Natalie’s chicken: Photo by Mark Davis
If you’re looking to feast on a Sriracha-infused quinoa burger adorned with locally grown kale, Natalie’s certainly isn’t the place to go. In its 24 years of business, not much has changed at this Preston Hollow establishment. And that’s just how the regulars like it. On a recent Friday afternoon, small groups of church ladies, pairs of gentlemen on business lunches and mother-daughter duos filed in, each asking for quiet, private tables. Decidedly un-trendy, Natalie’s menu lists the usual soup and sandwich offerings, crafted with ladies-who-lunch patrons in mind. The dinner menu, however, contains a healthy smattering of meat and potato-type dishes: Natalie’s chicken — in a Port-wine-mushroom sauce with a crispy pecan crust — is a standout. The popular three-salad platter features a hefty helping of fruit accompanied by a homemade balsamic dressing for dipping. But the impossibly moist fresh-baked banana bread helps justify the price. Owner Al Ahmedus recently removed the window curtains and added new tablecloths to freshen up the restaurant. To make it more modern? “No, no!” Ahmedus says. “More casual and inviting. Like home.”
Natalie’s Restaurant
5940 Royal
214.739.0362
nataliesdallas.com
Ambiance:
classy, casual
price range:
$10-$23
hours:
11 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Mon-Sat
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sun
Three more oldies but goodies
1 Sevy’s
Order a steak, enjoy unobtrusive service, sip a glass of Scotch from the extensive bar menu, and you’ll see why chef/owner Jim “Sevy” Severson’s American grill has stood the test of time since 1997.
8201 Preston, Suite 100
214.265.7389
sevys.com
2 Celebration Restaurant
The chicken-fried chicken with jalapeño gravy should be on everybody’s bucket list. And you can have a free second helping, which could be part of why this home-style eatery has been a local favorite for 43 years.
4503 W. Lovers
214.351.5681
celebrationrestaurant.com
3 Royal China
This place gets packed, so beware — the handmade noodles and wonton soup are as addictive as they say. But if there is a wait for your table, chatting with George, the friendly owner (and son of Buck Kao, who originally opened the place in 1974), will make the time fly by.
6025 Royal, Suite 201
214.361.1771
royalchinadallas.com
