Casa Linda

Ellen’s Southern Kitchen, Dallas, 12/30/25

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
building from the parking lot – 1211 N Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75218

Ellen’s is a large place in Casa Linda Plaza.  It supposedly has more locations but the downtown one has been closed some time now.  This location opened in July 2023 and originally was open for dinner but now they are open daily for lunch and breakfast, 7am till 3pm.  It took about 2 years to open the location and I’m not sure how they stay in business as we were the only customers the morning we visited.  The restaurant company was founded in 2012 with this location being its third and bills itself as serving Southern comfort food.  The elaborate buidling takes up the corner in the shopping center with a lot of parking available.   Inside is a full bar and walls decorated with photos.  Seating is in booths, benchs, tables and hi-tops by the bar.  Music is in the background of the bright space made so by lighting and lots of windows.  The butcher block tables are good sized and service was helpful, friendly and efficient.  The food however was mediocre, I’m sorry to say.  We got some of the servers recommended plates but most of the food was still on the table when we left.  I suspect something on the menu could have been better but not sure what that would be.  Let me know if you go and find something good. Continue reading →

Be Home Soon, Dallas, 2/13/25

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 9540 Garland Rd #407, Dallas, TX 75218

Be Home Soon opened mid November in Casa Linda plaza.  Owner Madison King created her dream restaurant after years as a musician with Russ Kirk (an accountant with a law degree), and Joey Fink (chef de cuisine).  All three have restaurant experience but wanted to create something casual with a changing menu on their home turf of East Dallas.  It’s in the spot previously occupied by Dugg Burger but you wouldn’t recognize the space.  The purple walls are filled with art and collectables.  A long bar takes up one wall but it has seating for drinks and/or eating.  Small tables line the other wall with the kitchen in the back. The menu was printed on a roll of butcher paper that hangs on the wall and a printed menu lists snacks and staples, like a salad.  The other side of the printed menu was cocktails, many of them traditionally based.  The weekly menu shows up on their Instagram page not the website and they take no reservations.  The cocktails were well made but their wine selection seems only by the glass and was quite limited.  They do offer a kid’s plate but children are not seated after 7:00.  The portions were fairly small so you can order lots and have it family style.  The food was mixed but I’ll go again when I see an interesting menu – I love the concept. Continue reading →