Chet's Brings Irish-American Comfort Food to Dallas’ West End
Chet’s in the West End offers a moody vibe (Courtesy)
My husband is a huge fan of a pub . English pub. Irish Pub. Any mention of a place with Fish and Chips, beers, or darts and he’s all in. So, when I saw an article in the Dallas Morning News about the opening of Chet’s, I knew we had to pay them a visit. It’s kind of what you’d think it would be when you see the word “Irish” associated with a menu, but then again, it’s not. While the menu does include Irish-American classics such as Shepherd's Pie, Fish and Chips, and an Irish Stew, it also features a seasonal menu with rotating dishes so regulars will always have something new to try. The restaurant features crystal chandeliers, a wraparound bar, and an intimate space conveying the feeling of a private library with books lining elegant shelves and comfortable couches. – but no dart boards anywhere in sight. It became clear within minutes of us being seated that while the menu favors Irish classics, this place is no casual pub.
Here’s your Instagrammable moment (Courtesy)
Chet's is fondly named in memory of Owner, Jay Khan's, father-in-law. A US Navy Veteran with a passions for whiskey and sarcasm, he personified the restaurant's tag line "Call me old fashioned" and they pay tribute to him with a huge neon sign featuring this saying that makes for a very Instagrammable moment in the center of the restaurant.
PaperCity exclaimed after their visit "First thing’s first: you must try the Irish stew. It’s the perfect comfort dish, served with a warm scoop of mashed potatoes for the winter months ahead. The comforting menu is filled with expected Irish treasures like Paddy’s Burger (topped with Guinness sauce), corned beef and cabbage, a banger sandwich, a jumbo pretzel with Kilian’s cheese sauce, and Chet’s Shepherd’s Pie. You’ll also find burgers, truffle mac and cheese, and even chicken tikka masala — the last of which is likely a nod to Indian cuisine’s rich history in traditional Irish pubs." Well, I didn’t try the irish Stew, but we did enjoy Blistered Shishito Peppers, Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese, Fish and Chips and the nightly special of a Blackened Gulf Snapper with steamed veggies that was superb. Where I did take PaperCity’s advice was on the dessert. They encouraged me to “…indulge a little and order the bread pudding with Jameson whiskey and coconut ice cream. It’s wonderful.” Megan Ziots did not lie.
The wraparound marble bar boasts a large selection of whiskeys and Irish-based cocktails, including their signature "Old Fashioned Menu"with creative varieties of the vintage cocktail. There are a variety of signature Old Fashioned cocktails: “Chet’s” traditional old fashioned made with Bulleit Bourbon, an “Irish” version made with Bushmill Black, a “Smoked Mezcal” version which is not whiskey, but still good, and my personal favorite - the “Lavender Lemon” made with Four Roses. Irish beers like Guinness and Killian’s Irish Red are also available, as well as a selection of wine.
Jay Khan has gone all in with his belief in the West End neighborhood. This opening marks his third restaurant investment in the neighborhood as RJ Mexican Cuisine, 3Eleven Kitchen & Cocktails, and Chet’s (operated in partnership with restaurateur David Cole) all are located within one block of each other. While I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience, Chet’s has its work cut out for them attracting people to the West End. The place is desolate during the week which is not exactly the kind of vibe I am usually going for. But if you can get past the sad lot of empty concepts that surround them - you will be pleasantly surprised by what’s behind their doors.
Chet's is located in the West End at 208 N Market St #100, Dallas, TX 75202, https://www.chetsdallas.com
HOURS
Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm - Fri-Sat 11am-11pm - Sun. 11am-5pm
Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 11a-6pm.