We have a better idea now of what is happening at the former Bicycle Café at Northwest and Lawther.
East Dallas guys John Schmitz and Eric Paulsen, along with help from consultant Cory Pope, plan to open Lake House bar and restaurant there in November.
Schmitz says the location is prime and that the north side of the lake is in need of quality food and brew, which they promise.
The menu, still in the tweaking process, will consist of American cuisine, a step above bar food, with some healthy options such as flatbread sandwiches and dishes with locally farmed ingredients. Lake House will offer a full bar with 11 beers on tap—Paulsen says he wants to get some of our local breweries, maybe Lakewood/ Oak Cliff, in house.
The guys have worked in the restaurant business for 20-25 years. They even worked for Barley House — could that be where the rumor that Barley House/ Katy Trail Ice House people were involved with this project started? Nonetheless, Lake House will share one major similarity with Katy Trail Ice House, Schmitz says — capitalizing on the popularity of Dallas’ trails.
He expects the Lake House to attract a diverse crowd — family friendly, but also a good place to have beers with the boys or breakfast with your running or cycling group.
Oh, and brunch will be a big player, Paulsen says. “Saturday and Sunday brunch — we want to be known for it.”
Pope, the Lake House consultant, has worked on projects such as 303 Bar & Grill and Manhattan Lounge.
They are aiming for a mid to late November opening.
