Ahi Tuna Salad and Blackend Crawfish Po’ Boy. Photo by Lori Bandi.
Sit on the outdoor patio at Offshore’s Nextdoor, and you just might feel a cool ocean breeze. “I want you to feel like you’re not in the middle of Dallas. I want this to be an oasis in the middle of the parking lot,” owner Christina Cass says. Cass, who originally wanted to open a tequila lounge, likes to bring spicy flavors to her seafood joint “so people don’t go home bored.” The restaurant’s boathouse look easily detracts from boredom: a sail covers one wall, pictures of the beach line others and a wooden post in front points directions to places including Acapulco and New Iberia. Despite the hang-ten feel, the restaurant not only weathered the financial crisis in 2008 — it opened its doors during it. Cass attributes Offshore’s success to the regulars and the neighbors that have supported the restaurant. “The look of the people is basically the look of the neighborhood,” Cass says of her customers.
Offshore’s Nextdoor
9660 Audelia, Ste. 305, 214.503.1012
Ambiance: Laid-back
Price range: $8-$24
Tip: Happy hour runs Monday through Friday, 3:30-7 p.m.
| more dining spots |
1 Big Mama’s Chicken and Waffles
The name says it all. In addition to seasoned chicken and huge waffles, you can also get tasty catfish and more. If you want to take the flavor home, buy a bottle of hot sauce for $1. Bring cash, and be prepared for a crowd. 9810 Forest, 214.340.3035
Chubby’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner but highlights its chicken-fried steak and rib-eye steak. You can also get daily-made cakes and pies. Brothers from Greece run the restaurant, so don’t be surprised to find some Greek cuisine among the Southern grub. 11333 E. Northwest Highway, 214.348.6065
A wood-burning fire has roasted these chickens for more than 30 years. For a Southern twist, try the award-winning chicken enchiladas. 5315 Greenville, STE. 125, 214.234.0505
