Posted on August 22, 2008 at 10:25 a.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 4/5

Following in Tillman's upscale dive footsteps, the new concept from owners of Twisted Root takes State Fair food and makes it fancy with good service and attention to detail. Their "nachos" are like tornado taters with a few extra ingredients. The "lollipop" appetizer is a fried green tomato on a skewer. The grilled cheese one-ups Lucky's and AllGood's by adding BBQ. Their watermelon sweet tea (served by the carafe) tastes more of brew than agua fresca. Even the check is presented in the cardboard box for a pack of playing cards. At Saturday lunch they had quite a crowd - which bodes well if they can last until the Deep Ellum light rail construction is complete.

On Cowboy Chow (Deep Ellum)

Posted on July 1, 2008 at 4:46 p.m.

Food: 3/5  Vibe: 5/5  Service: 5/5  Value: 5/5  Overall: 4/5

The burgers, fries, rings and tots are greasy. You can have real vanilla syrup added to your Coke, and shakes and malts are made with Blue Bell ice cream. You can also buy Beanie Babies or Band-Aids after you dine. This is one of two pharmacies in Dallas County (the other being Highland Park) with its original soda fountain still intact.

On Big State Drugs Fountain & Grill

Posted on March 2, 2008 at 9:54 a.m.

Food: 4/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

The Stoneleigh P was once the pharmacy for the Stoneleigh Hotel across the street, and it still features soda fountain cokes with real vanilla or cherry syrup. Their burger is one of the best in town, but their motto "No pickles, No fries, No kidding!" proves it's unlike others in town. For an extra twist, try the Shrop burger, served with "Truman" Compote and fresh spinach. Even if you aren't hungry, the P has a full bar and great jukebox.

On Stoneleigh P

Posted on February 27, 2008 at 9:52 a.m.

Food: 5/5  Vibe: 4/5  Service: 4/5  Value: 4/5  Overall: 5/5

First, I'll admit I'm a Prius-driving, tofu-eating, Oak Cliff-dweller who has been waiting months for this place to open. After a soft launch over the weekend, the Dallas outpost of Fort Worth's vegan original officially opened Tuesday. The Blue Sky soda machine isn't working yet, nor is the cash register able to process AmEx cards. Fresh juices are also not-yet squeezed, though the signature agave limeade (a delicious virgin margarita on the rocks) is. The fare is familiar to those who've been west. We ordered hearty red curry noodles, the can't-miss all-raw salad, and from the kid's menu -- quinoa and black beans. We were too full to partake of the beautiful baked goods, including pretty pies and cakes. Parking space is scant, but there's plenty of room in the Alley Oops lot just two doors north on Beckley. Atmosphere-wise, the book shelves are still being stocked and the exposed brick walls are bare, but the music selection was tops, ranging from Death Cab for Cutie and Television to jazz. Of course I'll be back, but it's definitely worth crossing the Trinity River, especially while the vegetarian Cosmic Cafe is temporarily closed.

On Spiral Diner & Bakery (Bishop Arts)