Dallas Restaurant & Bar

Dallas Restaurant & Bar
31 Boat Quay

3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-302 Suntec City Tower 5

http://www.dallas.sg/

Tacos

Wallet-Friendly, Hearty American Fare

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 9
Ambience & Setting: 9
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 9
Value for Money: 9
Spent about SGD $48 per person.


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Established in March 2006 in Boat Quay, Dallas Restaurant & Bar is now well into its 10th year of operation, and still going strong, having opened its 2nd outlet in Suntec City in June 2015. Founded by Jason Pope, with assistance from wife Felicity Pope, the Australian couple behind the equally successful casual Western dining brand The Rotisserie, Dallas Restaurant & Bar is their take on hearty American cuisine. With Dallas Restaurant & Bar, they've implemented the same 5 factors that lend them to success with The Rotisserie, offering quality food, quality beverages, great service, great ambience, and affordable prices.

Ambience at Dallas Restaurant & Bar differs by location, though both are modern elegant, exuding a chic sophistication. The Boat Quay outlet has 2 levels. The 1st level is a casual bar, with high bar stools and a al-fresco area that allows for people watching. The 2nd level has a quiet intimacy, warm lighting with plush cushioned booths and sleek black chairs, against colours of wood and red. The Suntec City outlet is beautiful with ample natural lighting, a water feature, and a high ceiling surrounded by glass panels that offer good views of the city. The spacious area has a clean, minimalist look. Little wonder you can hold events, including wedding solemnizations, at both venues. The atmosphere of fine luxury and elegant sophistication makes you feel like you should dress up for a visit, however, there is no dress code enforced here. I once showed up in shorts and slippers, and still got a seat! Great ambience, checked.

Service at Dallas Restaurant & Bar is friendly, professional, and engaging. Staff are quick to greet and seat guests, offer goodbyes when they leave, and clear away empty / dirty plates after each course. I notice staff change the tablecloths after guests leave as well, setting out a fresh set in preparation for the next diner. The experienced staff display good product knowledge, able to offer recommendations, though the menu helpfully has clear descriptions of dishes. I like that the experienced staff will come around regularly to interact with diners, checking for feedback on your dining experience, and offering to top-up water. However, the same cannot be said of the junior / new staff, who are clueless at times. Owner Jason Pope personally overseees the operations from time to time, and he'll come around to chat with guests. Overall, the service feels welcoming, comfortable, and attentive. Great service, checked.

Food at Dallas Restaurant & Bar is, as its name suggests, American cuisine, with a focus on Southern comfort food with a dash of Tex-Mex. A major reason they've done so well in Singapore is because all their dishes are executed to an above average standard in both taste and texture, and the quality is consistent throughout the years. Generally, dishes here pack good flavour, and hit the right notes for texture. Portions are large and hearty, usually more than sufficient even for large eaters. Quality food, checked. Prices here are wallet-friendly, comparable to most bistros, but lower than most restaurants. For the quality and standard, I consider it to be value for money, and even tertiary students are able to dine here. Budget about SGD $48 per person for a full 3-course meal here. Affordable prices, checked. Love my dining experiences at Dallas Restaurant & Bar, and will return for more!


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Dallas Restaurant & Bar Signage

Dallas Restaurant & Bar Exterior

Dallas Restaurant & Bar Interior

Seating

Bar

Menu Food

Menu Drinks

The Beer Hoegaarden Wheat (SGD $18) is a well-known Belgian witbier, brewed by the Hoegaarden Brewery in the Hoegaarden municipality within the province of Flemish Brabant, in the Flanders region of Belgium. It has a hazy, pale yellow colour, with aromas of spices that went into making it, such as coriander and orange peel. The body is light and crisp, with a high carbonation, tastes of wheat, orange zest, banana, and pepper. Very refreshing and drinkable, sweet with low bitterness, and a short finish.

Beer Hoegaarden Wheat (SGD $18)

The Beer Stella Artois (SGD $16) is a Belgian pilsner, brewed by the Brouwerij Artois / Artois Brewery in the Leuven municipality within the province of Flemish Brabant, in the Flanders region of Belgium. It has a bright, clear golden colour, with aromas of hops, metal, apple, and bread. The body is light and watery, with a high carbonation, tastes of cereal, lemon citrus, malts, and grass. Refreshing and easy on the palate, very faint sweetness with no bitterness, and a quick finish.

Beer Stella Artois (SGD $16)

The Beer San Miguel Pale Pilsen (SGD $16) is a Filipino pale lager, brewed by the San Miguel Brewery in Mandaluyong, within the Metro Manila region of the Philippines. It has a bright, straw golden colour with a medium-thick foam head; and aromas of grass, wheat, malt, and hay. The body is smooth, crisp, and refreshing, with tastes of malt, grain, corn, and lemon. Pleasant and light drink with little bitterness and soft carbonation.

Beer San Miguel Pale Pilsen (SGD $16)

The Beer James Boag's Premium Lager (SGD $14) is an Australian lager brewed using pilsner malts by Boag's Brewery, in the city of Launceston, in the Tasmania region of Austalia. It has a crystal clear, golden amber colour with a frothy foam head; and aromas of grain, barley, metal, and hops. The body is light, thin, and watery, with faint tastes of biscuit, lemon, bread, and malt. Refreshing, but overall rather non-descript and flat, I don't like it.

Beer James Boag's Premium Lager (SGD $14)

The Jalapeno Croquettes (SGD $12) are a treat. Served with a wedge of lemon and a mild green chili mayonnaise, these little nuggets of gooey cheddar cheese, stuffed with sliced pickled jalapeno peppers, have a crisp golden brown panko breadcrumb batter. Looks light, but it's heavy on the stomach, and very filling.

Jalapeno Croquettes (SGD $12)

Jalapeno Croquettes

Jalapeno Croquettes

Friends raved about the Chargrilled Corn (SGD $6) here, and I must admit it's among the better versions of corn around. A whole, fresh corn on the cob, dusted with cajun spices (salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and red pepper), drizzled with lime juice, topped with shaved parmesan cheese, and spread with a savoury spicy chipotle mayonnaise. Each bite gets you the juicy sweet taste of the fresh corn, the smoky aroma of the char grilled kernels, the undertones of savoury spices, sharp sourness of lime, and the smoky creamy chipotle mayo. Big on flavour, delicious. Highly recommended!

Chargrilled Corn (SGD $6)

Chargrilled Corn

Chargrilled Corn

The Salt And Pepper Calamari (SGD $16) here is among the best versions I've eaten. Large, fresh pieces of calamari squid, bouncy and chewy in texture, are lightly seasoned, marinated, and flash fried. The resulting batter is thin, crisp, and light, with good savoury salty spicy flavour, contrasting the natural sweet taste of the calamari squid. Served with a fresh salad of wild rocket leaves / arugula underneath. Drizzle a little lemon juice over for added flavour. There's a sweet chili mayonnaise on the side, though I felt this wasn't necessary, as it's good enough on its own. Highly recommended!

Salt And Pepper Calamari (SGD $16)

Salt And Pepper Calamari

The house signature Breaded Snapper Fish Taco (SGD $6) is among the better fish tacos around. A crisp outside, tender and moist inside battered snapper fish, having a delicate savoury sweet flavour, is topped with crunchy coleslaw, fruity pineapple chutney, and chipotle mayonnaise, on a warm, soft flour tortilla. Each bite gets you a slight crunch, then the flaky fish, with bold tropical flavours, recalling images of the beach, summer, and surf. Good!

Breaded Snapper Fish Taco (SGD $6)

Breaded Snapper Fish Taco

I like the Slow Cooked Beef Brisket Taco (SGD $6), with its tender, juicy strips of shredded beef brisket that has been stewed in its own au jus for hours. It's served on a warm flour tortilla, garnished with tomato salsa, grilled onions, corn kernels, and chipotle ketchup. Each bite is strongly savoury, meaty and chewy with the natural juices coating the palate. Can be slightly messy to eat this on account of the meat juices, but it's so tasty. Good!

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket Taco (SGD $6)

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket Taco

The Baby Back Berry Ribs (SGD $30 / $44) feature either a half slab or full slab of pork ribs, coated in a tangy sweet barbecue glaze that has a hint of strawberry, slow braised for hours till the pork meat turns tender, coming off the bone easily. The thick layer of fat, which is easily removed, helps to lock in some moisture, though I find this borders between moist and dry. The barbecue glaze is light, allowing you to taste the natural flavour of the pork, which thankfully, is fresh. I like that the crunchy red cabbage coleslaw is light on mayonnaise, and the natural taste of the vegetables shines through. The potato wedges are among the better versions I've had, crisp and savoury salty outside, soft and fluffy inside with a light touch of herb. Overall, an above average dish.

Baby Back Berry Ribs (SGD $30 / $44)

Baby Back Berry Ribs

Loved the North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich (SGD $24), which channels the classic recipe for this burger from the state of North Carolina, in the United States Of America. The dish starts with a Boston Butt / bone-in pork shoulder, rubbed with coarse sea salt, black pepper, garlic, paprika, and the traditional North Carolina style vinegar barbecue sauce (made with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, tomato ketchup, red pepper flakes, honey). The result is pork meat which is incredibly tender, juicy, and flavourful, which is then pulled off the bone by hand. Served in a warm, toasted, fluffy soft burger bun, with onions, tomatoes, and wild rocket leaves / arugula, along with crunchy red cabbage coleslaw and herb fries on the side. The burger is delicious, every bite is juicy and messy, a complex blend of tangy sweet savoury salty flavours, chewy and crunchy in texture. Utterly delightful, among the best pulled pork burgers around. Highly recommended!

North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich (SGD $24)

North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich

North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich

The Prime Rib Steak With Seasonal Vegetables & Dallas Fries (SGD $40) is a meat lover's dream. A 250g slab of prime rib, best served medium rare, is slow cooked, resulting in tender, moist beef meat that doesn't even need effort to cut, as it tears away easily. Finished on the grill, it carries beautiful markings. The beef has a good amount of marbling, with a light savoury salty flavour. I would have preferred a tad more seasoning, though this is easily remedied. Served with a medley of fresh boiled vegetables (baby corn, carrots, string beans, broccoli), and medium-cut, fluffy and hot herb fries, as well as a choice of sauce.

Prime Rib Steak With Seasonal Vegetables & Dallas Fries (SGD $40)

Prime Rib Steak With Seasonal Vegetables & Dallas Fries

Prime Rib Steak With Seasonal Vegetables & Dallas Fries

Prime Rib Steak With Seasonal Vegetables & Dallas Fries

The Barbecue Chicken Parma (SGD $24) is their version of the classic Italian American dish of Chicken Parmigiana. A large, tender, juicy, pan-fried chicken breast, coated in panko breadcrumbs, is topped with melted gooey mozzarella cheese, sweet caramelised onions, grilled savoury salty smoked bacon, tangy sweet barbecue / BBQ sauce, and tomato sauce. Served with sides of fresh garden salad (onions, baby spinach leaves, lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes), and medium-cut, fluffy and hot herb fries. Super filling, completely satisfiying.

Barbecue Chicken Parma (SGD $24)

Barbecue Chicken Parma (SGD $24)

Barbecue Chicken Parma

Loved the classic Key Lime Pie (SGD $12), this American dessert is done to traditional standards here. A soft, wobbly lime curd, zesty and sour sweet in flavour, sits on a crumbly, buttery pastry tart base. Topped with a small dollop of double cream, what makes this outstanding is the crushed pecan nuts in the tart base, giving each bite a nutty flavour. Highly recommended!

Key Lime Pie (SGD $12)

Key Lime Pie

The homemade Apple Pie (SGD $12) features a large slice of pie, with a crumbly buttery pastry shell that seems to have large pockets of air. Filled with an intensely fruity sweet apple and caramel sauce, and several chunks of tender caramelised apple slices, the pie is served with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream on the side. Personally, I would have preferred more apple slices and less of the sauce, as this dessert quickly become cloying and heavy due to the intense sweet flavours. No doubt it's tasty, but this is best shared as the portion is large.

Apple Pie (SGD $12)

Apple Pie

The Warm Brownie With Ice Cream (SGD $12) features a large, warm yet moist chocolate brownie, rich and deep in chocolate flavour. The texure is soft, yielding easily when cut. Topped with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, coated with chocolate sauce and surrounded by chocolate chips. When compared to other versions elsewhere, I would say this is above average in quality. Pure, decadent, comfort dessert. Worth ordering!

Warm Brownie With Ice Cream (SGD $12)

Warm Brownie With Ice Cream

Warm Brownie With Ice Cream

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Update Jan-2022: More than 5 years since we last visited Dallas Restaurant & Bar, and they've since consolidated into a single outlet at the Boat Quay area of Singapore. While ambience, service, and food quality remains consistently good, the menu is now more focused (with less options), and prices have also risen slightly to keep pace with the market. Dining at Dallas Restaurant & Bar remains relatively reasonable, and they're a reliable choice for delicious American cuisine.

The Wagyu Cheese Burger Spring Rolls (SGD $16) is a delicious fusion appetizer. This unique snack features tender minced wagyu beef and juicy white onions slices, within a crisp thin fried spring roll wrap. Filled with gooey melted parmesan cheese, the spring roll cracks beautifully when bit with a satisfying crunch, releasing a burst of meaty savoury cheesy salty sweet flavour. Served with a fresh salad of baby spinach, rocket leaves / arugula, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomato, and walnuts; which lends a crisp crunchy juicy texture with bright vegetal earthy sour bitter sweet flavour. Accompanied by a dipping sauce blend of tomato ketchup and American mustard, creamy with a tangy sour sweet taste. Highly recommended!

Wagyu Cheese Burger Spring Rolls (SGD $16)

Wagyu Cheese Burger Spring Rolls

Wagyu Cheese Burger Spring Rolls

The Breaded Snapper Fish Taco (SGD $18) are as good as before. Within the soft chewy tortilla wrap is crisp coleslaw, tender moist flaky battered snapper fish fillets, and a chipotle and pineapple chutney. Bite in, and you get the lovely freshness of the fish and its sweet savoury flavour, followed by the bright bready vegetal fruity sweet savoury flavour of the rest of the ingredients. Loved these tacos, would order again. Highly recommended!

Breaded Snapper Fish Taco (SGD $18)

Breaded Snapper Fish Taco

The St. Louis Farmland USA Pork Ribs Set (SGD $32 Half Rack) is an improvement on the baby back pork ribs from before. This time, the Slow-Braised Pork Ribs carry a delicious barbecue sauce marinade, bright with tangy sweet sour savoury flavour, with pork meat that pulls easily away from the bone. It's tender and moist with a light chew, so good. Accompanied by crunchy Coleslaw with bright vegetal sweet flavour, and medium-cut chunky fluffy Dallas Fries with lovely salty starchy savoury flavour. The berry sauce is served on the side, lending a bright fruity sweet note which nicely contrasts the pork ribs. Good!

St. Louis Farmland USA Pork Ribs Set (SGD $32 Half Rack)

Dallas Fries

Coleslaw

Slow-Braised Pork Ribs

Slow-Braised Pork Ribs

St. Louis Farmland USA Pork Ribs Set

They've adjusted the recipe for the Housemade Apple Pie (SGD $12) from before, and it now carries a distinct bready doughy flavour which impedes the lovely fruity sweet notes from the apples. Could be improved.

Housemade Apple Pie (SGD $12)

Housemade Apple Pie

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