Austin-based J. Black’s Feel Good Lounge Now Open in Dallas

It’s an old saw: restaurants born in Dallas don’t fly too well in Austin, and Austin restos don’t usually translate well to Dallas. Remember Star Canyon? El Arroyo?

J. Black’s Feel Good Lounge, a sharing-plate and handcrafted cocktail concept, has quietly opened on Henderson Avenue, right next door to another sharing-plates and handcrafted cocktail concept, Neighborhood Services Tavern.

That’s gonna be tough. NST chef-owner Nick Badovinus has nearly become a Dallas culinary icon. Bar man Jason Kosmas is a cocktail icon.
(I wrote about both of them in the May issue of Modern Luxury Magazine, which just hit the streets.)

That’s okay, though. There’s lots of room for others who excel at serving good drinks and good food.

According to today’s J. Black’s press release,
The popular restaurant and lounge represents the first expansion of the concept’s original location in Austin and will feature signature cocktails, a meticulously-crafted wine list and a wide array of delectable sharing plates, fresh salads and house made artisan pizzas. Like the original location, J. BLACK’S in Dallas will feature The Cork Room, a uniquely designed special event area, offering the utmost in flexibility, and complete with its own private patio fronting Henderson Avenue.

and

Happy Hour is a great time to get to know J. BLACK’S and it takes place every day from 4-8pm, and all night on Sunday. Specials include $1 off all drinks, 25% off bottles of wine and half-priced select sharing plates. In addition to the happy hour, dining and late-night merriment, J. BLACK’S hosts a fantastic brunch on Saturday and Sunday that includes their signature Open Face Egg Sandwich, a delectable Breakfast Pizza with Prosciutto and Caramelized Onions  topped off with sunny side-up eggs, a Bloody Mary bar and a variety of other items guaranteed to kick the day off right.

Supporting local artists has always been a focus for J. BLACK’S; the walls are currently showcasing Max Jones’ work. The original art rotates quarterly and each new exhibition is celebrated by a reception for the artist. Patrons can also expect to see live, local music and DJ’s on various nights.

J. BLACK’S also hosts a variety of signature events throughout the year, including a Repeal of Prohibition Party and their annual Kentucky Derby Party, “Hats & Horses”. It also serves as a great location to watch the game, offering better food and better service than your typical sports bar.

The menu includes, crab cakes, ceviche, sliders, lamb lollipops, salads and pizzas. You can see the whole thing

J. Black's pizza with "Applewood Smoked Bacon, Goat Cheese, Sun-dried Tomato, Shallot & Arugula," (photo from J. Black's)

.

Bobby Weddle is the chef.

J. Black’s is located at 2409 N. Henderson Avenue, Dallas, jblacks.com.