Until the iconic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge opened in 2012, most Dallasites could count on one finger the times they had been to West Dallas. Though it was known as home to Depression-era outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, the area had little to offer visitors except a ride across the Trinity River on the new architectural masterpiece. But restaurateur Phil Romano — founder of Fuddruckers, Eatzi’s, and Macaroni Grill — changed that by redeveloping several warehouses at the base of the bridge and launching his new brainchild, Trinity Groves, which is redefining West Dallas.

The heart of Trinity Groves is the distinctive restaurant incubator. In Shark Tank fashion, Romano and a team of restaurant investors cull through mountains of applications to choose the brightest culinary concepts. The selected chefs are provided space to showcase their cuisines and are then paired with an expert mentor and investor in exchange for a piece of ownership. Consequently, Trinity Groves is a major Dallas destination for North Texas foodies and libation samplers. Its 14 trendy establishments offer a range of cuisines including vegan fare, ethnic fine dining, steaks, seafood, BBQ and blues, and craft beer all served up with stunning bridge and skyline views. Here’s just a sampling of the palate pleasers:

Photo courtesy of The Hall Bar & Grill

The Hall Bar & Grill

Walls of collegiate sports memorabilia set the mood for this intimate saloon-style steakhouse. While its thick, juicy steaks and slow-roasted prime rib are a meat lover’s delight, their fried jumbo shrimp, pan-seared Scottish salmon, and broiled Atlantic cod are equally as tasty. For the ultimate hall dining experience, begin your meal with roasted green chili hummus and homemade herbed crisps or the signature Creole strudel filled with andouille sausage and seafood. And top off your visit with the yummy Heath bar brownie sundae.

Photo courtesy of Sushi Bayashi

Sushi Bayashi

Between communal seating, blond-colored wood, and the large chalkboard menu, Sushi Bayashi has the feel of a Tokyo neighborhood eatery. Add the authentic Izakaya food style that chef-owner Yuki Hirabayashi brought from his hometown of Shitimachi and you have a Japanese culinary adventure. In addition to a selection of sushi, sashimi, and rolls, their dishes include ramen, Japanese curries, and sagoshi, which is Spanish mackerel that’s flown fresh from Japan. Drink choices range from a variety of wine and saké to Japanese beer, including a popular sweet potato lager. 

Photo courtesy of Beto & Son  

Beto & Son

Between Beto – a veteran in Mexican restaurants – and his son Julian, Beto & Son offers genuine farm-to-table fine dining. Not only are all fresh ingredients locally sourced, but every dish is made from scratch. Guacamole is even made at your table. While you can find a selection of tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and fajitas, other delectable choices include tater tot nachos, Mexican-style poutine, tortas, and noodle bowls. Toppings run the gamut from roasted carnitas and chili relleno to seared salmon. Margarita options are equally as inviting, including the Dos Flores Margarita with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Sauza Blue, and hibiscus. And Beto & Son take dessert to a new level with its chocolate cake topped with flan, whipped cream, and just the right touch of cajeta.

Photo courtesy of LUCK

LUCK(Local Urban Craft Kitchen)

When you get a taste of LUCK, you’ll know why the place has a steady flow of customers night and day. Between 40 craft beers on tap and a rotating stock of ciders, ales, and lagers, you’ll have plenty of craft beer choices to sample, which all come from independent breweries within a 75-mile radius, including Corners Brewery in Trinity Groves. Beer is even an ingredient in several scrumptious food items like bierocks — a cheese and meat turnover — as well as beer-braised ribs, a beer and cheese fondue, and even beer ice cream. Aside from beer-centric dishes, other favorites are salads, burgers, and the Mesquite-smoked pastrami sandwich.

Photo courtesy of Babb Brothers BBQ and Blues

Babb Brothers BBQ and Blues

From a mouthwatering selection of BBQ and sides to picnic table seating, Babb Brothers bring the best of a backyard BBQ to Trinity Groves. In addition to Babb’s signature sauce and jalapeno sausage, lip-smacking hickory-smoked meats include sausage, brisket, pork ribs, turkey breast, and pulled pork. Onion straws are a favorite side item, but no Babb-fest is complete without sampling the fried pudding, cobbler, or banana pudding. On weekends, you can get a taste of some of the best live blues music in town when area bands and acts take to the stage lined with guitars.