Introduction to Dudley’s Sports Grill
Dudley’s Sports Grill is set to open on Dallas’ Henderson Avenue in September 2025.
The sports bar will have a menu of smashburgers, smoked brisket deviled eggs, chicken-fried steak and the like, served in a room with dozens of TVs.
Dudley’s moves into the Henderson Avenue address that was home to Smithy, a restaurant and bar that opened in 2018. Dallasites might also remember it as the former location of Hibiscus, a beloved modern Texas restaurant that closed in 2016.
The sizable hearth from the Hibiscus kitchen remains, and Dudley’s chef-partner Eric Freidline is excited to use it.
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The Menu and Ambiance
The menu for Dudley’s has already been set, as Dudley’s originated in Rockwall. The Dallas Dudley’s will be “very similar” to its its sibling near Lake Ray Hubbard: “just a little bigger and a little nicer,” Freidline said.
They’re spending more than $100,000 on televisions, said partner Jordan Carson. The bar will have a sports ticker running through the restaurant, like at a Las Vegas sportsbook.
Chicken-fried steak from Dudley’s Sports Grill is made with Wagyu beef, garlic whipped potatoes, shallot sauteed baby spinach and applewood bacon gravy. (Dannielle Rankin)
The booths will be reupholstered with cowhide, and the team has installed a bar top with pennies glued underneath. Soon, a full-sized black bear, a zebra, a deer head and more will “Texify” the space.
The Story Behind Dudley’s
Dudley’s is named for Carson’s grandfather, Floyd Dudley Hitt, who moved to Rockwall in the 1930s. Dudley is also Carson’s middle name.
Dudley’s Sports Grill will have dozens of televisions and a sports ticker inside the Henderson Avenue restaurant in East Dallas. (Dannielle Rankin)
The Team and Their Vision
Carson started Dudley’s with a friend and fellow graduate of Rockwall High School, Gabriel Rhodes. Bar guy Patrick Gorman joined the partnership. Chef Freidline is the latest addition. The team was impressed by the menu he created at their train-themed bar, Boxcar, on Greenville Avenue, and offered him partnership in Dudley’s Dallas.
Freidline’s food in Rockwall created a revenue stream they didn’t expect: Steady DoorDash delivery business for lakeside residents looking for good bar food or barbecue without leaving home.
Location and Expectations
As for Henderson Avenue, Lake Highlands resident Carson said he’s been eyeing the area for years. Now one of Dallas’ fastest-growing blocks, Henderson Avenue is getting a jolt of new energy with coming-soon restaurants like Prince Street Pizza, Boogie’s cocktail lounge and Hendy’s on Henderson.
Stalwarts like The Old Monk Pub and redesigned restaurants The Porch and Gemma are anchors on a changing block.
“I’ve always been a big fan of Henderson Avenue. I think Dudley’s will fit in perfectly,” Carson said. His restaurant will “lean into the country vibe” — a selling point to locals and visitors alike, he hopes.
“There’s a Tecovas across the street. There’s a hat place down the street and next door. We can play off each other.”
Dudley’s Sports Grill will be at 2927 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas. It’s expected to open in September 2025.
Conclusion
The upcoming opening of Dudley’s Sports Grill on Henderson Avenue is highly anticipated, bringing a unique blend of sports bar and Texas-inspired cuisine to the heart of Dallas. With its impressive menu, extensive use of televisions for sports viewing, and a country-themed ambiance, Dudley’s is set to become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The team behind Dudley’s, led by Jordan Carson and including chef-partner Eric Freidline, is committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience that complements the vibrant atmosphere of Henderson Avenue.
FAQs
Q: When is Dudley’s Sports Grill expected to open?
A: Dudley’s Sports Grill is expected to open in September 2025.
Q: Where will Dudley’s Sports Grill be located?
A: Dudley’s Sports Grill will be located at 2927 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas.
Q: What kind of menu can customers expect at Dudley’s Sports Grill?
A: The menu will feature smashburgers, smoked brisket deviled eggs, chicken-fried steak, and other Texas-inspired dishes.
Q: Will Dudley’s Sports Grill have a unique ambiance?
A: Yes, the restaurant will have a country-themed ambiance, including booths reupholstered with cowhide and decorations like a full-sized black bear, a zebra, and a deer head.
Q: Is Dudley’s Sports Grill part of a larger
