Tag Archives: uptown

Get a crazy strong cocktail at The Loon

The Loon, located in the heart of Uptown, plays the role of Uptown’s quintessential “dive bar.” With an old pub-like feel, The Loon is definitely as “dive-ish” as Uptown gets. The Loon’s only drink special is a scrimpy happy hour, however, their reputation of providing a heavy handed pour means every drink is always special. They have a pretty extensive menu of bar-food staples, pizza and Italian food. Nobody really knows how good the food is because nobody eats there. Or they are already too sauced to remember. Appearance of the menu at any table usually begs the question, “They serve food here?”

Wake up to an early breakfast from the Dream Cafe

The Dream Cafe is Dallas’ quirky little breakfast spot with an inventive menu, a dog-and-kid-friendly atmosphere and excellent food. Their two locations (Uptown and Addison) serve those who live in Uptown, and those who used to live in Uptown but have now moved further from the city due to job location/kids. The Dream Cafe is also one of the few places in town to get good breakfast and brunch fare before 10 am (their doors open at 7 am daily, brunch menu is available daily). The Uptown location stays open later with a pseudo-international inspired dinner menu. A few favorites include the Santa Fe omelet, cloud cakes, the global dinner and the Mystic Pasta (think pasta tossed with brie and smoked bacon).

“Get away” from Uptown without actually leaving Uptown at the Quarter Bar

The Quarter Bar in Uptown in one of the best places to grab a pint without feeling like you’re in “Uptown.” Next door (and attached) to Breadwinners, the Quarter Bar serves the dual purpose of a waiting area for Breadwinners during their rushes. Even if you’re not waiting for a table at the neighboring bistro, the Quarter Bar has a robust beer selection at reasonable prices in a cozy, pub-like atmosphere. They also don a limited Breadwinners “bar” menu. The upstairs bar area has pool tables and video games and the rooftop patio offers a lovely view of McKinney Avenue and is also pooch friendly.

Hopleaf hops no matter the time of day/night

Even when every seat is taken in Hopleaf, it’s considered a slow night. But when patrons pack inside for the extensive beer list and gourmet restaurant menu, things really get hopping at Hopleaf. Despite the busy bar, the atmosphere is decidedly laid back both on the first and top floors.

When waiting for a table, grab a beer and maybe even a book on the history of beers and liquors. Hopleaf’s small library is appropriate for this tavern, considering it opened 18 years ago, just before the craft beer market exploded. Today, it offers more than 250 beer options.

The tavern opens at 3pm every day of the week, 365 days a year.

The Cloisters: Medieval Art at the Summit of Manhattan

Looking for a European getaway for the price of a Metrocard? There are five Medieval French Cloisters connected by galleries full of period art sitting on four acres of land that overlook the Hudson River in Fort Tyron Park. This extension of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, know as the Cloisters, has been called “the crowning achievement of American museology” by the former director of the Louvre in Paris – and he would know. Here atop grassy peaks at the top of Manhattan are all forms of European Medieval art, from paintings to tapestries to sculptures and stained glass and even parts of the structure itself. The indoors spaces flow seamlessly into the outdoor cloisters and gardens and the breathtaking views of the Hudson River valley are always there peaking out between the columns and archways. The Cloisters is a beautiful and enchanting glimpse into history and well worth the trek uptown.

cloisters

Wine, Pies, and Good Times at Coal Vines

Picture 77If you venture into the uptown scene in Dallas, you know that Coal Vines is the hip hangout where pizza and wine are accessories to a great time. For several years now, Coal Vines has provided a meet-up spot to grab cocktails and a slice of pie before a big night out or a late night patio date. Wines of cabernet, chardonnay, merlot, pinot noir or sparkling…there is no shortage of the perfect sip to go along with coal oven baked pizzas. If pizza won’t hit the spot, perhaps Rigatoni or Fennel Crusted Salmon will do the trick.

Though it’s a small venue and there isn’t much room to move around, the space reverberates a neighborhood vibe that is comfortable and familiar. Whether it’s a first or last stop on your night out, Coal Vines can rev up or wind down any excellent time.

Posh and Pet Friendly Palomar

Hotel Palomar is everything you would expect from a swanky Dallas hotel: upscale and contemporary decor, a wine hour for guests in the early evening and a nationally recognized restaurant (Central 214) to enjoy a delicious meal. What you might not expect is that the Palomar is pet friendly, with no size restrictions or pet deposit needed. AniPicture 11mal lovers who live in town, or visitors passing through, can enjoy all the upscale hotel amenities with the added benefit of bringing along their four-legged friends.

Other complimentary perks at Palomar include your choice of morning newspaper and overnight shoeshine, Nintendo on all televisions, L’Occitane bath amenities and iHome docking stations so you can listen to your favorite tunes. You won’t want to miss the fitness center and heated outdoor infinity pool. If you need a little extra motivation, the Exhale Spa will be glad to send over a personal trainer or nutritionist for an extra fee.

No bones about it, Hotel Palomar will have both you and man’s best friend living in the lap of luxury.

The Stars Are Always Out At Nobu Dallas

Picture 4Strategically located off the ultra-luxurious lobby of Hotel Crescent Court, and smack in the heart of Uptown, sits one of Dallas’ sexiest Japanese hotspots. But this isn’t your average sushi joint; this is Nobu Dallas.

A testament to the parking lot full of Bentleys, Maseratis, and Porsches outside, Nobu is prone to frequent visits from VIP guests of the hotel, as well as repeat offenders of pretty much any Dallas sports team from the Cowboys to Mavericks to Stars. And speaking of stars, A-list celebrities and Dallas elite have also been known to frequent their favorite tables, servers, and dishes right here at good ol’  Nobu Dallas.

Nobu offers something delicious for every palate- even those who tend to run from raw fish. Nobu also offers a variety of hearty fare; most notably the Wagyu beef (think Kobe or Washu), their very famous Black Cod with miso glaze, or Lobster Tempura for those with bigger appetites. And just say Omakase! if you have no idea what to order to let your knowledgable server map out your meal. Despite the reputation of most Japanese restaurants, we would suggest saving room for the desserts here.

Mizuo Peck is INA Love

Film star and native New Yorker Mizuo Peck loves to shop at one of New York’s coolest insider stores, INA.

INA describes itself as “New York’s best and most established designer consignment store,”Picture 13 and it’s very hard to prove them wrong.

Opening their flagship in 1994, they are now five stores strong in some of Manhattan’s most prized shopping real estate: NoHo, SoHo, Nolita, and Uptown.

INA is not your average consignment store where one most purge through racks of outdated and moth-ball smelling clothes to find the designer gem in the pile, it instead chooses the best of the best in fashion of yesterday and today. INA consistently fills its racks with beautiful, well-maintained, and luxurious items at discounted prices that make both fashionistas and recessionistas come back for more. They have everything from barely used Chanel wallets to Christian Louboutin heels to Tory Burch skirts. Some items are truly vintage while others are simply last season’s castaways, but all are absolutely devine.

And if this store doesn’t seem like it could get any better, it also has an amazing blog that keeps you up to date on new inventory, sale items, and INA employee’s picks for all its stores.

INA consignment stores are a shopper’s dream and unlike most “chains”, every INA store is completely unique from each other and from each day.

**Mizuo Peck is most famous for her role as Sacajawea in both “Night at the Museum” films starring Ben Stiller. Peck has worked closely with respected photographer Bruce Weber for the cover of L’uomo Vogue and appeared with Angelina Jolie in the Rolling Stones’ music video, “Anybody Seen My Baby?” Peck, a native New Yorker, still lives a block from her childhood TriBeCa home.

Chanel Fine Jewelry Boutique

If any name is synonymous with luxury, it’s Chanel. Here at their jewelry and watch boutique, you’ll find some of the most opulent pieces you can imagine. And when you visit this store, you’ll feel elegantly transported back in time as the salon is modeled after Coco Chanel’s own apartment!

Dovetail Restaurant

Dining out is delicious at this lovely little oasis nestled on the Upper West Side. Muslin-covered walls and exposed brick set an elegant ambiance for patrons with a passion for extraordinary eats. There’s a sherry cellar downstairs that dually serves as a private dining room, and the main dining area seats 75. Come for brunch, lunch, or dinner and prepare to be dazzled!

MaxMara

MaxMara is a luxurious brand at a great price point.  It is the perfect combination of value and luxury found in chic and easy to wear silhouettes that can be accessorized to fit everyone’s style. MaxMara is known worldwide for their confidence-inspiring neutral and tonal separates and their great fit.  These are garments women rely on to be chic and relaxed in all occasions.