First look: The Lot offers family-friendly beer garden near Santa Fe Trail

The former Backyard Beach Bar location got one heck of a makeover.

First look: The Lot in takes over former volleyball haven in East Dallas

DALLAS — The eclectic space of the former Backyard Beach Bar reopened Monday as a family-friendly beer garden called The Lot.

Those familiar with Backyard Beach Bar — an East Dallas summer hideout that included a swimming pool and several sand volleyball courts — may hardly recognize the spot after several flattering updates. Freshly carved wooden picnic tables sit beneath a new pergola where the in-ground pool has been filled.

Photo by Tiney Ricciardi

The Lot now has a beer garden atop the former in-ground pool area.

Volleyball nets on the south side of the building have been uprooted to make room for an adult playground (complete with bean bag toss and washers) and children’s playground. A new lumber roof and mesh covering now enclose the previous Beach Bar patio, making the whole place smell brand new.

“We felt the best use of this space … was to have families come and have a place where the kids can run around,” said John McBride, managing partner of The Lot. “It’s very Austin-like.”

The Lot also carries an Austin mentality, McBride said, because of its proximity to the Santa Fe Trail, a 4.2-mile stretch that connects several parks in East Dallas. After seeing the success of places such as The Katy Trail Ice House, businesses are looking for a “trail feel,” said McBride, who feels lucky to have landed such a versatile venue. He is currently working with the city on a bridge that would directly connect The Lot to the Santa Fe Trail, he added.

Photo by Tiney Ricciardi

The dining room is reminiscent of a mess hall or lodge.

The inside of The Lot is rustic like a Colorado lodge. Large, exposed beams hold the frames for two skylights that feed a natural glow into the mess-hall-style dining room. From the floor to the ceiling, from the tables to the chairs, everything is decked out in aged wood. Three large garage doors separate the dining room from the bar, where more contemporary booths and stools complement the design.

“We all had our own neighborhoods growing up, but they all typically had an empty lot where the kids could go play,” McBride said, explaining the restaurant’s concept. “We want to be that empty lot where all the families can congregate.”

The Lot will open every day at 5 p.m. for dinner. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends. The bar is open until 2 a.m. McBride said The Lot will begin serving lunch and brunch by March 25.