Deep Ellum, West End, Knox-Henderson, West Village, Bishop Arts, Exposition Park, Lakewood and Lower Greenville are all mainstream entertainment/art/nightlife districts in Dallas. However, if you step outside the box you can find pockets of up and coming transitioning neighborhoods that are beginning to offer new and better alternatives to the overcrowded and arduous commonplace hangouts.
Case in point – North Fitzhugh Avenue. Optimistically slated by some to be “the next Henderson Avenue”, Fitzhugh is in the genesis stage of transition. Nearby trendy new apartments have sprung up, spilling over from the adjacent earlier transformed voguish North Henderson Avenue. Fitzhugh itself has begun to bloom with the planting of the Strangeways seed, fertilized by the authentic culture of the area itself.
Strangeways is a restaurant/pub that is unique in many ways. The name itself is borrowed directly from the 80’s English alternative rock band The Smiths final album Strange Ways: Here We Come. In fact, The Smiths and similar bands make up the soundtrack to the bar itself. The play list includes bands like The Smiths, Morrissey, The Cure, Joy Division, The Dead Milkmen, Depeche Mode and New Order unequivocally satisfying eighties punk and English rock fans appetite.
Patrons are able to hear this great music while sitting inside the deconstructed brick warehouse style interior. You may also enjoy the simple, laid back patio out front consisting of picnic tables and overhead patio lights.
As well as the minimal, relaxing atmosphere Strangeways gives you arguably the most unique beer selection in all of Dallas. Averaging 40 microbrews on tap, there is a constant rotating collection of rare, new and exciting choices from top breweries such as Green Flash, Ballast, Brew Dog, local breweries and the list goes on and on. The beer menu truly is extensive and dynamic while at the same time not being overwhelming.
To compliment the sensational beer selection is an equally unique, regularly changing and improving menu thanks to head chef Yolande. The menu consists of Central and South American influenced premium bar food. Choices range from amazing, buttery burgers with a side of truffle oil fried potato chips or spicy elote to a delicious cheese board partially comprised of famous Jimmy’s meats and
cheeses. Then there’s Yolande’s must have heavenly French fries which are lightly dusted with paprika and a secret seasoning she’ll never reveal. Finally, you absolutely must try the chef recommended goat cheese croquettes. With enlighten servers such as the beautiful Annelle (pictured here) swiftly delivering it all to you; the service is fittingly just as awesome as everything else.
Another unique facet of Strangeways is the real family influence within the business. Owned and operated by the Venezuelan Sanchez family, their talent and hard work is obvious. Co-owner Eric Sanchez acquired the space in August of 2010. After a full year of deconstructing and rebuilding along with his family and trusted team, Eric’s hard work is unmistakable and much appreciated. They have built a business that seamlessly combines the Henderson trends with subtle, warm Latin family culture.
The conditions are right. The first seed has been sewn. If Strangways and it’s originality is any indication of things to come, Fitzhugh Avenue may just blossom into something extra special.
Strangeways
2429 N Fitzhugh
Dallas, TX 75204
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