Itching to check out the newest restaurant additions to Oak Lawn? From a sushi bar to a fusion taco joint, read on for a list of the newest places to open in this part of Dallas.
Namo
3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 300
Namo is a Japanese spot that focuses exclusively on made-to-order hand roll sushi and sashimi.
You can choose from a number of prix fixe options or order hand rolls individually. Options include salmon, albacore, blue crab, lobster, toro, shrimp, yellowtail and more.
With a 4.5-star rating out of 25 reviews on Yelp so far, the new arrival seems to be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Slater O., who was among the first to review Namo on Aug. 27, wrote, "This is by far the best hand-roll restaurant in Dallas; also the only restaurant that specializes in just hand rolls. The waitstaff is exceptional, and the prices are on point as well."
Clayton C. noted, "Why does no one else serve raw fish with warm rice? It makes a huge difference, and it's one of the things that makes Namo special. Aside from the simple (but delicious) menu, quick service and cool space. There's not much else to say. The food is simple, but of high quality."
Intrigued? Head on over to try it out: Namo is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday.
El Vecino
4514 Travis St., Suite 201
El Vecino is a Tex-Mex spot. This is the restaurant's second location; the original is in East Dallas.
The menu offers options like street tacos, corn tortillas filled with your choice of chicken, steak, brisket or shrimp, served with Mexican rice and black beans; a trio that includes a brisket enchilada with guajillo sauce, chicken mole enchilada and shrimp enchilada with poblano cream; and beef tenderloin and chorizo grilled on a skewer with onion, tomato and serrano peppers. (Check out the full menu here.)
El Vecino currently holds 4.5 stars out of 16 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Kelly K., who reviewed it on July 25, said, "Great bartender, very nice staff, good drinks, great fresh salsas and food (quesadilla and carne asada with mole enchilada). It has several great patios on the second floor."
Mary C. added, "Nice addition to our neighborhood. Super friendly staff and great food. The bartenders are exceptional and make lots of special margaritas. They have a big, covered outdoor balcony too."
El Vecino is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday–Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Ka Thai
4640 McKinney Ave. Suite 130
Ka Thai recently opened its doors inside the Knox Heights building, offering a "modern spin on traditional Thai cuisine."
The new eatery's menu features dishes like the Kiew Nahm soup (pork and shrimp dumplings in chicken broth with bok choy); the red curry with bamboo shoots, eggplant, basil and bell peppers; and the black pepper beef stir-fry with green beans, onions and scallions. (See the full menu here.)
Yelpers are excited about Ka Thai, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 60 reviews on the site.
Raquel H., who visited on Sept. 5, wrote, "I had the yellow curry with the fried rice and the Thai tea. Everything was so good and the portions are big enough to share. ... The place is small, but very classy. The waitress was super nice and made sure I had what I needed."
Rene B. added, "Awesome! All the staff were helpful and accommodating, and we received a complimentary glass of wine! Great modern vibe. The food was good (had the summer rolls and pad woon sen), and I really appreciated their plating."
Ka Thai is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon–10 p.m. on Sunday.
Velvet Taco
3411 McKinney Ave.
Velvet Taco is a fusion spot that serves up its food in taco form. It has several other locations in the Metroplex, plus outposts in Austin, Houston and Chicago.
On the menu, you'll see taco options like the Picnic Chicken (avocado crema, honey-Dijon potato salad, crispy chicken skin and cilantro on a flour tortilla), the Nashville Hot Tofu (crispy tofu, buttermilk ranch crema and pickle on a flour tortilla) and the Annatto Shredded Pork (avocado cream, grilled pineapple, pickled onion, queso fresco and cilantro on a hibiscus corn tortilla).
Red velvet cake, craft beer and margaritas are also on offer. (See the full menu here.)
Velvet Taco's current rating of 4.5 stars out of 26 reviews on Yelp indicates positive feedback from diners.
Yelper Jack A., who reviewed the new taco spot on Aug. 14, said, "This place is amazing! Tacos are so fresh and tasty, our new favorite spot. All the employees were super nice and helpful. Picnic Taco and the Poke Taco were our favorites. And the velvet cake at the end was unexpectedly awesome."
Derrion W. noted, "Little pricey for a taco, but very good! If you're looking for more of a gourmet-type taco and not a street taco, this place is good."
Velvet Taco is open from 11 a.m.–1 a.m. on Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.–3 a.m. on Thursday, 11 a.m.–4 a.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.–4 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.–1 a.m. on Sunday.
