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Saint Ann Dallas Restaurant Review: Experience Unforgettable Dining on Dallas’s Best Patio

For my bi-weekly “Dinner and a Show” column, a critical part of the review process is selecting a restaurant that perfectly complements the overall experience. When planning a visit to the prestigious Meyerson Symphony Center, the ideal dining spot should offer not only exceptional cuisine but also an ambiance that elevates the evening. With Dallas blessed with truly magnificent spring weather during our visit, my choice became clear: a restaurant renowned for its stunning patio and vibrant atmosphere. This led me straight to the doors of the Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar, nestled in the heart of Dallas’s vibrant Harwood District. Join me as I delve into what makes Saint Ann a perennial Dallas favorite, exploring its menu highlights and the unparalleled charm of its outdoor dining in this comprehensive Saint Ann Dallas Restaurant Review.

A Deep Dive into Saint Ann Dallas: History, Ambiance, and Culinary Excellence

Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar is more than just a dining establishment; it’s a testament to Dallas’s rich history and architectural preservation. The restaurant occupies the ground floor of a beautifully restored historic building that once housed St. Ann’s School, originally constructed in 1927. This institution holds a significant place in Dallas history, as it was the city’s first school dedicated to Hispanic children, serving as an invaluable community resource. Staffed by the compassionate Daughters of Charity, the school saw an expansion about two decades after its opening to accommodate its growing enrollment. Though it eventually closed its doors in 1974, the building’s legacy was far from over.

Thanks to the visionary efforts of Harwood International, this cherished historic structure was meticulously preserved and thoughtfully renovated, breathing new life into its hallowed halls. Today, it proudly hosts Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar on its lower level, offering a unique dining experience steeped in character. The upper floor is home to The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, featuring an extraordinary collection of Samurai artifacts, creating a fascinating cultural juxtaposition within the same building. Enhancing this historical gem is a sprawling, beautifully landscaped garden patio that encircles the building, inviting guests to immerse themselves in an urban oasis.

It’s no surprise that Saint Ann’s patio consistently garners accolades, having been voted “Best Patio in Dallas” by D Magazine and “Best Outdoor Dining” by OpenTable on multiple occasions. On the glorious 75-degree sunny spring day of our visit, it proved to be the absolute perfect setting. The gentle breeze, the lush greenery, and the vibrant hum of conversation created an idyllic atmosphere that made us forget we were in the bustling city. What truly sets this patio apart, however, is its remarkable versatility. Even though we enjoyed it in its spring splendor, it’s clear this space is designed for year-round enjoyment. With cleverly integrated retractable walls, a retractable roof, and electric heaters poised in hibernation, Saint Ann ensures its outdoor charm can be savored regardless of the season, promising a cozy experience even on the chilliest Dallas days.

Appetizers and Shareable Bites: Kicking Off the Culinary Journey

The culinary adventure at Saint Ann begins with an enticing selection of appetizers and shareable bites, designed to cater to a diverse range of palates. From classic Southern comfort like deviled eggs to sophisticated offerings such as tuna tartare, a generously assembled charcuterie board, and roasted cauliflower (available for dinner only), the menu offers something for everyone. For those seeking something a bit more substantial, bacon-wrapped chicken bites provide a delightful start to the meal.

During our visit, we were particularly drawn to the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare. This exquisite dish features fresh yellowfin tuna meticulously mixed with creamy avocado, crisp hothouse cucumber, ripe tomato, and a hint of habanero aioli, served alongside perfectly toasted crostini. The presentation was vibrant, a feast for the eyes, promising a refreshing and flavorful experience. While undeniably delicious – a dish we would gladly order again – we did notice a rather subtle presence of avocado, which could have been more pronounced. Furthermore, despite the inclusion of “habanero” in the description, the spice level was quite mild. For those who shy away from intense heat, this is good news, as the subtle kick is gentle and approachable. However, for a spice enthusiast like myself, it offered a pleasant, nuanced warmth that beautifully complemented the fresh tuna, crisp vegetables, and the slight saltiness of the crostini. To accompany our starter, while the cocktail menu presented an array of alluring options, the crisp and refreshing Daisy Pinot Grigio ultimately won out as our chosen libation, perfectly balancing the fresh flavors of the tartare.

Salads, Pizzas, and Main Courses: A Symphony of Flavors

Saint Ann’s dinner menu showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of salads, pizzas, and main entrees, reflecting a commitment to both traditional flavors and innovative culinary creations. The salad offerings include beloved classics such as Caesar, house, and wedge salads, alongside more unique options like a vinegar-roasted beet salad that truly captured my attention with its vibrant colors and promise of earthy sweetness. Pizza enthusiasts will also find delightful choices, from the timeless Margherita to a more indulgent creamy mushroom truffle pizza, and a classic mozzarella & prosciutto combination, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The main entree selections are comprehensive, thoughtfully covering seafood, chicken, pork, and beef, ensuring there’s a captivating choice for every diner. The menu features both time-honored dishes and those with a creative twist. Highlights include a perfectly cooked filet mignon, delicate Chilean sea bass, and rich red wine-braised short ribs. For our dinner, we decided to explore some of the newer additions to the menu, opting for the brick chicken and the jumbo seared scallops, which our knowledgeable server informed us were fresh offerings for the spring 2019 menu.

Saint Ann’s BRICK CHICKEN was a true culinary masterpiece. The chicken, cooked to absolute perfection, was incredibly juicy and tender on the inside, while boasting a delightfully crispy, well-seasoned skin on the outside. It was elegantly served with savory pancetta, perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, tender baby potatoes, and a rich, aromatic sage jus. The Brussels sprouts and potatoes were incredibly flavorful, each bite bursting with depth, and the addition of the crispy pancetta truly elevated the entire dish, sending it over the top into a realm of pure gastronomic delight.

Next, we savored the JUMBO SEARED SCALLOPS. In my extensive dining experience, scallops often fall into one of two categories: a triumphant hero or a regrettable zero. These magnificent scallops, I am thrilled to report, landed firmly in the hero spectrum. They were beautifully seared, achieving that ideal golden crust while remaining incredibly tender and succulent within. Seasoned expertly, each scallop was packed with exquisite flavor. This sublime dish was further enhanced by a creamy risotto, perfectly blended with sweet butternut squash, a hint of nutty brown butter, and a delicate balsamic drizzle. The combination of textures and flavors made this dish equally as memorable and utterly sublime.

Side Dishes: Complementing the Main Event

Underestimating the generous portions of our entrees (and perhaps how satisfying the tuna tartare with crostini would be), we ambitiously ordered two side dishes: the sautéed spinach and the herb-roasted mushrooms. This allowed us to explore even more of Saint Ann’s culinary offerings.

The herb-roasted mushrooms arrived looking absolutely stunning, a visual promise of earthy deliciousness. However, to our slight disappointment, their flavor didn’t quite match their appearance. While they certainly didn’t taste bad, they were surprisingly bland, lacking the depth and robust herb flavor we had anticipated. We expected a more pronounced, savory profile that would truly complement the main courses.

The sautéed spinach, on the other hand, might not have boasted the same photogenic charm as the mushrooms, but it was nothing short of divine. Simply prepared, yet bursting with natural flavor, it was a perfectly executed side that left a lasting impression. We would unequivocally order the spinach side again on our next visit. Beyond these, Saint Ann’s dinner menu offers a variety of other enticing sides, including crispy truffle fries, sweet potato fries, decadent truffle Mac ‘n cheese, perfectly grilled asparagus, and rich, creamy three-cheese grits, ensuring there’s a perfect accompaniment for every entree.

Beyond the Patio: Exploring Saint Ann’s Elegant Interior

While the patio is undoubtedly a major draw, especially on a beautiful day, the interior dining room at Saint Ann is equally captivating. It’s meticulously decorated, featuring a sophisticated blend of contemporary elegance and historical charm that respects the building’s storied past. The interior boasts numerous interesting features, from thoughtful artwork to unique architectural details, creating a refined and inviting atmosphere. Regardless of where you choose to sit, one particular feature is an absolute must-see: the striking glass floor located in the entry area near the bar. This architectural marvel offers a fascinating glimpse into the building’s foundation, adding an unexpected element of intrigue to your visit. It’s truly a testament to the thoughtful design that permeates every corner of Saint Ann.

Practical Information for Your Visit to Saint Ann Dallas

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience at Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar, here are some essential details and tips:

Address: 2501 N Harwood St., located within the dynamic Harwood District of Dallas.
Website: For the most up-to-date information, including menus, hours, and special events, please visit www.saintanndallas.com.
Reservations: Planning your visit is key. The highly popular patio operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are typically not accepted due to the unpredictable nature of weather (though this policy can change when the patio is enclosed during specific months, so always check OpenTable or their website). For interior dining, reservations ARE strongly recommended and can be made in advance.
Parking: The Harwood District is an area with ongoing development and construction. For dinner, the complimentary valet service is highly recommended and often the best option – be sure to check their website for the current valet location, as it may be impacted by construction. Alternatively, consider using the nearest available parking garage for convenience.
Hours of Operation: Saint Ann welcomes guests Monday through Friday for lunch, offering a delightful midday escape. Dinner and drinks are available every day of the week, providing a perfect setting for evening gatherings. On Saturdays and Sundays, indulge in their popular brunch service. Always consult their website for specific hours of operation and any holiday schedules.

We hope this detailed Saint Ann Dallas Restaurant Review has provided valuable insights and sparked your interest in visiting this Dallas gem. Have you had the pleasure of dining at Saint Ann? We’d love to hear about your experience! What were your favorite dishes, or what aspects did you find most (or least) enjoyable? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section below!