Irish pubs have a certain persona. From the delicious home-cooked food to the Guinness, you can count on your local Irish pub to provide a casual meal and a welcoming atmosphere. The Playwright is a new Irish pub in Dallas, but don't let the newness scare you away. They're already gaining a following, and for good reason.

The Playwright's Menu

The dinner menu at The Playwright is chock-full of Irish classics. Try the Galway Bay Mussels, which are served with savory garlic crostini. O'Casey's Shepherd's Pie is a great choice if you love lamb and potatoes, and the Bangers & Mash will make you think you sailed across the Atlantic! They also offer chicken wings — with unique sauces like Guinness Barbecue and Lemon Pepper — and juicy burgers served with fries or a side salad.

The Playwright is not shy about their beer selection. With 50 beers on tap, there's something for everyone. They also offer a great selection of Jameson Irish Whiskey, Baileys, and more. On the weekends, they serve brunch until 3 pm.

Enjoying Time at The Playwright

The Playwright is only a few minutes from The Ashton Apartments, making it the perfect weeknight hangout. Owned by a native of Ireland, the pub offers an authentic experience, from the warm wooden trim to the dim lighting. Admire the numerous, unique beer and wine bottles behind the bar, and chat with staff to learn more about their unique selections.

As a convenience to customers, they even offer free valet parking during the day. Happy Hour lasts from 2 - 7 pm, Monday - Friday, and brings many beverage and drink specials — from $6 Irish car bombs to $6 corned beef and cabbage rolls.

Stop by The Playwright at 1722 Routh Street in Dallas. If you are looking for a friendly and welcoming apartment community in the area, contact us soon. We love welcoming new residents.

Dallas features an array of restaurants including those that serve everything from fresh sushi to perfectly fried catfish.

Seafood restaurants not to be missed include:

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

At the Oceanaire Seafood Room, the menu is based on market availability. The chefs only use top-of-the-catch fish from the world's best suppliers, and they carefully craft the dishes to ensure that the restaurant's quality standards are not only met, but exceeded. Guests always enjoy unparalleled service, and the elegant dining room comes complete dim lighting and tables covered in white cloth. Meals include Chesapeake Bay-style crab cakes, seared wild Atlantic halibut, and Bay of Fundy salmon, which can be enjoyed with a side of truffle mashed potatoes.

Rex's Seafood & Market

Rex's first opened as a market with a focus on providing the city with the highest quality seafood. It wasn't long before customers were asking for prepared meals, and that's how the restaurant was born. Owner Beau Bellomy enjoys telling stories about growing up as a fishmonger, and he always offers the freshest catch. The menu includes Parmesan-crusted flounder, crab pasta, and lobster rolls, along with a slice of key lime pie for dessert.

Lovers Seafood & Market

Lovers Seafood & Market strives to offer exceptional quality and excellent service. Owners Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing serve meals that are both delicious and innovative, and the modern dining room features teal chairs and unique light fixtures. On the menu, guests find dishes such as Thai-style mussels, Alaskan halibut, and old school lobster tacos, and a coconut cream parfait that is the perfect end to any meal.

These are just a few of the seafood restaurants around The Ashton. If you are thinking about calling our community home, please contact us. We would love to show you our amenities and floor plans firsthand.

Crepes are one of the most widely recognized international foods, and they're made with eggs, flour, milk, and a few other ingredients.

Whether you would like crepes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, head to one of the following restaurants where you're sure to enjoy a delicious meal:

Yolk

Taki Kastanis grew up with hard-working parents who owned several eateries. He later obtained a real estate broker's license, but with the restaurant industry in his blood, he found it hard to stay away. Taki opened the first Yolk in Chicago in 2006, and it wasn't long before its upscale breakfast and restaurant concept became popular with locals and tourists alike. Today, Yolk also calls Dallas home, and it offers friendly service in a casual atmosphere. Crepes include Nutella and West Coast, and they can be enjoyed with a side of hickory smoked bacon.

The Original Pancake House

When Les Highet and Erma Hueneke opened The Original Pancake House in 1953, they drew upon many years in the culinary industry. Today, it's a second and third generation-run business, and the family takes pride in maintaining high-quality standards. The menu has gained national acclaim, and the dishes are made using the finest ingredients such as hard wheat unbleached flour. There are several crepes to choose from including French, Mandarin, and Cherry Kijafa.

Mercat Bistro

Inspired by some of Europe's finest designs and culinary practices, Mercat Bistro is an intimate eatery filled with stunning antiques. It's known as one of the top 100 restaurants in Dallas and has gained recognition by Fox 4 News. The bistro is a fun place to meet friends, and the green chile crepe can be enjoyed with a specialty latte.

These are just a few of the restaurants near our apartments in Dallas. To call our community home, please contact us to schedule a tour where we can show you all we have to offer.

Dallas is home to thousands of restaurants including those that are known for their unique features.

Those not to be missed include:

Teppo

While Teppo isn't a sports bar, the sushi chefs are known for looking over their shoulder to glance at their favorite team in action. The chefs often recognize their regular customers as readily as they know their favorite players, and they enjoy watching sports with everyone who walks through the doors. Eater Dallas has recognized Teppo as one of the best sushi restaurants in the city, and popular choices include bigeye tuna, Japanese snapper, and Spanish mackerel.

Smoke

Nestled in the Oak Cliff neighborhood, Smoke is owned by Tim Byres who uses antiquated cooking techniques. Before opening the restaurant in 2009, he cooked in the United States embassy in Belgium, and he has been recognized by publications such as Food & Wine and the Food Republic. The kitchen is anchored by a massive wood stove, while the dining area comes complete with colorful pictures and a cozy fireplace. The varied menu includes grilled quail, seared sea scallops, and smoked Berkshire pork chops with a delectable canella churros cake for dessert.

Russian Banya

As soon as visitors walk into Russian Banya, they discover a bathhouse with a reputation for offering some of the hottest saunas around. The onsite restaurant is known as a hidden gem, and it was once featured on an episode of Bizarre Foods starring Andrew Zimmern. Guests always enjoy friendly service, and the vibrant dining room features chandeliers, Russian dolls, and a stage for live entertainment. Meals include borsch, pork kebabs, and lamb chops.

These are just a few of the restaurants near The Ashton. If you are searching for a place to call home, please contact us to schedule a tour. Our leasing agents would love to show you firsthand all our community has to offer.

If you're looking for something different to do, head to the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium.

Found inside Fair Park at the Texas Discovery Gardens, it stands two stories and transports visitors to a tropical rainforest with hundreds of free-flying butterflies.

The butterflies often land on colorful plants, and species include:

Blue Glassy Tiger

Blue glassy tigers are identified by their black bodies and blue markings. They have a moderately fast, casual flight, and often fly about five feet above the ground. These butterflies drink nectar from the long panicled flowers of herbaceous plants, they are found throughout Southeast Asia in the wild.

Glasswinged

More commonly referred to as the Snow Fly, glasswinged butterflies are famous for sparkling even in the weakest light. Their brittle wings make a soft tinkling sound as they flit from place to place, and each wing usually has two sets of tails. Glass winged butterflies are also known for undertaking long migrations, and while they look extremely delicate, they can carry nearly forty times their own weight.

Citrus Swallowtails

Citrus swallowtails are quite large, and they feature yellow and black markings with blue and red eyespots. They're common to sub-Saharan Africa where they feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, and their three legs help them stand on the various blooms.

Variable Cracker

Variable crackers are named for the snapping sounds males make with their wings in defense of their territory. These butterflies are native to the Southern United States and are recognized by their blue-gray coloring and light fawn underside.

The Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium is just one of the fascinating attractions near our apartments in Dallas. If you're searching for a place to call home, please contact our leasing agents to arrange a tour where you can see all we have to offer.

Just three minutes from The Ashton is a fun entertainment destination known as the American Airlines Center.

It features a beautiful combination of brick, granite, and limestone, and since opening in 2001, the center has set a precedent for sporting and live entertainment events.

There are an array of events over the next several weeks including:

Mavericks vs. Knicks (November 14)

The Mavericks have taken to the court since 1981, and they're known for having one of the longest sellout streaks in professional sports. During the game, fans can enjoy concessions such as Eisenberg hot dogs, loaded barbecue nachos, and soft pretzels with cheese.

Pepe Aguilar Presents Jaripeo Sin Fronteras (November 18)

Jaripeo Sin Fronteras offers an exciting evening by combining music, equestrian feats, and the Mexican rodeo. As the son of two recording artists, Pepe first took to the stage at the age of three, and he has since performed around the world. Several of his songs have reached the charts, and audiences can sing along to "Me Falta Valor," "Yo La Amo," "Que Bueno," and more.

Andrea Bocelli (December 5)

Mark your calendars as Andrea Bocelli is not to be missed. He started studying the piano at six and later learned to play the flute and saxophone before he became blind after a soccer injury at the age of twelve. In 1992, one of Andrea's demo tapes was heard by famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and when the pair recorded a song together, it quickly became a hit throughout Europe. During Andrea's concerts, his songs may include "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Time to Say Goodbye," and "Ave Maria."

The American Airlines Center is just one of the entertainment venues near our apartments in Dallas. If you would like to call our community home, please contact us to arrange a showing where you can see all we have to offer firsthand.

Your dog is like a member of the family, so when you need to leave him at the kennel, you only want the very best. In the Dallas area, it's hard to beat Dog House on the Trail. They offer a cozy, loving atmosphere for pet sitting, and they also offer grooming services to get your dog looking clean and pristine.

At Dog House on the Trail, each dog gets his or her own room; there are no cages or kennels. You can bring your own bed from home for them to sleep on, or the business will provide one. Throughout the day, your dog gets to enjoy walks, supervised playtime with friends, and other activities. There's even a taxi service to take you straight to the airport after you drop your dog off!

Dog House on the Trail also offers Doggy Daycare services, so you can leave your dog for a day of fun while you are away at work. The employees will spend plenty of time tossing tennis balls and socializing your dog with others.

If you're looking for grooming services, Dog House on the Trail offers compassionate care in comfortable rooms. There are no uncomfortable cages for the dogs to wait in. Each grooming service includes bathing, a nail trim, brushing, and a personalized haircut.

Before attending Dog House on the Trail, all dogs must be vaccinated for Bordetella, Leptospirosis, DHPP, and rabies. This keeps your dog safe and healthy throughout his stay. Doggy Daycare services start at just $15 a day, and overnight boarding is $35 a night.

You'll find this exceptional boarding and grooming facility at 4144 Buena Vista Street in Dallas. Are you looking for a pet-friendly apartment community in the area? Contact The Ashton to learn more about our apartment community and pet policy.

At farm-to-table restaurants, the chefs use ingredients sourced as locally as possible.

They take advantage of seasonally available fruits and vegetables, and at times, they travel to area farms for the harvest to get the best selection.

The best farm-to-table restaurants in Dallas include:

Prime

At Prime, Chef Chris Flahaven is passionate about creating a memorable dining experience. He's known for pushing the envelope in sourcing locally grown food to offer fresh, flavorful meals. Chef Flahaven states each dish tells a story, and he partners with farmers from JBG Organics and Windy Meadow Family Farms. The waitstaff provides unparalleled service, and the restaurant's modern setting is perfect for date night or meeting friends. The menu includes pastrami egg rolls, grilled long bone pork chops, and Akaushi beef burgers.

Garden Cafe

Known as one of the most unique restaurants in Dallas, the Garden Cafe features a quaint patio and on-site garden. Owned by former attorney Dale Wooten, it's where all of the meals are made from scratch using local grass-fed beef, pasture raised eggs, and produce from the garden. The restaurant features a casual atmosphere, and at times it hosts artist receptions, book signings, and local musicians. The menu includes veggie burgers, organic steel-cut oatmeal, and chicken fried steak.

Bolsa

Nestled just west of the Bishop Arts district, Bolsa offers seasonally inspired dishes and cocktails. The chefs work with local farmers and ranchers to bring guests the finest ingredients that are healthy and appetizing. The restaurant has earned recognition from publications such as USA Today and the Dallas Observer and includes both indoor and outdoor seating. Menu options include squash and zucchini, Berkshire pork chops, and Diamond H quail.

These are just a few of the farm-to-table restaurants near our apartments in Dallas. If you would like to call our luxurious community home, please contact us. Our leasing agents would love to give you a tour.

Did you know that the city's public art collection features more than three hundred works?

They were created by world-renowned artists, and have made a significant contribution to the vibrant culture of Dallas.

Highlights include:

Pioneer Plaza

Nestled downtown, Pioneer Plaza provides a focal point with a historical significance. It is a heavily visited site and commemorates the city's beginnings by celebrating the trails that brought the first settlers. The plaza features a flowing stream and a bronze recreation of the cattle drive. Created by Glen Rose, Texas native Robert Summers, the pieces include longhorn steers driven by cowboys on horses. This attraction is located on the corner of Griffin and Young Street, and also includes a waterfall, man-made cliffs, and historic details on the sculptures.

The Eye

Designed by Tony Tasset, the thirty-foot-tall eyeball is found in the manicured gardens of the Joule Hotel. When creating this interesting piece, Tony used a picture of his own eyeball, and it's photographed daily.

Pegasus

Widely recognized as a symbol of the city, Pegasus is found on the rooftop of the Magnolia Hotel. Made with neon red tubing, this winged horse stands in half flight and makes a bold statement. Constructed in 1934, it is known as a National Historic Landmark, and originally featured an engine that rotated the horse every fifteen minutes.

Floating Sculptures

Created by French abstract artist Marta Pan, the floating red spheres are seen in the reflection pool outside of City Hall. They were first displayed in New York City's Central Park, and are anchored to the bottom of the pool to allow for some movement.

If you would like to call our apartments in Dallas home, please contact our leasing agents to arrange a tour. They would love to show you firsthand all our community has to offer.

Dallas comes alive after dark, and whether you want to listen to live music, enjoy an evening of laughter, or sip some of the best cocktails in town, you can do all these things and more at these lively nightlife destinations:

Dallas Comedy House

The Dallas Comedy House is where audiences can enjoy quality shows five nights a week. It opened in 2010 after the owners found a dark and gloomy location perfect for a blackboard theater, and today it offers improv, open mic nights, and fun three-hour classes that meet once a week for seven weeks.

House of Blues

Famous for offering the ultimate night out, the House of Blues welcomes guests looking to feast on delicious food while listening to outstanding entertainment. The first location opened in Massachusetts in 1992 as the founder wanted to showcase live music, original folk art, and delta-inspired cuisine. Today, the House of Blues is found in several cities across the country, and many of the artifacts on display have a historical significance. Performers take to the stage most nights, and they entertain with an array of genres.

Candleroom

The Candleroom has lit up the city's nightlife scene since 2003 and is known for its captivating style, cutting-edge music, and exceptional service. It encompasses three thousand square feet and is complete with vibrant colors, smoke glass tiered columns, and a white stone bar. When guests aren't on the dance floor, they can relax in the parlor and sip cocktails such as Road Not Taken, Jack Sparrow, and Rolling Down the Street.

These are just a few of the nightlife destinations near our apartments in Dallas. If you are searching for a place to call home, please contact us to arrange a tour. Our leasing agents would love to show you firsthand all we have to offer.

A short distance from the city's most fashionable neighborhoods and major attractions is a thirty-three-acre destination that stretches four entire blocks.

It's called The Shops at Park Lane, and it is home to national retailers, designer-value department stores, and contemporary restaurants.

Highlights include:

Bloomingdale's

For more than one hundred years, Bloomingdale's has been a retail icon known for featuring the best names in apparel and fashion accessories. It all started when founders Joseph and Lyman Bloomingdale sold hoop skirts in their ladies' notions shop in 1872, and it was beginning of what would become a renowned department store. Today, it's where both men and women can find items such as jackets, jeans, sneakers, and so much more.

HomeGoods

At HomeGoods, the buyers search the globe to fill the store with unique finds sold at incredible prices. Every visit to the shop is different as the selection is constantly changing, and the friendly staff enjoys helping guests find the perfect pieces for their home. Products include sofas, dining tables, and seasonal decor.

Bowl & Barrel

Bowl & Barrel is where friends and family meet for an evening of food and fun. It's the first upscale bowling alley in Dallas, and it features exposed brick, televisions, and fifteen state-of-the-art lanes complete with automatic scoring and comfortable seating. In the kitchen, the chefs prepare an array of meals using fresh ingredients, and choices include green chili grilled cheese sandwiches, jumbo lump crab cakes, and Texas Wagyu beef. Bowl & Barrel also offers Happy Hourly Monday through Friday, and guests can sip cocktails such as Pink Panther and Basil Squared.

The Shops at Park Lane is just fourteen minutes from our apartments in Dallas. If you are searching for a place to call home, please contact our friendly leasing agents who would love to show you all our community has to offer.

Did you know that Americans eat approximately 2.8 billion pounds of candy each year?

Nearly half is chocolate, and it takes approximately four hundred cacao beans to make one pound of this delicious treat.

If you would like to enjoy some chocolate delights, the best nearby shops include:

CocoAndre

Andrea Pedraza is known for bringing an Old World charm to her craft. After completing an apprenticeship in the late 1980s, she started combining traditional European techniques with modern flavors from Mexico. She spent years perfecting her unique style before opening CocoAndre in 2009, and today the shop produces some of the finest handcrafted chocolates in the world. Try the raspberry lavender chocolate, vegan pecan truffles, or pistachio coconut sea salt bark.

Dude, Sweet Chocolate

Dude, Sweet Chocolate began in a local dive bar where Redding May and Chef Katherine Clapner were regulars. Around the holidays, he asked her to create artisan chocolates that he could give to his clients as gifts. Katherine's creations were well received, and she started selling them at farmers markets before opening a brick and mortar location. The chocolates are packaged simply as she believes in focusing on the quality of the product, and the selection includes Hanoi fudge, Coco Puff marshmallows, and truly chocolate granola.

See's Candies

See's Candies was founded upon Mary See's principle of quality without compromise. The first location opened in Los Angeles in the early 1900s, and she took pride in using the finest and freshest ingredients. Today, some of the candies are still made using Mary's original recipes, and the chocolatiers never use preservatives. They strive to offer the best chocolates in Texas, and choices include pineapple truffles, milk pecan buds, and dark chocolate walnut square bars.

These are just a few of the delicious shops near our apartments in Dallas. If you are looking for a place to call home, please contact us to schedule a tour.

If you're looking to enjoy a light lunch on a hot day, stop by one of the following delis where you'll find an array of delicious sandwiches:

Cindi's N.Y. Delicatessen

Cindi's is a local favorite among those who enjoy the authentic flavors of New York. Owned by Anh Vo, it's one part pancake house and one part Southern mom and pop diner. The casual atmosphere also features a mural painted by famed Vietnamese artist Tri Minh Nguyen, and a friendly staff that offers attentive, friendly service. The menu features sandwiches such as deluxe turkey, chicken salad, and hot corned beef.

Jason's Deli

At Jason's Deli, it's all about the food. Family owned and operated, the deli is community focused and was one of the first restaurants to remove trans fat from its ingredients. The staff supports area schools and college clubs, and are happy to chat with everyone they serve. Jason's has been recognized by both Business Insider and National Restaurant News, and specialty sandwiches include Shelley's Deli Chick, Amy's Turkey-O, and The Papa Joe.

Firehouse Subs

Brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen grew up in a family that was both entrepreneurial and built on generations of police and fire service. Before establishing Firehouse, they tried everything from rock and roll to Christmas tree farming, and boast that their adventures led to them to open a deli. They believe in offering quality meals which is why the sandwiches are made with the best meats and toppings and served on toasted sub rolls made from a secret recipe. In 2017, Restaurant Business magazine called Firehouse the number one "Most Craveable Chain Sandwich," and options include sweet and spicy meatball, NY Steamer, and Virginia honey ham.

These are just a few of the delis near our apartments in Dallas. If you are looking for a place to call home, please contact us to arrange a tour of our luxurious community.

If you enjoy watching live productions, don't miss the shows offered by Dallas Summer Musicals.

It is the leading non-profit presenter of Broadway theater in North Texas, and it dates back to 1941 when it began as Opera Under the Stars.

The first season was co-produced by a group of area businessmen, and it ended without a profit as ticket prices ranged from thirty cents to just over one dollar.

Today, the organization is thriving, and upcoming summer performances include:

The Lion King (June 13 - July 7)

More than ninety million people across the globe have watched The Lion King, making it the world's number one musical. It's known as one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to take the stage, and The New York Times states "There is simply nothing else like it." The story is filled with hope and adventure, and features unforgettable songs such as "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."

Love Never Dies (July 24 - August 5)

Making its Dallas premiere, Love Never Dies is a tale full of passion and drama as it follows the Phantom on his final bid to win back the love of musical protegee, Christine Daae. Called "Beautiful and haunting" by the Daily Mail, songs include "Heaven by the Sea" and "Beneath a Moonless Sky."

School of Rock (August 15-26)

The School of Rock is a New York Times critic pick, and it keeps audiences laughing as an aspiring rock star working as a substitute teacher turns a class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band. Sing along to tunes such as "Set You Free," "Edge of Seventeen," and "I Pledge Allegiance to the Band."

If you would like to call our apartment community in Dallas home, please contact our leasing agents to arrange a tour. We would love to show you our amenities firsthand.

The beautiful, historic State Thomas district is home to one of the most inviting coffee shops in Dallas. Crooked Tree Coffeehouse has a warm and cozy atmosphere that instantly makes guests feel right at home. They also serve a pretty mean cup of coffee!

Crooked Tree Coffeehouse

Located just minutes away from your apartment in Dallas, this charming coffee shop boasts an incredible menu and a unique atmosphere to match. Stopping at Crooked Tree feels like visiting an old friend's house. That's probably because it looks exactly like an old friend's house! From the quaint entrance on the front porch to the colorful rooms inside, Crooked Tree exudes warmth and hospitality.

The Atmosphere

Crooked Tree Coffeehouse is a delightful shop tucked away inside a whimsical little house in a beautiful historic neighborhood. Warm wood floors, high ceilings, and pretty, arched doorways highlight the historic charm of the building. An eclectic mix of furniture fills every room. Visiting with a large group of friends? Gather around a large dining room table and enjoy each other's company. Looking to relax and unwind? Grab a spot in an overstuffed armchair next to a window where you can feel the warm sunshine on your face.

The Food

At Crooked Tree, you can satisfy your cravings with a wide variety of drinks and snacks. Choose from batch-brewed or manually brewed coffee, with numerous flavors that rotate seasonally. Iced coffees, lattes, cappuccinos--you name it, it's on the menu. Not a coffee lover? No problem. Crooked Tree carries many other types of drinks, including loose leaf tea, Chai lattes, Italian sodas, hot chocolate, and fruit spritzer.

The menu is also full of tasty items to go along with your drinks. Fresh pastries are delivered daily from a local bakery--warm banana bread and flaky scones are just a couple of delightful baked goods you'll find behind the counter. Stop by any morning to grab a mouthwatering Tacodeli taco and on the weekends to enjoy a treat from Hypnotic Donuts.

This independent coffee house is a fantastic place to meet with friends or just take a few quiet moments for yourself. Please feel free to contact us to learn about other awesome eateries near your home in Dallas.