In an unexpected twist, the bustling scene around Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, has seen the emergence of inviting new restaurants and bars, including the recently opened Pistil Cocktail Lounge.
Located on an upper level far above a busy highway, Pistil features an enchanting garden filled with blackberries, spearmint, shiso, purple basil, and lavender, providing an interesting contrast to the lively atmosphere below.
Pistil is part of a thrilling new wave of dining experiences at this revitalized plaza. Its neighboring establishments include Jaxon Texas Kitchen, a two-story restaurant known for its offerings like bison tartare and chicken-fried steak, as well as Shoals Smokehouse, a casual eatery specializing in barbecue and fried chicken.
The entire plaza has undergone significant upgrades, funded in part by the city of Irving’s commitment to reimburse up to $35 million for improvements to the Toyota Music Factory, which is managed by Brookfield Properties.
According to the local economic development department, this investment aims to enhance not only the tenant spaces but also the outdoor turfed area, which serves as a social hub for visitors when high-profile artists such as Billy Currington and Collective Soul perform.
Lori Sirmen, communications manager for Visit Irving, emphasized the importance of the development as a crucial asset to the city. Brookfield Properties has already invested over $10 million of the available funds, including approximately $7.7 million in capital improvements and $2.8 million in improvements for tenant spaces.
The area previously lacked vibrancy after a gap left by well-known music venue owner Billy Bob Barnett, who exited the project in 2018, according to The Dallas Morning News. The new businesses are now viewed as pivotal to the revitalization strategy for Toyota Music Factory.
Eric Albert, the general manager of Toyota Music Factory, highlighted that these newcomers form a cornerstone of their vision, playing a critical role in shaping the future of this entertainment destination.
Kevin Lillis, a restaurateur originally from New York City, spearheads the new developments in Irving. Since moving to Dallas in 2019 to create a food hall at the AT&T campus, he has recognized the immense potential of the Toyota Music Factory to become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
Lillis stated, “You get off the highway and say, ‘I want to have fun tonight.’” With a background in launching food halls and facilitating MMA events, he found the concept of opening restaurants near a music venue to be a natural fit.
Tasked with injecting energy and versatility into a developing area that needed revitalization following the COVID pandemic, Lillis has utilized these spaces creatively, turning them into lively destinations.
Current entertainment options, including the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater and the Mama Tried music venue, will continue alongside the new restaurant offerings. Other establishments are also anticipated to join in the near future, including the Punch Line Comedy Club set to open in late 2025 and Tashan Indian Social, expected by early 2026.
Here’s a closer look at each of the new restaurants and bars introduced by Lillis:
Jaxon Texas Kitchen is the largest among the new eateries at Toyota Music Factory. After the original Jaxon opened in downtown Dallas in 2020, the Irving location, known as Jaxon 2.0, aims to present a more upscale twist on its predecessor, which operated more as a beer garden.
Chef Andrew Dilda has crafted a diverse menu that spotlights regional flavors, including dishes like Parker House rolls with whipped cinnamon-honey butter, a grilled peach salad, and a double-double burger topped with caramelized onions and American cheese.
Contributing to the restaurant’s identity is Dilda’s venison schnitzel, which pays homage to the German culinary influences in Texas Hill Country, alongside offerings of Gulf oysters and Texas wagyu.
Meanwhile, Shoals Smokehouse pays tribute to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the famed city known for its influential recording studio. The fast-casual restaurant features a menu loaded with options such as burnt ends, brisket nachos, barbecue sandwiches, and smoked meats sold by the pound.
Diners are encouraged not to overlook the fried chicken, which can be ordered by the piece or bucket. The barbecue is prepared using a specially constructed pit room equipped with two J&R smokers, ensuring an authentic experience.
The evening-exclusive Pistil Cocktail Lounge, with its cowboy chic aesthetics, boasts a unique feature with a garden patio supplying fresh herbs that are used in its cocktails. This innovative approach allows patrons to enjoy drinks topped with garnishes picked moments before preparation.
Beverage director Angela Montesclaros has designed an enticing cocktail menu featuring drinks like the Neon Cowgirl and the Queen of Disaster, contributing to the distinct flair of the lounge.
In summary, the arrival of these new restaurants and bars marks a significant enhancement to the dining scene at Toyota Music Factory. With continued upgrades and further developments on the horizon, the future looks bright for this vibrant entertainment venue in Irving.
image source from：dallasnews
