With menus boasting dishes ranging from grilled Spanish octopus and duck confit to unagi and pumpkin katsu temaki, The Second Floor at the Exchange provides an array of foodie favorites. After opening its various brands — Hard Shake, Ounce and Ichi Ni San — all under one roof in December, the collaborative concept started attracting diners throughout the Metroplex interested in trying its selection. For those venturing over to Dallas to try its offerings, here’s a guide to exploring The Second Floor at the Exchange.
Start out by heading over to the bar, Hard Shake. Its sophisticated cocktail program wows with its precise presentation along with its bold yet refreshing flavors. Start with a Death by Rosé. The combination of hibiscus Aperitivo, sparkling rosé, grapefruit and absinthe provides a new take on bubbles, while the Frozen Melon Ball — a slushy combination of vodka, Midori, yuzu and orange essence — delivers a delightful and unexpected combination of flavors. For an eye-catching cocktail, order the CigarSmoked Old Fashioned, made with rye, black pepper demerara, cigar essence and bitters. And the Streets of Kabukicho, complete with vodka, coconut, lemongrass, chili tincture and citrus, comes with a kick.
Specializing in small plates with global flavors, Ounce lets guests ease into their dining experience with a variety of delectable starters. The Texas-inspired brasserie boasts comfort food favorites like French onion soup and steak frites as well as head-on prawns, lamb tartare and grilled Spanish octopus. The Ounce Burger, made with an 8-ounce Texas Wagyu patty, bacon, raclette, gruyere, sherry-onion jam and a brioche bun, and the duck confit, add heft to the menu, whereas the roasted beets and almonds and olives and peppers spreads represent lighter alternatives. The cheese board, complete with triple cream brie, lingonberry jam and toast, acts as an appetizer that pleases both large appetites and notorious grazers.
While you could call it a night after Ounce, Ichi Ni San allures guests in with its quality offerings and sleek atmosphere. Its maki, like its shrimp tempura, spicy tuna rolls and crispy tofu, are great shareable plates, while its temaki offers dynamic flavors worth trying. The pumpkin katsu, featuring panko-fried pumpkin, rayu and potato salad, may combine bold ingredients, but its flavors synchronize, acting as a balanced bite. Its chicken and omelette don is a great option for those looking for a fully cooked entree, while the extensive sashimi selection lets sushi aficionados get lost in its plethora of fresh delights. No matter what you choose, there’s no wrong to explore this foodie destination.