Bryan Street Tavern, a cornerstone of the East Dallas bar scene, known for its unpretentious atmosphere and loyal following, is bringing its successful formula to West Dallas. The new venture, Sylvan Avenue Tavern, is set to open at Sylvan Thirty, a dynamic mixed-use development located off I-30, promising to inject the same beloved BST vibe into a new neighborhood. Patrons can anticipate the familiar hallmarks of Bryan Street Tavern: delicious pizza, a wide selection of beers on tap, and a relaxed setting complete with pool tables and inviting outdoor spaces.
Located at 1888 Sylvan Ave. #F250, Sylvan Avenue Tavern occupies a second-story space, previously a yoga studio. Owner Joe Hinkson anticipates opening its doors in early summer, bringing a much-needed casual bar option to the Sylvan Thirty complex.
The enduring appeal of Bryan Street Tavern, or BST as locals affectionately call it, might seem deceptively simple. It’s a recipe built on quality pizza, a rotating selection of craft beers, live music performances, and classic bar games like pool, darts, and shuffleboard, all complemented by sports broadcasts on TV and a welcoming, pet-friendly patio. However, mastering simplicity and consistently delivering a great experience is where Bryan Street Tavern truly excels. There’s an undeniable charm in its blend of laid-back confidence and approachability that resonates with a diverse clientele.
Bryan Street Tavern has cultivated a devoted community, drawing in not just nearby residents but anyone seeking a comfortable and unpretentious place to unwind. As CultureMap’s Bar Reporter Jonathan Rienstra aptly described it back in 2013, “This East Dallas bar is almost a dive — it certainly looks like one from the outside — but the spacious interior holds more than expected. You have your pool tables and shuffleboards and darts and foosball, all waiting for a Bar Olympics to be had, as you munch on thin-crust pizzas and Buffalo wings and sip one of the many craft beers.” This enduring description still captures the essence of what makes Bryan Street Tavern Dallas a local favorite.
The Sylvan Avenue location has been a project in motion since 2019, facing significant delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which added over a year to the permitting and construction timeline. Despite the challenges, including a temporary closure of the original Bryan Street Tavern in mid-2020, Hinkson navigated the difficulties, securing PPP loans and adapting operations to function as a restaurant to persevere through the pandemic.
Hinkson shared insights into the expansion, stating, “We came close to opening a location in Flower Mound a few years ago, but it didn’t work out. The folks at Sylvan Thirty approached us because they were specifically looking for something with the Bryan Street Tavern feel, and we really liked the space.” This proactive approach from Sylvan Thirty underscores the recognized value and appeal of the Bryan Street Tavern concept.
While Sylvan Avenue Tavern will faithfully replicate the beloved mojo of Bryan Street Tavern Dallas, Hinkson notes they are aiming for “a little more shiny” aesthetic at the new location. This includes the addition of brunch service and a strong focus on maximizing the potential of the second-story patio. “We’ve always prioritized an outdoor presence, and its importance has only grown since COVID,” Hinkson explained, highlighting the evolving preferences of bar-goers.
“We’re really excited about this expansion,” Hinkson enthused. “Areas around Sylvan Thirty, like Bishop Arts and Oak Cliff, are brimming with restaurants and bars, but Sylvan Thirty itself becomes quieter at night. While there are options like Tacodeli and Jettison and Cibo Divino, they offer a different experience from what Bryan Street Tavern provides.” Sylvan Avenue Tavern aims to fill this niche, offering a relaxed and social evening destination within Sylvan Thirty.
Bryan Street Tavern was originally established in 2009 by hospitality veterans Joe Tillotson and Buddy Cramer. Joe Hinkson, who also has a background in construction and disaster recovery work with FEMA, took ownership in 2011 and has since cemented its status as a Dallas institution.
“We consider ourselves a bit of a hidden gem,” Hinkson reflected. “The Bryan Street area has undergone significant changes in recent years, but when BST first opened, it was a much less pretentious neighborhood. This helped us attract a wonderfully diverse clientele, and we’ve consciously avoided catering to a single niche.” This inclusive approach is a key element of Bryan Street Tavern’s enduring appeal.
Furthermore, Bryan Street Tavern has always prioritized the quality of its food, going beyond typical bar fare. Sylvan Avenue Tavern will feature the same popular pizza, wings, and scratch-made food menu, with the potential for a few new additions. “We recently won a ‘Best Pizza in DFW’ award,” Hinkson proudly mentioned. “We make our pizza dough in-house, and even our ranch dressing is made from scratch. We avoid using canned or bottled ingredients. When you combine the quality of our food with the welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home, regardless of who they are, it’s a winning combination.” With the opening of Sylvan Avenue Tavern, West Dallas is poised to welcome this winning combination and experience the Bryan Street Tavern charm for themselves.
