A Peek Inside Ramble Room at Snider Plaza

Restaurateur Jon Alexis really wants to show you all a good time. If he could bottle exceptional service mixed with impeccable hospitality, he’d toss it out in Oprah-like fashion. Everyone would get some.

Alexis started his career as a political campaign consultant. In 2009 he left that line of work and bought his family’s fish market, TJ’s Seafood, which is one of our 100 favorite restaurants in Dallas. As mentioned, he’s got a penchant for hospitality, and as an outlet for that he has a budding restaurant empire. His dance card includes Malibu Poke and, more recently, the Tex-Mex restaurant Escondido.

His newest spot, Ramble Room, is an ode to classic dishes in a restaurant you go to when, in his words, you don’t feel like going out.

The two-story Ramble Room is located in Snider Plaza (6565 Hillcrest Ave.) and is scheduled to open March 6. His culinary director and partner chef is Stan Rodrigues, whose CV includes Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group in New York and, locally, Nick and Sam’s, Sixty Vines, Whiskey Cake and Neighborhood Services.

At Ramble Room, the pair has created a menu with house-made pastas, chicken, burgers, sandwiches and steaks. As one might expect from the owner of TJ’s Seafood, there’s decent fish presence on the menu, from an ahi tuna tartare appetizer to a catch of the day.

Alexis wants a kitchen that offers something for everyone, and while there’s definitely dexterity in the offerings, there are also half orders of some items — a nice touch. A half order of pappardelle Bolognese is $14, and there’s a $12 mushroom bisque. Those who still have some of their allowance left over can go for the $52 New York strip with fries and truffle butter. A house-brined corned beef Reuben certainly looks promising ($19).

A large U-shaped bar in the middle of the restaurant has hidden TVs to reduce noise and distractions for other dining spaces. There’s a classic cocktail menu, martinis and wine by the glass or bottle, along with some local and big-brand beers. Plus there’s Tito’s on tap, which will always pour at 38 degrees.

We’re excited to give the spot a try soon, perhaps out on the big patio. For now, Ramble Room is open for dinner service; lunch and weekend brunch will debut in the spring.

Ramble Room, 6565 Hillcrest Ave. Sunday – Thursday, 5–10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5–11 p.m.