10 biggest Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant openings in 2011

by Teresa Gubbins

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Burgers, BBQ, tacos, Tex-Mex.

Is the economy back on track? If you judge by Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants, then yes. 2011 was a propitious year for restaurant openings, and fine-dining places started seeing a turn-around.

"Restaurants had a better year in 2011 than 2010," said chef-restaurateur Stephan Pyles. "I'm not sure if you know that '09 and '10 were devastating. But we were up a little this year, so I’ll take anything. And we’re optimistic about next year, too."

Openings in Dallas ran from barbecue to Tex-Mex to tacos to burgers. Here are some of the more significant openings in '11:

Lockhart Smokehouse. First serious barbecue place actually in Dallas.

V Spot Cafe. Upscale vegan from owner of Bliss Raw Cafe.

Texas Spice. Chef Jason Weaver returns to Dallas, this time at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

Mesa. Best example of authentic Mexican, from family who makes everything by hand.

Good 2 Go Taco. Gourmet tacos and a commitment to the community.

Commissary. Fancy burgers in Dallas' Arts District from mercurial chef John Tesar.

Bolsa Mercado. Market-deli in Oak Cliff from owners of farm-centric Bolsa restaurant.

Private Social. Home in Uptown Dallas to Top Chef Tiffany Derry.

Cane Rosso. Certified Neapolitan-style pizzeria in Deep Ellum.

Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House. High-end burgers plus cutting-edge beer selection in starving, parched East Dallas.

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