The Dallas dining scene has seen a flurry of new restaurant openings in 2023, but it’s not all about the exciting debuts. This year has also brought about some surprising and unfortunate restaurant closures across the city, cutting short the culinary adventures of many food lovers.
One notable closure is Henry’s Majestic. This beloved spot, which was once a staple in Uptown Dallas for eight years, made a comeback in West Dallas after relocating in 2022. The new venue offered plenty of outdoor space, a stage for live music performances, and inviting indoor seating. However, recent updates reveal that Henry’s Majestic has now been marked as permanently closed on its Google page, and there hasn’t been any activity on its social media for over a month.
Pizzeria Testa also bid farewell to its patrons this year. The pizza restaurant, previously owned by Rod Schaefer since 2018, closed its doors, paving the way for new opportunities in the space. The owners of Goodwin’s and Alamo Club, Austin Rodgers and Jeff Bekavac, are set to take over the lease. Given that Schaefer possesses another vacant space nearby, speculation is rife that a new culinary concept could be on the horizon.
In Lower Greenville, the magical Tiki bar Swizzle announced its closure this past July. Known for its stellar cocktails and delightful bites, Swizzle has entertained guests since 2020. The owners, however, assured fans that while their brick-and-mortar location is closing, the brand will continue as a pop-up and catering company moving forward. This transition marks a shift from a physical establishment to a more flexible operation.
East Dallas lost a local favorite when Hypnotic Donuts closed after 12 years of serving scrumptious donuts and chicken biscuits. The owner, Bruce Labona, made the announcement via Instagram, revealing his decision to retire and end a beloved chapter in the community’s culinary narrative.
Meanwhile, UnaVida, a Modern Mexican restaurant located in West Village, has also shut its doors. The restaurant was well-regarded for dishes like stacked enchilada verde and taco bowls. Although its original concept is gone, reports state that it will be replaced by WokStar, another venture from the same restaurant group, Local Favorite Restaurants. The closure’s reasons remain unclear, but it has sparked conversations about how the landscape of dining in the area continues to evolve.
Another hit to the Design District is the closing of Meddlesome Moth after 15 years of operation. Owner Shannon Wynne cited the inability to sustain business through May 2025 as the reason for closure. The Design District has seen an influx of high-profile eateries, and the competition has likely intensified given the area’s transformation plans. As reported, plans for the area aim to emulate New York City’s Meatpacking District, signaling a shift that might further change the local culinary scene.
These closures reflect the ever-changing nature of the restaurant landscape in Dallas. Each departure marks the end of an era for dedicated patrons and the local community. As new concepts emerge to fill the gaps, food lovers should remain attentive and hopeful for the next exciting wave of dining experiences.
Though the dining scene can be volatile, resilience abounds as chefs and restaurateurs adapt to the shifting tides, ensuring that Dallas remains a vibrant place for culinary adventures.
image source from：papercitymag
