Sunday, May 17, 2009

Neighborhood Services: Simply Delicious


What is it that brings me back time after time after time? Why is it always the first restaurant to pop into my mind when asked the “Where should we go eat” question?

Simple, it’s its simplicity. It’s the American flag humbly hung it the back of the restaurant. It’s the black and white pictures of grandfathers working oilrigs. It’s the unpretentious food and drinks that anyone, from any walk of life, would enjoy.

Neighborhood Services is my favorite restaurant in Dallas (at this moment of course). But be forewarned, the saying “good things come to those who wait” should be the motto for this tiny, tucked away joint. A 2-hour wait for its easy cuisine is not unusual. Although they do have a small bar area for waiting, there’s only so long that staring at designer purses and overly styled hair remains entertaining. My advice, go early and avoid weekend nights.

Trust me on this, once you finally get a table, you CAN’T go wrong with anything on their menu. But for first time goers, I feel obligated to tell you what not to miss.

First, start out with a cocktail or one of their ever-changing beers on tap. Try the Sage Advice, their take on the margarita with a touch of sage and garnished with red clay sea salt, but order it on the rocks (just a quick insider tip). Or, the Pops Martini served up with an adorable Mason jar overflowing with house pickled veggies (YUM!). And the best part, the drinks ar strong!

Next, order the fried little asparagus. Served over a frisee salad, this delicate asparagus dish is lightly tempured, drizzled with a Meyer lemon, dill aioli and fresh lemon juice. You’ll thank me. The green chili crab dip makes an easy-to-share table snack. Paired with the crab dip, a citrus, cucumber salsa (or at least that’s what I think it is) is a refreshing balance to the creaminess of the dip. My only complaint, more salt and spice to the dip. But hey, I’m a salt freak.

OK, onto the main event. I have not sampled an entrée that I have not enjoyed. Let your always friendly and slightly quirky server run over the specials, but please, please do not pass up the beyond fork-tender pot roasted short rib. Prepared in a shiraz-rosemary jus and plated with French toasted gnocchi, the melding of flavors and herbs create a melt-in-your mouth, delicious experience. You will taste comfort in this dish. If you are willing to go carb crazy, order a side of three jack and mac gratin. Enjoy now, work it off later.

No matter if you are in jeans and a t-shirt, or dressed to impress, Neighborhood Services is calling your name. Meant as the gathering place for family and freinds, this neighborhood eatery and watering hole is comfortable and inviting while satisfying the simplest of eaters, the most discerning of palates, and even Dallas’ 30k millionaires. Tell me another area restaurant that can accomplish that.

  • 5027 W Lovers Ln. Dallas, TX 75209
  • (214) 350- 5027
Photo provided by D Magazine

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