Photo by Mark Davis
Photo by Mark Davis
We have nothing against a dive diner. There is much to be said for the greasy grub placed on wobbly tables inside many a hole-in-the-wall. But sometimes you want to indulge in chef-driven dishes in wide-open aesthetically pleasing surroundings. And for those times, there is Crossroads Diner. Chefs Tom Fleming and Carl Strelecki, along with Fleming’s wife Karen, remodeled the restaurant before opening in 2011. Artwork on the west exterior wall features a curvy brunette sitting on a barrel of maple syrup inviting passers-by to “Get your hot sticky buns up front.” That’s Rebecca Buns, Fleming says. OK, it’s not the French Room, but it is comfortably hip, and buckets more affordable. Inside, find more art and funky fixtures such as a dining-room-ceiling-suspended whisk chandelier. And Crossroads is more than just a pretty face. Folks travel from around town to taste those buns. And brunch items such as the three-egg frittata with Kalamata olives and feta cheese, possess both beauty and substance.
8121 Walnut Hill
214.346.3491
Ambiance: cozy, hip
Price range: $6-$15
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Did you know? Local Artist Randy Stark painted “Rebecca Buns” (Below)
More pretty tasty restaurants
1 Lake House
The newly remodeled hotspot looks like your favorite beachside tourist trap, in the best possible way. The Kitchen Sink burger and a signature cocktail make a pretty cool duo. 7510 E. Northwest, 214.484.8624
2 Nazca
The light, airy, modern and glass-encased space is home to fresh South American fare. In preparing ceviche or sides such as squash medley, staffers seem to get it: presentation is king. 8041 Walnut Hill, 214.696.2922
3 Kazy’s
In no way is this tiny market fancy, but it did recently undergo a remodel that makes dining-in more attractive than before. But Kazy’s sushi is so good, you’d eat it on the floor, if necessary. 9256 Markville, 972.235.4831
