Shopping can really work up an appetite. And if you're a regular at Ridgmar Mall in west Fort Worth, there's a new alliterative grub hub sure to satisfy, especially for those craving a craft brew.
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Dagwoods Grinders and Growlers, a concept from restaurateur Chris Hutchinson and chef David Hollister, opens August 31. The best part? It's not actually inside the mall. Instead, Dagwoods inhabits a 1,700-square-foot space on the north edge of Mall Circle (opposite I-30).
Hollister described it as a grab and go spot, which is why there's only seating for 45 people. The kitchen is large compared to the dining room, chef said, because he anticipates catering from this location. There's another concept on the way that will have more of a sit-and-stay atmosphere. (More on that in a minute.)
Now on to the goods...
Grinders
Hoagie, sub, grinder, sando -- whatever you want to call it, the eats here come standard between two pieces of bread. And they are massive.
At a recent tasting, Hollister, who is also chef at Gas Monkey Bar and Grill and Yucatan Taco Stand, served the BLT stacked several inches high with 4 ounces of bacon and a fried egg. The Ruben's akaushi corned beef came dressed with house-cured sauerkraut and Sriracha thousand island on marble rye. The namesake Dagwood, however, was most impressive of the three, piled high with akaushi tri tip, tomato, blue cheese, rosemary aioli, leeks and a fried egg on sourdough.
Although the spot is billed as casual, chef Hollister uses healthful ingredients, many of them house-made, such as the accouterments and sauces. (Note: That's not that same thing as healthy. Many of the dishes I tried were rich and heavy, but then menu includes gluten-free items and non-GMO products, as well.)
For those looking to lighten up their lunch, grinders can be requested in a wrap or on "light bread," meaning chefs will scoop out some of the buns. Grinders cost $9.99 and you can view the full menu here. Bonus: Dagwoods offers free soft-serve ice cream, which Hollister plans to infuse regularly with breakfast cereal flavors.
Growlers
Of course, you'll need to wash everything down with a craft beer, and Dagwoods has 24 drafts and a modest selection of bottles and cans to choose from. Most taps will rotate beers as they come in, but the Temptress from Lakewood Brewing Co. will always be available, and Hollister plans to use the seasonal flavors in a dessert cake.
True to the name, patrons can take beer to-go in growlers, which each cost $10. Fills will cost $10-$13 depending on the recipe, Hollister said.
Dagwoods Fire Grill Tap
In the coming weeks, Hollister and Hutchinson will open a sister location to Dagwoods Grinders and Growlers with a more dine-in vibe called Dagwoods Fire Grill Tap. This space will be much larger at 5,000 square feet and much closer to downtown on Foch Street near West Lancaster Avenue.
Of the concept, Hollister said Fire Grill Tap will be "white trashy classy" and "Texas-style street food," though how the two fit together is still in the works. A glance at the preliminary menu offered dishes like chicken fried steak, cracklings and chicharrones, and a few things basted or brined with Dr Pepper. Texas, indeed.
Fire Grill Tap will be a full service restaurant and bar with cocktails and 12 draft beer taps for Lone Star State brews. As of this writing there's no set open date, but we'll keep you updated when we hear something.
Dagwoods Grinders and Growlers, 1726 Mall Cir., Fort Worth. 817-404-9482. dagwoodsdfw.com.
