When asking yourself about something to do near me in Dallas with a group of friends or family, consider
D.L. Mack’s
Why D.L. Mack’s is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
D.L. Mack’s is a popular American tavern in Dallas known for its Chicago-inspired classic cuisine and warm, old-world atmosphere, making it an inviting spot to meet up with friends. Located in multiple Dallas neighborhoods including Highland Park, Preston Hollow, and West Village, D.L. Mack’s offers a setting rich with charm, featuring reclaimed wood flooring from a 16th-century French church and antique brick from 19th-century Chicago, along with vintage decor elements such as black leather booths inspired by mid-1900s automobiles and vintage cigarette cards showcasing early 20th-century sports and movie stars. This attention to detail contributes to an environment that is both comfortable and distinctive, ideal for social gatherings. The menu highlights include thin-crust Chicago-style pizza—crispy and unfoldable—alongside shareable snacks, all-day entrées like the Larchmont Salad, Blackened Redfish, and Garlic Shrimp Scampi, all prepared from scratch daily. Open seven days a week with varying hours, D.L. Mack’s balances a lively atmosphere with great food, perfect for casual meetups or more festive occasions.
Here's what people think of D.L. Mack’s
As of recent, D.L. Mack’s holds a 4.5-star rating based on 427 reviews.
User reviews for D.L. Mack’s illustrate a mix of experiences reflective of a venue balancing rapid expansion and maintaining quality service. Positive reviews consistently praise the fresh, flavorful food, especially the inventive thin-crust pizzas and shareable snacks, along with a welcoming ambiance that mirrors a classic American tavern with a modern twist. Many reviewers appreciate the attentive and friendly servers, noting that the staff strives to deliver a great dining experience despite being relatively new or still training. Conversely, some criticism highlights moments of management disengagement and issues during soft openings, such as elevated noise levels and certain drink preparations not meeting expectations. A few patrons noted that while the servers were pleasant and hardworking, management's presence and responsiveness could improve to enhance the overall experience. Despite these critiques, the general consensus sees D.L. Mack’s as an evolving dining destination with strong potential. Reviewers express optimism about the restaurant’s future success, especially as the team continues to refine service and strengthen connections with the local community.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kimmy Pham (kimmyEATS)
Cute neighbor spot! We came for lunch and no wait time. We ordered: Deviled eggs - solid Smoked Salmon - nice sauce Chinese Chicken Salad (I would prefer them to just name it Asian, not sure what made it specifically Chinese) - good flavors though Next time, I want to try their pizzas! Overall, not bad spot. Really vibey, seems like it would be busier on dinner nights.
Mayra
So good!! Big fan of Hudson House so I knew this place was going to be great when I found out they’re sister restaurants. Everything was amazing! My favorite appetizer was the spinach dip. I wish they’d bring back the matchbooks though.
Megan
Other than an initial issue with drinks which our server quickly rectified, our group enjoyed our time at DL Macks on Hillcrest. I ordered a non-alcoholic beverage, but they brought me the drink with alcohol in it. They placed “nonalcoholic” in parentheses on their menu, which I feel causes confusion. Overall, we liked our dining experience at the restaurant. Fun atmosphere with old Chicago decor. Delicious food, especially the pizza! Good service. Make reservations because it gets busy! No valet, but you can park in the lot or the nearby garage with its public entrance on the other side. You can also park on the neighborhood street. Pay attention to signs.
Hunter Hamon
Very cool Chicago style restaurant! Online payment style is super super cool for groups. Lexi (our waitress) was really sweet! Martini is a MUST!
Jessica Riley
Adrianna was amazing. Food and service were 10/10! White truffle gnocchi and the Mack pizza were amazing.
How to reach D.L. Mack’s
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Why D.L. Mack’s may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at D.L. Mack’s with your friends?
If you’re looking for a vibrant spot to gather your friends and enjoy a memorable time, D.L. Mack’s offers an inviting atmosphere mixed with fantastic food that elevates any meetup. Located in Dallas, D.L. Mack’s has earned a solid 4.5-star rating from over 400 reviews, reflecting its popularity and appeal. This establishment stands out for its unique take on Chicago-style tavern pizza, which has become a crowd favorite for locals and visitors alike. It is not just a place to eat, but a destination where groups can unwind in a lively environment, share excellent meals, and enjoy the camaraderie that good food and drink inspire. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a fun night out, its casual yet slightly upscale vibe makes it an ideal setting to connect with friends. With a menu that caters to varied tastes, D.L. Mack’s encourages sharing and trying new flavors, making it easy to bond over food. The combination of quality food, engaging ambiance, and a social-friendly layout makes D.L. Mack’s a top choice for meetups with family or friends.
What activities does D.L. Mack’s offer for group meetups?
D.L. Mack’s primarily stands out as a great place to indulge in delicious Chicago-style tavern pizza, which is their signature offering. Groups can enjoy this thin-crust pizza distinctive for its perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and crispy crust. This culinary specialty naturally encourages sharing, which fosters a communal dining experience perfect for groups. Beyond pizza, the menu includes enticing options such as burgers, spicy rigatoni, and chicken sandwiches, providing choices that suit diverse palates in your group. This variety ensures everyone finds something to enjoy, enhancing group satisfaction. Eating together in such a convivial setting promotes lively conversations, laughter, and shared enjoyment. Thus, the dining experience itself becomes a key activity – savoring delicious dishes that stimulate all senses and provide a rich base for socializing.
Is the atmosphere at D.L. Mack’s suitable for groups?
D.L. Mack’s offers a lively yet comfortable ambiance suited for groups looking to gather and relax. The restaurant is described as having nice decor that invites warmth without losing its modern flair. While some reviews mention the restaurant can get noisy during peak times, this can add to the vibrant social energy that many groups enjoy when catching up. The space is designed to encourage interaction, making it easier for groups to communicate and stay engaged. The atmosphere carries a slightly upscale tavern feel, making it feel like a special outing rather than just a casual meal. Its layout supports group seating arrangements, offering enough room to accommodate varying group sizes from intimate circles to larger gatherings. This balance of ambiance and layout makes it a go-to spot for people wanting to combine good food with good company.
Why is D.L. Mack’s menu perfect for sharing with friends?
The menu at D.L. Mack’s is crafted with versatility and shareability in mind, making it perfect for group dining. The cornerstone, their tavern-style pizza, naturally serves as a communal dish that encourages groups to dig in together, sparking conversation and fun. In addition to pizza, the presence of other shareable entrees like burgers and sandwiches means everyone can find something that suits their taste without conflict or compromise. The menu also features bold flavors like the spicy rigatoni, which adds a delightful punch for groups wanting to sample a dish that stands out. Offering a variety of tastes and sizes means groups don’t have to stick to just one style of food – share multiple dishes and enjoy a tasting experience. This design makes it easy for friends to bond over food while exploring different flavors and dishes collectively.
How does D.L. Mack’s accommodate group logistics like reservations and parking?
For groups looking to streamline their meetup, D.L. Mack’s recommends making reservations since the restaurant often gets busy, especially during peak dining hours. Reserving ahead ensures your group will have a comfortable spot without waiting, making the meetup smooth and stress-free. However, it’s important to note that D.L. Mack’s does not offer valet service, so parking may require some planning. Guests might need to rely on nearby street parking or public lots, depending on the location and day. Despite this, the effort to secure parking is often worth it for the quality of the experience inside. Groups should consider carpooling or ride-sharing if parking becomes challenging, which can add convenience and encourage responsible pre-drinking plans. Efficient planning around such logistics helps maximize the enjoyment of your time together at D.L. Mack’s.
What do the customer reviews reveal about the overall group experience at D.L. Mack’s?
Customer reviews highlight both strengths and areas for improvement, but overall sentiment leans positive with a rating of 4.5 out of 5. Many patrons praise the restaurant’s food quality, especially the pizzas and creative dishes like the spicy rigatoni, noting that the flavors and presentation enhance the group dining experience. The friendly and pleasant servers often receive recognition, though some reviews do mention that service can be inconsistent, particularly during busy times. Group meetups tend to thrive on engaging service and a spirited environment, and while there have been criticisms about management responsiveness or server attentiveness, the staff’s friendliness ultimately helps maintain an enjoyable atmosphere. The spacious and modern décor also gets compliments for making group gatherings feel special. Despite some critiques, the majority of reviews affirm that D.L. Mack’s delivers on what groups want: great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a place conducive to socializing and fun.
What kind of events or occasions is D.L. Mack’s suited for hosting groups?
D.L. Mack’s is ideal for a wide array of group occasions ranging from casual get-togethers to celebratory meals. Whether you’re planning a birthday gathering, a reunion, or just a weekend night with friends, its food and ambiance work to elevate the event. The slightly upscale tavern feel makes it suitable not only for casual dining but also for marking special moments without the formality of fine dining. The communal nature of the food encourages sharing and engagement, turning meals into interactive experiences. With its lively atmosphere, it’s also a great place for watching sports or enjoying a night out after a workweek. The staff are accustomed to handling groups and can assist with arrangements to make the meetup run smoothly. This versatility makes D.L. Mack’s a dependable choice for a variety of social needs.
How does D.L. Mack’s compare to other group dining options in Dallas?
D.L. Mack’s occupies a distinctive niche by specializing in Chicago-style tavern pizza while offering a somewhat upscale tavern atmosphere, which sets it apart from typical casual eateries. Many other Dallas venues may focus solely on traditional Texan or barbecue cuisine, but D.L. Mack’s provides a unique flavor profile that appeals to both locals and Chicago transplants craving authentic tastes. Its combination of high-quality pizzas, diverse menu, and lively yet polished setting offers a different vibe from typical pizza chains or sports bars. For groups seeking a blend of sophisticated taste and informal comfort, D.L. Mack’s strikes the right balance. While some other restaurants might offer faster service or wider drink selections, D.L. Mack’s strengths lie in its food quality and social environment, making it a standout for memorable group meetups.
What are some tips for making the most out of a group visit to D.L. Mack’s?
To maximize your group’s experience at D.L. Mack’s, it’s best to make reservations well in advance due to the restaurant’s popularity and seating limitations. Arrive slightly early if possible to get settled and peruse the menu without rush. Consider ordering multiple dishes to share so everyone can sample the best varieties, particularly the tavern-style pizzas alongside the spicy rigatoni or signature sandwiches. Since parking can be limited without valet, plan transport accordingly and communicate this with your group. Engaging with the friendly servers can also enhance service, especially if you’re patient during busy times. Lastly, embrace the lively atmosphere and use it as a chance to catch up, celebrate, and make lasting memories with your friends or family at this unique Dallas hotspot.