Our Story
Lookin’ Good in the Neighborhood
(August 2023) With his name on the door and 50 years of hospitality experience behind him, restaurateur Mike McRae is intensely focused on his latest concept, McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails. We officially opened in July at 9913 Garland Road in East Dallas.
Mike’s passion for his new place is no surprise, because we’re located in the heart of his old stomping grounds. The 66-year-old Bryan Adams High School grad is welcoming friends and neighbors – old and new – to come in, say hello, and experience his dream. And the response has been overwhelming.
“McRae’s is the culmination of years of ideas that came together with a lot of teamwork, luck, long days and late nights,” says Mike, who saw an opportunity to manifest his vision in the unfinished lounge space left by a previous tenant. “I took it over because this is my neighborhood; it’s where McRae’s was meant to be. And the best part is having so many guests tell us we’re a great addition to the
community.”
Mike’s first job at 15 was as a busboy at The Sizzler Steakhouse just down Garland Road, and he once threw a paper route just 900 feet from McRae’s front door.
McRae’s provides an intimate setting where folks can drink, dine, relax, and converse in casual sophistication. Inside, guests are immersed in an imaginative wonderland. The environment reflects Mike’s individual style – a unique blend of vintage décor and whimsical nature. Our creative cuisine and handcrafted cocktails have been carefully selected, tested, and reimagined to ensure they measure up to expectations. Adding to the distinctive ambience is Mike’s personally curated playlist of over 670 songs.
Finishing touches are currently being made to our outdoor patio which features ivy-covered cedar fencing, ceiling fans, misters, and chandeliers.
“We anticipate the patio being quite popular come cooler temperatures,” Mike says. “With the recent installation of our new humidor behind the bar, we’re introducing Late Night Cigars on the Patio, for after-dinner hours.”
Mike is the creative mind behind the award-winning Table 13, a Sinatra-esque fine dining and entertainment experience in Addison. He also owns the legendary Stan’s Blue Note on Lower Greenville–Dallas’ oldest, continuously operated drinking establishment. And he owns Dodie’s Cajun at The Harbor in Rockwall and at The Village in Allen. He even had a hand in Dick’s Last Resort in the West End until he sold it in 2021.
McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails opens at 5 p.m. daily for dinner service. This fall, we’re introducing Saturday and Sunday brunch with a Bloody Mary Bar. Additional parking is located in the lot behind the restaurant. Follow McRae’s on Facebook and Instagram, and join our VIP Club to stay in-the-know about special offers and updates.