Wayward Sons

My friends and I are basically trying to eat our way through Dallas. We came here yesterday for dinner. The restaurant is well built and our waiter was knowledgable. Our water glasses were never empty either. I’ve seen some complaints about service on Unilocal but we didn’t really have an issues.
For an appetizer, we got the bread sampler for $ 24 and we all felt that price was a little steep but man was the bread delicious. They have homemade preserves and the best honey. If you are gonna pick one of the breads to try, I would get the biscuits. I had the lamb meatloaf for $ 18 (a special) and it did not disappoint. All of us got something different and some of my friends felt their meals were a little bland (the pea falafel and chicken dish). We had the cobbler and the tart for dessert. Both were good but the cobbler was better so choose that if you are only gonna get one.
Overall, a good experience with tasty food. A solid ⁴⁄₅.

I know, I know, you’re going to say I’m old, but the place is too loud. When the place is /​4 full, you can’t talk without yelling across the table. When are designers going to learn, hard surfaces echo.
That aside, when we got there a perfectly nice, competent waiter helped us to our table and got us set up and then everything went down hill from there. Franklin, must not have been a waiter long, because not only did he spill a mimosa on my and not offer to do anything about it, but was extremely slow in serving anything after that. It took 20 min. to get either my water or coffee refilled. They were not accommodating to my other guests that had food allergy issues, where most restaurants of any quality would offer to make something off menu to help satisfy specific needs.
The food was just so-​so. prepared well, but the quality of the meats was fairly poor and the plates were not especially hot, likely because of the slow service.
My wife and I love trying new places and are usually forgiving when it comes to mistakes when the staff is welcoming and eager to please, this place was just not.
So long Kirby’s you will be missed. Wayward Sons needs to get gone and stay gone.

I was expecting a little more here. The farm to table vibe doesn’t seem to fit with what is going on right in this area. We sat on the patio and enjoyed people watching. The service was fine. We started the meal with the cornbread. It was phenomenal! Being vegetarian my choices were limited. I went with the mushrooms and grits. The mushrooms were fantastic. The grits were pretty bland. My husband ordered the pork and was pleased. With all the other options I don’t think we will come back for a bit.

We arrived to our reservation 15 minutes early. The hostess told us our waiter was sit with a 6 top that did not have a reservation, but that he would be right with us. I loved the transparency. We were 15 minutes early, so I am sure they thought he had enough time… till we showed up early. It was great, we understood. Genon was our waiter, and I will ask for him every time I go back. He was top notch! Folded napkins when we went to the restaurant, and was very knowledgable! He was interactive and made the meal so much better than it could have been. The food was so yummy! We all orders differently and tasted it all, one was better than the next. Make sure you get the bread, it is not just bread!
We were not disappoint and will be back!

Great Vegan appetizer (beet chili) and dinner option (english pea falafel). Great service, great outdoor patio seating! We will definitely come back.

To be honest this place came highly recommened to me from a good friend who usually knows the best places in Dallas… This time my trust in her opinions has gone down slightly.
Star 1: The atmosphere
I like the outside patio. It has a garden feel with a tounch of rustic apeal. They have fans out side whcih will be helpful iin the hot Dallas summers. Inside; the bar is nice but quiet average to be hoest.
Star 2: Food
I had the fried catfish with greens and hush puppies ($ 18). (note to all soul food lovers!) This was the best greens I have eatten since my great Grandmothers greens! they are seasoned to perfection, & they have amazing chucks of Bacon in them. The catfish is a light layer of cornmeal almost like a little dust (which I appriciated)
Why no more stars?!?:
The service was extremely slow (and no it was not crowed) Our waittress didn’t get us our drinks until after our food had already arrived! (more than 20mins) When we asked why the drinks are taking long she told us (very rudly) «I can’t control how long the bartender is taking. i only pick them up once they are done» We asked to speak with the manager but the manager never came by… Once we did get our drinks two dirty martini’s ($ 13 each) they were half way full in the glass! We just dealed with it ate our food (which was very good honestly) then we left.
If i decide to return (Do to best catfish & greens in Dallas) I will make sure not to sit in that waitress section again!

Absolutely LOVE this place! A friend of mine suggested this place so my boyfriend and I tried it for for the first time last night. We were seated by the manager who was super friendly. We sat on the patio outside which had an awesome fire burning in the center. Our waitress brittany was fantastic as well! We ordered the bread trip as an appetizer which was to die for. It came with jalapeño cornbread, homemade biscuits, and a gluten free bundt batter bread. We split the spinach fettuccine and grilled asparagus for dinner. The owner came out again late to check on us.
There’s a little garden outside where you can sit and see where they grow some of their vegetables!
We can’t wait to come back!

What’s all the hubbub about this place?
Though new, modernly rustic, spacious with good service, I’m not sure what the BFD is! No offense, guys! It’s good, it’s just not compelling enough to make it a definite visit again unless someone tells me to join with.
It had a decent vibe for a Tuesday night, but I would probably hate it on the weekend bc this area gets crowded and the parking situation is nonexistent.
Service: really good. Everyone came by our table like twenty times to ask if we were ok and it was nice to get a little of that attention. Food took forever, so not sure how they work the kitchen when it does get busy.
Drinks: I got the wayward sons drink which was a bit savory and refreshing at the same time. Then got a French 75 which was meh. I’m not sure why I didn’t like it, but it just tasted different than what I expected from a French 75. The boy got a jack rose which was hilarious because it looked so girly but it had brandy and pomegranate juice in it. His first blackberry mule was pretty decent.
Food: the app: shrimp ceviche with grilled avocado. The avocado was so delicious! But the shrimp itself was sooooo fishy and sour (I know ceviche is mainly cooking via citric acid, but this was super sour). The other bell peppers and such with it didn’t add much to the dish itself, so I’d say no thank you.
I had a the blackened redfish which I rather enjoyed. It was crispy on the outside and yet still flakey and juicy on the inside — it’s sometimes difficult to cook fish the right way without overcooking it. The pepper sauce that comes underneath, along with the kale is all very complementary to the fish. I would definitely get that again, but it was $ 26 when their special was $ 36 for an entire whole fried redfish (I’m guessing it could feed two). He was interested in splitting but decided the lamb was more unique and that it would be fries and bad for us!
He had the lamb brisket and he just said its alright. Believe me, I would have tried if I wasn’t a pesce head, but I’m sure it was good. It look moist and flavorful (at least it smelled pretty good). He’s never pleased, though, so don’t trust that part of the review. It looked good for sure.
No desserts! Overall, it was fine, but not amaaaszing. Good place for drinks, though!

Time of day: Sunday Brunch
Best bite: Biscuits with the mushroom gravy.
The bad.
Avocado Toast — Marfa tomato, radish, arugula, hippie toast.
Hope: Thick pieces of bread with a good amount of avocado and goodies. Like the stuff you see Instagram’d all over the place!
Reality: Two slices of regular wheat sandwich bread, burnt, with scant amounts of avocado, tomato, very few thin slivers of radish.
Green Grocers Paleo Granola — goat yogurt, milk or almond milk.
Hope: A filling bowl of granola with at least a couple of scoops, with some yogurt and almond milk.
Reality: No more than one singular measured cup of granola, about a quarter cup of yogurt, some almond milk and sliced bananas. This bowl was small. TINY. For 9 dollars, you’re getting ripped off. My pregnant wife (who has a small appetite) was still starving afterwards.
Duck Egg Shakshuka — mozzarella, carrot top pesto, sourdough
Hope: A small personal sized skilled, still bubbling and pipping hot, with maybe 2 eggs that are still baking in the tomato and red pepper mixture that generally comprises a shakshuka.
Reality:
A regular blate (bowl-​plate) with:
1^{st 1}⁄₃ of the plate — a scoop of the shakshuka mixture on a third of the plate with a barely poached duck egg that was entirely still translucent (the other people who ordered this had the same problem and everyone questioned it, but apparently that’s how they want to serve it).
2^{nd 1}⁄₃ of the plate — some fresh mozz that was diced up with pesto.
3^{rd 1}⁄₃ of the plate — The other third had a pea-​shoot salad.
None of these thirds belong with each other, and the sourdough was seemingly scrap pieces of bread.
Additionally, one of my friends likes a quadruple cappuccino. He was charged for 4 separate cappuccinos, coming in at $ 24 for a freaking cup of coffee.

Disappointed. Was expecting a great time but it was Sunday so maybe kitchen was off. Risotto was very soft did seem made to order, goat was good. Oxtail a amazing, loved that dish. Steak was just ok, for 54 I was expecting a better ny strip. Temp was cooked perfectly. Gnocchi was just ok seems watery but loved the mushrooms on the dish. Dessert selection seemed limited with just two offerings. Wine by the glass offerings excellent

I wish I were an eloquent word smith, so I could write a review worthy of the brunch we just ate. But I’m not, so here goes: this place is f@#$%!ng amazing!
The service was exceptional, thank you TJ! Pretty full house and yet we were treated like we were the only people there. Attentive, friendly, and the drinks and food were delivered at just the right times.
We had mimosas, which were amazing! Fresh squeezed oj? Sure tasted like it.
Biscuits and chipped beef gravy for the table. The buttermilk biscuits where second only to my husband’s scratch biscuits and the gravy was so good, I wanted to lick the plate.
Eggs Benedict with lamb sausage and crumpets were exceptional! Multiple foodgasms were achieved and two loyal customers were gained. Well done, Wayward Sons!

We had a lovely dinner at Wayward Sons on Sunday night. I’ve been reading good things lately, and the menu DEFINITELY stood out as food I wanted to eat — being recognizable ingredients but interesting interpretations. I was surprised at how calm it was when we arrived, but given that we were there fairly early on a Sunday night, not overly thrown off.
Ambiance and service were both wonderful. Our server offered great suggestions. We enjoyed the option of the cozy booth.
The food was satisfying and good. (And fairly photogenic!) But still left me just slightly less than blown away. I enjoyed the mushroom & artichoke gnocchi, but found it slightly under-​seasoned and without the soft texture I was hoping for, especially compared to other gnocchi that I’ve had in Dallas lately (at Remedy just down the road and at Stock & Barrel in Bishop Arts, e.g.). The broccolini with romesco sauce was wonderful. Plus, I’ll take just about any chance I can to eat romesco (or broccolini for that matter.) the Brussels sprouts with mostarda were tasty, though personally I could’ve used a little longer roast on mine for more brown, crispy edges. The tamales with mole sauce that my boyfriend ordered were good; the tasty guacamole and sauces were a good substitute for the under filling.
The cocktails also left something to be desired both in the conceptualization and execution. Nothing stood out as a «must-​try» and though our kind and enthusiastic waiter claimed that the Moscow mule was the best he tried, the fresh ginger juice instead of ginger beer didn’t quite hit the spot. I did reach over to steal an extra gulp after my first taste of my boyfriend’s very sippable Negroni.
All in all, it was good; not bad, not great, and I don’t necessarily have a plan to go back sometime super soon. I appreciate the emphasis on local foods and the sound of the menu. Just wish it delivered more based on the descriptions and the hype.

This place just started serving brunch and so I decided to give it a try. A note here is that this review is only for the brunch service/​food, as I have not been here for their more traditional dinner dining.
Firstly, you cannot reserve a table for less than 6 people over the phone. Since we met that requirement, we didn’t have a problem. Most of the seating if for 2 or 4 people, which is why they take reservations for 6 or more so that they can have tables ready for larger parties. Just wondering if I could make a dinner date reservation for 2 or would I have to wait!
Located on Greenville Ave, parking can be a challenge but as most restaurants they offer valet parking. We were greeted at the entrance and given our table promptly and they didn’t expect our entire party to be present before seating us. Within a minute or so, we were offered drinks/​water and throughout our meal the service was top notch.
The restaurant itself is quite fancy, and all the people dining there were dressed trendy/​fancy casual. The brunch menu was short and sweet with an entire page dedicated to drinks. I would have preferred seeing a few more coffee options but I am sure they can make most of them if you just ask.
I ordered the Bloody Mary, which was potent and spicy. However, that was probably the only thing I enjoyed. As a group we ordered the Chilaquiles, Eggs Benedict and Avocado Toast. My friend also got a cappuccino which she mentioned was ok!
The Avocado Toast was a shareable plate, basically 2 slices of toast (cut into 4 pieces) with avocado and tomato. No offense but I could make better toast than that. There was a lack of salt, or any flavor on the toast. There was a small side of greens on the side, which probably was the star of the plate.
The Chilaquiles was a small plate of black beans with scrambled eggs, salsa and pico de gallo. My food was not hot, warm at the most but I was too hungry to make a fuss. I think I inhaled my food within 5 minutes (not because it was so good but because it was barely a portion for a champion). The scrambled eggs were basic with salt (no onions, coriander, spices). They expected the salsa and beans to juice it up but I found it to be a sub-​par dish. The salsa too was too tangy and had more salt than seasoning. Didn’t feel like a salsa verde!!!
The Eggs Benedict had a lot more hashbrowns occupying the plate than the eggs. The english muffin was thinly sliced, like it was meant to be diet food! From what I heard it wasn’t that great tasting also.
I wanted to like this place after looking at some of the pictures online and the restaurant interiors. But it was a complete let down. I will not be recommending this place for brunch to anyone. Dinner service is at your own risk.
Service = +1
Ambience = +1 (they have an outdoor seating area also)
Drinks = +1 (including the options/​cocktails)

Went here last night for the first time. Started poorly at the bar where the bartender ignored me and my fiancé when we wanted a drink. Mind you only 6 people plus us were at the bar and he wasn’t busy.
Next we got sat and realized service all around sucked. Let me just say my server was the worst person I have ever had, not sure of her name but she had purple hair. She would only ask one or two people what they wanted then walk off. She assumed that one person ordered apps for everyone yet we said we were all separate. Hardly was ever to get a drink, in fact never got one at the table. I ordered Brussel sprouts to go with my salad for dinner and she forgot them, my entire table was finished before I got them. No apology, asked for a box took awhile to get her to bring it, then she took even longer on our checks.
This was not worth the money to come to. Service is non existent and in fact I didn’t feel welcomed at all during my visit. Didn’t ask for a manager but considering he walked by a lot and had to notice us saying how much it sucked and what we needed but he never came by. Didn’t want to make a scene in front of my friends but will not be coming back here.

This was the second time I have been here. Came for my birthday with 15 people who are all in the hospitality business. I was very surprised that we were assigned a server who acted like she didn’t even want to serve us. She had purple hair and a chest tattoo. It didn’t have her name on the ticket. She made my birthday dinner not very special and I left pretty upset. I didn’t complain to management because it was my birthday and we had other things planned after dinner. She was rude, short with us, barely asked if we wanted drinks etc.
Luckily the food is always amazing here. I had the burger and it was awesome. I loved the pickled veggies on top and aioli! So good! We also had the fondue and bread plate. I’m obsessed with the biscuits! I will be back for the food. Hopefully the server will be better.
If I could rank the server — 0 stars.
Food-​5 stars

I fully enjoyed my time at wayward sons. I have seen a few negative reviews and comments via Web and Unilocal.I didn’t have any issues with dining here. I tried all the interesting stuff that I wouldn’t usually find elsewhere. The menu was not confusing unless you want everything spelled out for you, i.e. ask the server. I ordered sardines and toast, the items plated when combined made the appetizer wonderful. Let’s say the entrees were huge. Lasagna and lamb brisket, we favored the lamb brisket. Tasty and moist with delectable sides. The Lasagna is nice and simple. I do recommend the grits, it’s is topped with a mushroom gravy that intensifies the flavor and texture of the grits.
Happy dining yall.

I was looking forward to eating at Wayward Sons and had heard good things. I don’t really know how to explain my thoughts but I will do my best.
It seemed like a place that had all the pieces it should have but for some reason doesn’t come together. The atmosphere is really pretty, a modern rustic look, you can see the posted pictures. Very pretty. Our waiter was professional and cordial. The food was pretty traditional fare but with enough quirks to make in unique. The ceviche appetizer we had served in half of an avocado was very good and probably the hit of our table. So I wanted to like it, liked all the pieces but for some reason, it didn’t come together for me. I am left somewhat grasping at straws as to why. The only reasons I can come up with are not usually reasons that I overly care about but maybe given the genre where the restaurant is they affected my experience or maybe it is that they are in such a competitive world and genre of Dallas restaurants that anything other than earth shattering in underwhelming.
Regardless, the only real hitches I saw were 1) it was probably only half full as we left at 9pm on a Saturday night. And especially the bar was really empty, probably reinforced in my mind that it wasn’t as hot a spot as I previously envisioned. 2) one of the people in our party ordered a tequila they order often at places and the bar didn’t have it, 3) they seemed to lack the item (either drink, appetizer or main) that everyone can go home talking about or that you hear you must have when you go.
I am sure we will go back and I would love to try it again, but with so many restaurants in Dallas, it is not up for the immediate return trip.

I originally wanted to go here because I read a Unilocal review about their vegan charcuterie plate. They have a «vegetarian charcuterie plate» but it is NOT vegan so if you are vegan or vegetarian please discuss the ingredients with your server.
They do however have some other vegan options, just not many. My husband had the red fish and really enjoyed it. I had the black bean tamales and loved the mole sauce they came with. We had wine so I’m not sure how the cocktails are but they looked good.
I used to go to the old restaurant here. The inside is basically the same but they’ve painted it so it’s brighter, moved the hostess stand and added some earthy interior changes like reclaimed wood. The things I would change are the chairs and the fabric on the booth seating. It really stands out and since the dark wood chairs are older and showing wear and the booth material is an old plaid, it just doesn’t fit with the rest of the décor. I do think the plaid could work if the dark wood chairs were painted but that part reminds me of an a Denny’s. But hey, that doesn’t affect the taste of the food, just an ambiance thing! LOL
I’d recommend checking it out and will plan to return.

Great Experience!
While I am not necessarily one of the bandwagon people all excited because of every chef getting their own place, I will say Chef Dodds has in my humble opinion upped the game with Wayward Sons.
I hate reading reviews prior to a visit, but who can resist the temptation and when you go to a place that is a little pricier than most of the places you frequent, you want to know what you are getting yourself in for. While most reviews proved favorable, I noticed some criticizing the waitstaff and others saying the food is not so great. Here are my reactions to those things…
1) I thought the staff was phenomenal. We had «Jed» as our waiter and although we had a party of 8 and he had other tables, he was attentive and informative as well as beyond efficient. If I owned my own restaurant (don’t worry Graham, you got me beat in the cooking department!) I would hire him in a second.
2) The food was delicious. I applaud chefs that source locally and appreciate food that you can taste the freshness in, and Wayward Sons delivered on those things. Were some of the things a little «fancy» for my taste, absolutely, but such is the case for me in most chef restaurants, I am a simple man and often prefer simple food, but a chef has to put his/​her signature on their dishes.
If you come here, starting out with the Saint David’s Raclette Cheese Fondue is a must. It was delicious. Between the eight of us, we had a variety of menu items and shared openly. Some of the highlights were: The biscuits and jams, the lamb brisket, and the chicken and dumplings. Personally, I had the burger, and although it was good and cooked perfectly, it was not great and I would not get it again. All of the sides were great except the general consensus at the table was that the broccolini was not up to par with the rest of the sides. To me, it has simply absorbed too much of the smoke flavor from the grill. Overall though, the place was a hit with us all from the beautiful décor, to the outstanding service, to the delicious food.

Loved it.
But then it’s Graham Dodds at the wheel.
Everything I had was fresh and popped with flavor. Vegan charcuterie? Never would have thought it could be as tasty as it was. But my server, JJ, suggested it. I think I could become vegan after having it.
But, the carnivore in me went on to water buffalo carpaccio. Delish. Beef cheeks, a special, melted in my mouth and was loaded with flavor. The side, a mélange of North African spiced red bell peppers and other veggies, topped with a soft cooked egg, was delicious enough to be served on its own. Desserts were also terrific as was the Wayward Sons cocktail: Thanks to JJ again for suggesting it. It was a spicy taste bud tingler with radishes, jalapeños chartreuse and gin.
Love the rustic chic décor and open kitchen too. It’s comfortable and classy. There are plenty of food choices under $ 25 and cocktails ($ 12) run the same price as every other nice establishment. Maybe even a little less.
Perfect place for date night or a get together with friends. Glad I don’t live close, I could easily eat here every night !!