Victory Park in Downtown Dallas is right in the middle of the action where sports, concerts, and nightlife come together and the W hotel is the place to be. What has been missing for quite some time was a restaurant that captures the elegance and sophistication of the W Hotel and the Dallasites that frequent its Lobby Bar. Enter Cook Hall. From the moment I walked in I was in awe of the classic rustic décor with modern flare. I couldn’t wait to see what was in store!
Where did we start? Cocktails of course! Being the age of craft cocktails we are in I knew Cook Hall would have something exceptional for us to try. Being a whiskey girl, I jumped on my order of the Whiskey Passion Fizz. A bold and fruity cocktail using Bulleit Bourbon, passion fruit, chili, and Fever Tree Ginger Ale. I easily could have had several of these had it not been a weeknight!
I love the use of mint in cocktails so I had to try the West Side that also had Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Lemon and club soda. I loved the fresh, citrusy elements of this drink and of course the garnish of a mint leaf!
If I see deviled eggs are on a menu I must order them! Something so simple can be elevated with minor tweaks and this was exactly what Cook Hall has done. Their Deviled Eggs include Serrano Ham and smoked paprika and just look how gorgeous they are! Almost too pretty to eat but we did anyway!
I was eager to try Chef Vijay Sadhu’s Jumbo Lump Gulf Crab Cakes! We were so pleased with the exquisite crunch of the outside and the flavorful, juiciness of the inside. Served with a grapefruit salad and gribiche sauce, these crab cakes are fully endorsed by me!
Mason jars are often incorporated in drinks but at Cook Hall you can get Bacon Jalapeno Smoked Cheddar Cheese served with crackers in a mini jar! As cute as it is scrumptious, this spread is easily shared and perfect for the table.
Sometimes I pretend I’m on a diet and order something healthy off the menu and the Farmer’s Chicken was just the ticket. A seasoned half chicken partnered with a warm seasonal vegetable mélange and a bacon parmesan reduction is a colorful, light, and filling choice that will allow you to put those saved calories towards dessert!
When I asked Chef Sadhu what his most popular menu item was he, with no hesitation, said the Cook Hall Duck Tacos. These are a fan favorite for lunch and dinner, served with red cabbage, chipotle mayo and lime.
Everything we had the pleasure of tasting was top notch but I hadn’t yet ordered dessert. Remember how I said you could save some calories? Well this is why. Probably one of the best desserts I’ve ever had and I may have made some crazy comment about wanting to buy a gallon of his Butterscotch Pudding with salted caramel and whip. One was not enough for two people so Get your own! It will be the best decision you made that day, trust me!
I received dinner in exchange for my review. All opinions in this post are mine.
Location: W Dallas, 2440 Victory Park Lane, Dallas 75219
Phone: (214) 397-4111
Hours:
Breakfast Mon – Sun 6:30AM – 11AM
Brunch Sat – Sun 11AM – 3 PM
Lunch Mon – Sun 11AM – 4PM
Dinner Mon – Sun 4PM – Close
Leisurely Leah 