Wildwood Garland Restaurant Review: A Deep Dive into Smoke, Craft, and Whiskey
Almost a decade ago, I had the pleasure of dining several times at the original Wildwood location in Southlake, Texas, shortly after its grand opening. The experience left a lasting impression, making Wildwood a memorable spot. So, when the opportunity arose to select a restaurant for review in Garland, Texas, and I discovered that Wildwood had unveiled its second location there last year, I knew I had to revisit this esteemed establishment. This deep dive brings you my comprehensive Wildwood Garland Restaurant Review, exploring how the new outpost lives up to its heritage while forging its own identity in the vibrant Garland dining scene.
For those interested in the broader North Texas arts and dining landscape, be sure to check out the “Dinner and a Show” bi-weekly column at TheatreJones.com. My Wildwood Garland restaurant review is featured there, thoughtfully paired with an upcoming performing arts show in Garland, offering a complete cultural and culinary experience.
First Impressions: Redefined Ambiance at Wildwood Garland
Stepping into the new Wildwood Garland location, I was initially surprised by an interior aesthetic that felt less overtly upscale than my recollection of the original Southlake establishment. However, any initial preconception quickly dissolved as the space enveloped me in an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. I later learned that the Southlake original underwent a significant redesign in 2016, aiming for a more modern and casually elegant feel. This updated design philosophy was meticulously carried over to the Garland location, creating a cohesive brand experience. The warm lighting, thoughtfully arranged seating, and contemporary decor elements contribute to an ambiance that encourages relaxation and enjoyment, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. This evolution perfectly aligns with Wildwood’s refreshed identity, which also included a significant menu update and the adoption of a new, compelling tagline: “smoke, craft, whiskey.” This motto perfectly encapsulates their culinary commitment to wood-fired grill cuisine, an impressive selection of craft beers, and specialty cocktails prominently featuring bourbons and ryes.
My visit coincided with a personal commitment to the Whole30 eating program, which presented a unique challenge for a restaurant review. To navigate this culinary adventure and to ensure an enjoyable and well-rounded dining experience, I brought along a trusted dining partner – someone whose appreciation for good food and delightful company makes any meal an occasion.
Appetizers: A Tale of Two Starters at Wildwood Garland
My dining partner wasted no time in indulging, ordering an appetizer that, given my dietary restrictions, I could only admire and, frankly, drool over: the irresistible Dragon Dip, beautifully presented and pictured above. This decadent starter features a mustard seed-infused cheddar cheese beer dip, served alongside two small, perfectly toasted loaves of pretzel bread. According to my companion, the dip was a symphony of creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious flavors, though he noted it was a tad on the greasy side. The accompanying pretzel bread was soft, fresh, and served as an ideal vehicle for scooping up the rich dip. When asked if he would order it again, the answer was an emphatic “Definitely!” It’s clearly a crowd-pleaser and a standout item on the Wildwood Garland appetizer menu.
Meanwhile, my Whole30 compliant choice was an Artisan salad. While any salad inherently pales in comparison to the sheer indulgence of a cheese beer dip accompanied by warm pretzel bread, my Artisan salad at Wildwood Garland proved to be surprisingly satisfying and remarkably tasty. Crafted with a thoughtful blend of fresh mixed greens, sweet mission figs, crisp jicama, juicy grape tomatoes, and toasted pepita seeds, the ingredients were vibrant and impeccably fresh. The combination offered a delightful interplay of tastes and textures – the sweetness of the figs contrasting with the subtle crunch of the jicama and pepitas, all tied together by the fresh greens. It was a testament to the kitchen’s ability to create a flavorful and well-balanced dish, even within strict dietary parameters.
Main Courses: Steak Perfection and Smoked Chicken Delight at Wildwood Garland
The Hanger Steak: A Whole30 Triumph at Wildwood Garland
For my entrée, I opted for the Hanger Steak, albeit with several crucial alterations to ensure strict adherence to my Whole30 eating program. This is where I must extend a heartfelt shout-out to our server at Wildwood Garland. Her service was nothing short of exemplary – amazingly patient, diligent, and incredibly sweet throughout the entire process. She made multiple trips to the kitchen on my behalf, diligently inquiring about ingredients and preparation methods for various dishes. My “no-no” list was extensive, including sugar, soy, alcohol, grains, and several other common culinary additives, making it a challenging request. With her unwavering assistance, we meticulously determined that the Hanger Steak, served without the standard red wine reduction sauce, was my safest and best option. Instead of the usual mashed potatoes, I chose the seasonal vegetables as my accompanying side.
The moment my steak arrived, it was clear that it was destined to be the star of the meal. I must confess, I had been harboring a touch of self-pity, feeling a little deprived by my Whole30 restrictions during what was supposed to be an indulgent dinner. The thought of eating a steak without any sauce, especially for someone who cherishes condiments, sounded almost torturous. However, my first bite of the steak, then my first taste of the accompanying vegetables, completely shattered those preconceptions. Wow. I was genuinely surprised and, unequivocally, NOT missing out! My Hanger Steak was cooked to absolute perfection (a beautiful medium-rare), incredibly tender, and bursting with rich, savory flavor. It boasted a delicate hint of hickory smoke on its beautifully charred exterior, a testament to Wildwood’s signature wood-fired grilling technique. Each bite was a revelation, proving that a high-quality cut of meat, expertly prepared, needs no elaborate sauces to shine.
The seasonal vegetables were equally impressive – a harmonious mashup of roasted butternut squash, tender Brussels sprouts, delicate summer squash, and caramelized red onions. This combination was so utterly delightful that I have since re-created it at home on several occasions, a true testament to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the butternut squash, the earthy bitterness of the Brussels sprouts, the subtle richness of the summer squash, and the savory notes of the red onions came together in a symphony of seasonal goodness. It proved to be the absolute perfect pairing for my steak, elevating the entire dish. I would, without a doubt, order this exact meal again, prepared in precisely the same way. The only change I might consider for a future visit, free from Whole30 constraints, would be to try the red wine reduction sauce that typically accompanies the Hanger Steak, simply out of curiosity.
Hickory Smoked Fried Chicken: A Southern Twist at Wildwood Garland
My dining partner, opting for a different culinary adventure, chose the Hickory Smoked Fried Chicken, served with napa slaw. He smartly substituted the parmesan fries for their green beans, ensuring a well-rounded meal. The chicken is prepared in a “hot Nashville-style,” promising a kick of spice and robust flavor. While he found it undeniably tasty, he noted that it wasn’t quite as crispy as he would have preferred for fried chicken, suggesting a slight deviation from the classic Nashville crispness.
The green beans, however, were an absolute highlight – perfectly cooked, seasoned exquisitely, and not at all overcooked, maintaining a lovely crisp-tender texture. The napa slaw also presented a delightful flavor combination, though it came with a surprising, yet pleasant, level of spiciness due to the inclusion of jalapeños. This isn’t a complaint by any means, but rather a friendly warning for those sensitive to heat; it certainly added an exciting element to the dish. Both sides complemented the rich, smoky flavors of the fried chicken wonderfully, demonstrating Wildwood Garland’s commitment to flavorful accompaniments.
Dessert and the “Smoke, Craft, Whiskey” Experience at Wildwood Garland
By the time we concluded our main courses, we were comfortably full, and, of course, my Whole30 restrictions prevented me from indulging in any sugary treats. While the dessert options on the menu sounded enticing, I found myself reminiscing about a particular dessert I had thoroughly enjoyed at the original Wildwood in Southlake years ago – a memorable chocolate chip cookie s’more that was presented on a cutting board with a glass of milk. It was such a unique and delightful experience that I even attempted to recreate it at home years later (I got close, but not quite close enough). Alas, it appears that this specific nostalgic dessert is no longer featured on their current menu, which is a small bittersweet discovery.
Despite Wildwood’s evocative tagline (smoke, craft, whiskey) and its sophisticated bar offerings, it’s important to clarify that it is not a distillery itself. However, its well-appointed bar truly specializes in an impressive array of bourbons and ryes, carefully curated from American small-batch distilleries. This focus on premium spirits, combined with expert mixology, makes it an ideal destination for whiskey connoisseurs and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The thought of exploring their craft cocktails and exceptional whiskey selection provides the perfect excuse to plan a return visit, especially during a warmer month when the bar transforms into a captivating indoor/outdoor space. I eagerly anticipate sampling more of their expertly crafted drinks and, without a doubt, reordering that magnificent hanger steak. Wildwood Garland truly offers a complete dining experience, marrying exceptional food with a thoughtful beverage program, all within an inviting atmosphere that makes it a standout choice in the Garland culinary landscape.
