied by seasonal greens and fingerling potatoes. Chef Vasquez emphasizes balance: "We use bold flavors but keep portions approachable, so diners can explore without feeling overwhelmed." Sides like Truffle Mac 'n' Cheese, made with three cheeses and a hint of black truffle oil, or the Garlic Herb Fries dusted with parmesan, elevate the everyday to extraordinary.

Desserts at Hendy's are crafted by Pastry Chef Liam O'Connor, who brings a playful touch to sweets. The Chocolate Lava Cake, with its oozing center and vanilla bean ice cream, is a classic done right, but the real showstopper is the Mango Sticky Rice Parfait, layering coconut-infused rice pudding with fresh mango and a lime zest crumble—inspired by Thai street desserts but adapted for Dallas palates. For a lighter finish, the Seasonal Fruit Tart features whatever's fresh from the market, like summer peaches or fall apples, in a buttery crust with custard filling.

No restaurant on Henderson Avenue would be complete without a stellar drink program, and Hendy's delivers with a cocktail menu that's as creative as it is extensive. Bar Manager Sofia Ramirez, formerly of award-winning speakeasies in Austin, has designed libations that complement the food without overshadowing it. Signature drinks include the Henderson Mule, a twist on the classic with vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of hibiscus syrup for a floral note. The Smoky Old Fashioned incorporates mezcal instead of bourbon, infused with smoked cinnamon for a Tex-Mex flair. Wine enthusiasts will find a curated list of 50 bottles, focusing on small-batch producers from California, Texas Hill Country, and international regions like Argentina's Malbec-heavy vineyards. Beers on tap highlight local breweries such as Deep Ellum Brewing, with rotating seasonal options. Non-alcoholic choices aren't an afterthought; mocktails like the Virgin Paloma with grapefruit soda and agave offer refreshing alternatives.

Beyond the food and drinks, Hendy's is positioning itself as a community gathering place. Plans include weekly events like live acoustic music on Thursdays, wine tastings on weekends, and a Sunday brunch menu featuring items like Avocado Toast with poached eggs and Eggs Benedict with house-smoked salmon. The restaurant will also host pop-up collaborations with local chefs, starting with a Tex-Mex fusion night in August. Pricing is mid-range, with appetizers from $12 to $18, entrees $22 to $38, and cocktails around $14, making it accessible for date nights or casual outings. In a city where dining trends evolve rapidly, Hendy's arrival comes at a time when Henderson Avenue is experiencing a renaissance, with nearby spots like Gemma and The Standard Pour drawing crowds. Yet, the Hendersons believe their focus on warmth and innovation sets them apart. "Dallas diners are sophisticated—they want quality without pretension," Alex noted.

As opening day approaches, anticipation is building among foodies and locals alike. Reservations are already filling up via the restaurant's website, and social media buzz highlights the Instagram-worthy interiors and menu previews. Hendy's isn't just opening a restaurant; it's inviting Dallasites to rediscover the joy of shared meals in a space that feels like home, but with a gourmet upgrade. Whether you're a longtime resident or a visitor exploring East Dallas, this new addition promises to become a staple on the avenue, blending tradition with the unexpected in every aspect. With its thoughtful design, diverse menu, and community-driven ethos, Hendy's is poised to make a lasting mark on the city's culinary landscape, one plate and pour at a time.

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Read the Full Dallas Morning News Article at:
[ https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2025/07/10/hendys-open-dallas-henderson-avenue-food-drink/ ]