Next Door

Skimming through your standard bar menu “fried” is known to make a few appearances. It typically shares the spotlight with wings, cheese, burgers, and on extra special occasions, calamari. While I’ve always had an affinity for the usual suspects, it’s nice to see a new cast member every now and again. Enter, Next Door.

Located on one of the busiest streets in Uptown, Mc Kinney Ave, it may take a few minutes to find Next Door. It’s not a sign that gives it away, but a large gold door knocker perched near the roof. Upon entrance into the two story lounge, you’ll notice it’s just one of many around this place. In fact there’s an entire wall near the stairwell dedicated to Colonial, Imperial and Victorian style door knockers. The quirky, yet sleek décor is a play on the name. When owner Sam Sameni and his partner, who also own Avenu, a few doors down were trying to decide on a name for their new venture, people continued to ask, “So what are you going to call the place next door?” And just like that the place Next Door had a name.

When it comes to a bar, interesting names and concepts are great, but they can’t exactly be sipped from a brass mug. Thankfully their Apple Mule can. Made with Jim Beam Apple, it gives the standard mule something to aspire to with its sweet, tart Granny Smith finish. The Pineapple Habanero Margarita is a spicy spin on a classic and allows a generous balance between fruity and fiery. If you like your cocktails to bite back, this one nibbles. For something a little syrupier, Strawberry Fields does the trick. Served in a champagne glass, it’s made with Effen Black Cherry Vodka, and sparkling Shiraz. Each sip is a pleasant berry filled tickle. Meanwhile the Dublin Sour makes you stand up and pay attention. Complete with Jameson Irish Whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and a lovely Malbec wine cascading on the top, it is both beautiful and strong.

Like the cocktails, food at this bar captivates. It catches you off guard in the best way possible. The Cobb Salad Bites are tiny bacon baskets of obsession topped with blue cheese, avocado and a sliver of boiled quail egg. Could not get enough. The Grilled Romaine Salad is gorgeously plated, as it has the distinct appearance of a napkin tucked inside the ring, except this one is made of parmesan cheese. Most palate inspiring are the crisp but not crunchy Cajun Crab Cakes. Lush crab is fried and topped with a remoulade sauce, cucumber and crawfish. Scallops here are large and served in a rich tarragon butter sauce. They are succulent, but, if you’re watching your cholesterol, it’s best you leave these buttered based babies alone. Other must tries are the Chimichurri Filet Mignon and the always impressive House Smoked Salmon.

While I’ll always be a fan of the original cast of characters on bar menus, Next Door seems to have gotten things right. Interesting décor, meets, craft cocktails meets upscale bar bites. You can’t knock that. TXmb

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Where to find them-2908 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Phone- (888)381-1411

That whole parking thing- It’s Uptown. So, your best bet is valet or looking for street parking nearby. Just watch out for the signs.