Wheelhouse Dallas Review: A Culinary Gem in the Vibrant Dallas Design District
The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is a true epicurean delight, renowned for its incredibly diverse and dynamic dining scene. One of my absolute favorite aspects of this bustling region is the sheer variety of neighborhoods, districts, and towns, each boasting a unique character, long-standing beloved eateries, and an exciting, never-ending list of new restaurants just waiting to be explored. This rich tapestry of culinary options ensures that there’s always something fresh and intriguing to discover, whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor.
Nestled within this vibrant landscape is the Dallas Design District, an area that has, over recent years, blossomed into a hub not only for design and art but also for exceptional gastronomy. It’s a place where industrial chic meets high style, making it a fascinating backdrop for innovative dining concepts. It was here, in the spring of 2017, that Wheelhouse Dallas opened its doors, quickly becoming a notable addition to the district’s burgeoning restaurant scene. Intrigued by its fresh approach and prime location, I recently embarked on a culinary journey to experience Wheelhouse Dallas firsthand, eager to uncover what makes this establishment a standout among Dallas’s competitive restaurant offerings.
My dining experience at Wheelhouse Dallas commenced with a dish that immediately captivated my senses and set a remarkably high bar for the meal: the mussels and fries. This appetizer was more than just an opening act; it was a star performance. The mussels themselves were perfectly cooked—plump, tender, and incredibly fresh—each one soaking up the exquisite flavors of the broth. What truly elevated this dish was the green curry coconut milk broth. It was a rich, aromatic, and beautifully balanced concoction, offering a delightful complexity of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy notes that truly transported me. The fragrant broth, infused with the exotic essence of green curry, created a memorable foundation for the dish, proving Wheelhouse’s commitment to bold and well-executed flavors.
The presentation was equally appealing, with the mussels generously topped with fresh Thai basil and crisp bean sprouts, adding both visual appeal and a refreshing textual contrast. Alongside this flavorful bowl, a substantial piece of toasted bread was served, which proved to be the perfect tool for soaking up every last drop of the sensational broth – a truly satisfying experience. Accompanying the mussels were a generous portion of golden fries, perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, served with a vibrant Thai chili aioli for dipping. This aioli offered a piquant, tangy kick that beautifully complemented the richness of the mussels. I was so utterly enamored with this dish that I would, without hesitation, return to Wheelhouse Dallas solely to order it again. It stands out as one of the best mussel preparations I’ve ever tasted in Dallas, making it an absolute must-try for seafood lovers exploring the Design District.
Following such an impressive start, I moved on to a classic that often serves as a benchmark for restaurant quality: fish and chips. As a long-time enthusiast of this quintessential comfort food, my hopes were understandably high for Wheelhouse Dallas’s rendition. I envisioned a perfectly crisp, golden batter encasing succulent, flaky white fish, complemented by robust, well-seasoned fries. However, this particular dish, regrettably, proved to be somewhat disappointing. While the concept was sound, the execution fell short of my expectations, especially after the culinary triumph of the mussels.
The primary issue lay with the fish batter, which, contrary to the desired crispy exterior, was rather soggy. This lack of crispness detracted significantly from the textural enjoyment that is central to a good fish and chips experience. A truly great batter should provide a delightful crunch with every bite, creating a harmonious contrast with the tender fish within. Furthermore, the accompanying fries, while generously portioned, were notably thicker than I typically prefer and, unfortunately, had a somewhat chalkier texture than anticipated. While personal preference plays a role in fry thickness, the chalkiness suggested they might have lacked the desired internal fluffiness or optimal frying time to achieve a truly satisfying consistency. While the fish itself was palatable, the overall impression left by the batter and fries meant that this dish didn’t quite reach the high culinary standard established by other offerings at Wheelhouse Dallas. It’s an area where I believe there is certainly room for refinement to match the excellence found elsewhere on their menu.
After the mixed experience with the main course, I approached dessert with a renewed sense of anticipation, and I am absolutely delighted to report that it did NOT disappoint! The apple cranberry pie was, in a word, spectacular. For me, the benchmark for apple pies has always been my mom’s legendary Dutch apple pie – a nostalgic, comforting, and utterly perfect creation that I hold in the highest regard. To my immense surprise and pleasure, Wheelhouse Dallas’s apple cranberry pie, with its exquisite oat spiced streusel topping, now comes in a very close second, at least within the esteemed apple pie category. This is incredibly high praise and speaks volumes about the quality and craftsmanship of their pastry chef.
The pie itself was a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures. The sweetness of tender, baked apples was perfectly balanced by the tart, vibrant notes of cranberries, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying fruit filling. The oat spiced streusel topping was a masterpiece on its own – crumbly, buttery, and imbued with warm, comforting spices that elevated the entire dessert. It provided a delightful textural contrast to the soft, fruity interior. Typically, this magnificent pie is served warm, accompanied by a scoop of creamy ice cream and a delicate drizzle of cranberry sauce, adding another layer of richness and fruity tartness. However, because of my dairy allergy, the thoughtful and accommodating staff at Wheelhouse Dallas ensured that the ice cream was served on the side, demonstrating their attentiveness to dietary needs. This small but significant gesture truly enhanced my dining experience, allowing me to savor every bite without concern. This apple cranberry pie is not merely a dessert; it’s a comforting, expertly crafted conclusion to any meal at this Dallas Design District eatery, leaving a lasting positive impression and a strong desire to return for more.
Beyond the impressive and sometimes surprising culinary offerings, the overall dining experience at Wheelhouse Dallas was exceptionally pleasant, largely due to the outstanding service provided by their attentive and friendly staff. Our wait staff was a prime example of professionalism and genuine hospitality. They were consistently present without being intrusive, ensuring our needs were met promptly and courteously. A particular instance highlighted their dedication to customer satisfaction: I had a somewhat unique request involving one of the restaurant’s televisions. My day job client was being featured on the evening news, and naturally, I was eager to catch the segment. With a polite “pretty please,” our server cheerfully and swiftly changed the channel, going above and beyond to accommodate my request. This level of personalized attention and willingness to cater to guests’ comfort makes a significant difference and truly enhances the overall positive dining atmosphere, making Wheelhouse Dallas a welcoming spot in the Design District.
Wheelhouse Dallas is conveniently located at 1617 Hi Line Drive, placing it squarely within the heart of the bustling Design District, making it easily accessible for anyone exploring this vibrant part of Dallas. The restaurant operates seven days a week, serving both lunch and dinner, which offers great flexibility for diners throughout the entire week. For those who enjoy a leisurely start to their weekend, Wheelhouse also features an enticing brunch menu, promising a delightful array of options for a Saturday or Sunday morning meal. Their commitment to quality ingredients and culinary craft is further exemplified by their practice of making their own sausage in-house, adding a distinctive touch to their offerings. Moreover, the menu thoughtfully includes several vegetarian options, ensuring that guests with diverse dietary preferences can find delicious choices. To delve deeper into their menu, explore their culinary philosophy, or make a reservation, prospective diners are encouraged to visit their official website at www.wheelhouse-dallas.com. Wheelhouse Dallas truly embodies the innovative and dynamic spirit of its Design District home, offering a compelling dining experience that combines style, excellent service, and memorable flavors.
