Meet Me On The Eastside

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Kathy Tran

For over seven decades, Luby’s has remained a fixture in Texas dining, bringing homestyle comfort food like fried chicken, mac and cheese and coconut cream pie from tray to table. While the former Luby’s located at Mockingbird Lane is scrubbing the cafeteria concept, an elevated new restaurant is moving in to keep the spirit of homemade cooking alive.

Founded by Jon Alexis, the restaurateur behind popular Dallas concepts such as TJ’s Seafood Market, Malibu Poke, Escondido and Ramble Room, Birdie’s Eastside is a patio bar and grill that reimagines family dining. With the restaurant located on 2 sprawling acres, Birdie’s is one of the biggest concepts in Dallas and can seat 150 diners inside and out.

“We’ve acquired an important property in the heart of East Dallas,” Jon says. “Having been connected to East Dallas for decades, we can’t wait to serve this incredible neighborhood.”

Artfully designed by architect Hatsumi Kuzuu, Birdie’s explodes with color with a “cosmic country” aesthetic that’s as funky as it is unique. Vintage kayaks, lake maps and cowboy hats adorn the walls, while paintings of dogs, Texas landmarks and aliens landing at the Granada Theater fill out the interior. The 3,500-square-foot turfed patio is perfect for large groups with oversized furniture and giant oak trees that serve as a shady spot on sunny days. Birdie’s entire aesthetic can be boiled down to its welcome signage, which has Cadillac Ranch-style graffiti spray-painted over an old Luby’s logo.

“We originally tried to ‘get the Luby’s’ out of the building,” Jon says. “Soon, we realized the Texas legacy was the coolest part.”

Sit down and settle in at Birdie’s luxurious resort-style bar that connects the inside to the outside. Don’t worry if all of the seats are taken, because a second cocktail bar nearby has even more seating and a greater variety of drink options. Its margaritas are always top-shelf whether they’re frozen, skinny or spicy, while a selection of “Spritzies” is at your fingertips whether it’s Aperol, Hugo mint or sparkling mezcal paloma. Unconventional offerings are available at the martini bar such as the sour Pickle, the energizing Espresso and the Filthy Martini featuring bacon-stuffed olives. And if you’re looking for a libation that’s as sparkling as it is chilly, the Sauvignon Blanc Slushie offers its own take on the traditional froze.

When it’s time to eat, Birdie’s has a wide scope of culinary delights that range from light and refreshing to hearty and filling. The lighter shares have something for everybody at the table whether it’s the spicy tuna wonton tacos, the mozzarella caprese or the bacon deviled eggs, while the Big Healthy Bowls are packed with fresh ingredients including salmon, portobello mushroom, quinoa and Mediterranean shrimp. You can never go wrong with a classic smash burger, fried chicken sandwich or chicken salad croissant, but if you’re looking for a twist on the traditional wrap, the Tikka Fried Chicken Wrap and Vegetarian Mushroom Gyro prove there’s always a new way to experience your favorite sandwiches.

The homemade flatbreads are perfect for any pizza fan, whether you get pepperoni and bacon or fig and prosciutto. The roasted half chicken and flat iron steak are just the right size for the meat fan in your family, and be sure not to miss the juicy brisket tacos, which are slow-cooked over 48 hours and complemented with fried cheese and handmade flour tortillas. And with a new brunch menu rolling out in 2024, Birdie’s menu is going to grow even bigger and better.

“We created a menu with offerings for every type of guest,” culinary director Stan Rodrigues says. “Whether you are looking for filling snacks, a lighter meal with a few surprising inspirations or just a new date night, Birdie’s has it all.”