Dallas/ Food & Drinks
Published on June 13, 2018
Eat, drink, exercise: Check out the 5 newest businesses in Oak LawnPhoto: Izakaya RoMan/Yelp

If you're looking for the newest businesses in Oak Lawn, we've got you covered. From a spot to score Mexican grub to a gym where you can work if off, these are the latest businesses to debut in this Dallas neighborhood.

Mudsmith

3111 Welborn St.

Photo: Nick M./Yelp

Mudsmith is a coffee shop and breakfast/brunch spot. It's the second location, the first being over in Lower Greenville.

It serves Avoca coffee with a wide selection of options, including Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and more. You can also choose from a variety of teas (iced, black, green and herbal), fresh juices and smoothies.

On the food front, you've got breakfast sandwiches like the Jump Start (scrambled egg whites, kale, tomato and avocado on gluten-free bread), breakfast plates like the Mudsmith Burrito (sun-dried tomato tortilla, scrambled egg, chorizo, cilantro and cheddar with a side of tomato, avocado and potatoes), and lunch sandwiches like the roasted turkey (house-roasted rosemary turkey breast, sun-dried tomato aioli, avocado, lettuce and tomato on wheat bread). (You can check out the full menu here.)

Mudsmith's current Yelp rating of 4.5 stars out of nine reviews indicates positive feedback.

Yelper Michael H., who reviewed the newcomer on May 5, wrote, "The atmosphere is very chill with low lighting and soft music in the background. ... They have a wide variety of drinks to choose from as well as some house-made food options, including sandwiches, protein snack boxes and muffins."

Yelper Nick M. wrote, "The Mudsmith burrito was a pleasant surprise. Hearty and delicious and packed with flavor. The chorizo and egg and cheese married so well together and they definitely didn't skimp on the portion."

Mudsmith is open from 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m.–11 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday.

Izakaya RoMan

3211 Oak Lawn Ave.

Photo: Izakaya Roman/Yelp

Izakaya RoMan is an izakaya and sushi bar. This laid-back izakaya serves up Japanese fare, including sushi rolls, sashimi and yakitori skewers, as well as sake offerings.

Yelp users are still warming up to Izakaya RoMan, which currently holds 3.5 stars out of three reviews on the site.

Katrina M., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on June 7, said, "I'm glad that there's finally an izakaya in the area to balance out all of the sushi and ramen restaurants. Definitely try the pork collar, beef tenderloin and ground chicken yakitori. "

Yelper Brian D. added, "We were absolutely blown away by the quality of all the food items! The rolls were fantastic with fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked rice. The sashimi was the big test. Most places can get rolls right, but fail at the sashimi. Our fresh salmon was buttery and served at the perfect temperature.”

Izakaya RoMan is open from 5–11 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday and 5 p.m.–midnight on Thursday-Saturday.

Class Studios

2801 N. Central Expressway, Suite 200

Photo: Scott B./Yelp

Class Studios is a new gym that offers two different classes, both led by trainers. The first is a group cycling class set to a custom playlist and the other is a circuit class that mixes cardio, floor and strength exercises.

The gym also has luxury showers and amenities for your post-workout cool down.

Class Studios currently holds 4.5 stars out of 14 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.

Yelper London E., who reviewed the fitness studio on April 4, wrote, "The spin instructors give the best playlists and tough love. ... Everyone inspires a great sweat and all the instructors are here to motivate and help you improve. "

Yelper Savannah V. wrote, "Can't say enough great things about this place. ... The studio offers two different classes, one being spin and the other a circuit kind of class. I have taken both multiple times and have had so much fun and [found both to be] challenging."

Class Studios hasn't posted its hours yet.

Taqueria La Ventana

3847 Cedar Springs Road

Photo: Taqueria La Ventana/Yelp

Taqueria La Ventana is a Mexican eatery that offers tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more. It's the fifth location for the chain, which has other spots around the Metroplex.

The menu allows you to pick from either tacos, bowls, burritos or quesadillas, then pick your filling, which includes steak, chicken, marinated pork, shredded pork, shrimp, beef tongue, braised beef, chopped brisket or veggies. It also serves up breakfast tacos and quesadillas. (You can check out the full menu here.) Drinks include Mexican beers and margaritas.

Taqueria La Ventana currently holds three stars out of 18 reviews on Yelp, indicating that it has received mixed reviews. 

Yelper Katie T. wrote, "I appreciated the casual, fun and colorful atmosphere. I also noticed the prices are phenomenal! Bowls for $6?! You can't get much better than that. And they have margaritas for $2 during happy hour on weekdays from 4-6."

Yelper Carlos P. wrote, "It's a new location, so I shouldn't be too harsh on them; however, it's a very competitive area and they're an established brand ... The food is bland and it comes out at snail's pace. The kitchen staff jokes around too much."

Taqueria La Ventana is open from 4 p.m.–2 a.m. on Wednesday, 4 p.m.–3 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m.–3 a.m. on the weekends. (It's closed on Monday and Tuesday.)

Ampersand

2600 Cedar Springs Rd.

Photo: Ampersand/Yelp

Ampersand is a roastery, offering coffee, tea and more. Located in a shared space in the Commons at Cedar Springs food hall, this is the business's second location, with the original in Fort Worth in the West Seventh neighborhood.

The new Ampersand serves up drinks like lavender vanilla latte, dirty chai latte, Vietnamese iced coffee, fruit smoothies (strawberry, banana, peach or mango) and caramel macchiatos.

Because it's in a shared space, you can grab some food from other joints, including a taco stand or pizzeria, when you're there for a coffee.

Yelp users are excited about Ampersand, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 14 reviews on the site.

Yelper Alina C., who reviewed the coffee shop on May 5, wrote, "Such a cute little spot! I'm definitely a fan and will be back. ... The lavender latte was good, very smooth and not too sweet. The matcha (my favorite out of the two) was perfect!"

Yelper Ashley C. wrote, "Stumbled upon Ampersand and was pleasantly surprised by this little coffee shop! Got to try their iced matcha latte with almond milk, which was a perfect blend of sweetness and matcha bitterness. Their staff was very friendly as well."

Ampersand is open from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekends.