Since opening its doors in December 2009, Wildwood has been serving original recipes, a unique selection of craft beers and cocktails, and its signature wood-fired grill cuisine to patrons at its Southlake location. Taking this a step further, the restaurant has undergone a transformation from the inside out, which is reflected in the décor, menu, website and an updated logo that conveys its popular specialties of SMOKE, WHISKEY and CRAFT.
Just in time for its seventh anniversary, Wildwood unveiled a new look, feel and taste which is intended to delight its loyal patrons and entice new visitors. According to co-owner and operator Dave Garner, the re-design is described as post prohibition-era meets southern hospitality.
“We felt it was time for an upgrade across the board, but have made sure to keep the heart and soul of Wildwood intact – including our most popular menu items, Texas craft beers and friendly service,” stated Garner. “As one of the few family-owned restaurants in Southlake, Wildwood enjoys creative and culinary freedom – we do not have to conform to chain or franchise restrictions.”
The change is easy to spot upon arrival. Greeting patrons at its location on Southlake Boulevard is a repainted exterior and new landscaping, along with rows of whiskey barrels underneath the building signage – the first indication of what awaits inside. The double front doors feature etched glass with the updated Wildwood logo.
The floorplan was not altered, but the dining room now offers a contemporary, industrial-style aesthetic with an exposed ceiling, historical family art, and reclaimed wood and steel elements. As a nod to the wood-fired cuisine, representing SMOKE, the east end of the dining room showcases a wall of cedar end-cut logs. Warehouse-style windows, that open and close for privacy, were installed between the space and the adjoining private dining room which can accommodate up to 45 people. Cedar columns separate the dining room from the open kitchen below a wall of large chalkboards that promote daily specials.
Representing the WHISKEY and CRAFT components of the redesigned restaurant is the large bar area, which is subtly separated from the dining room with suspended steel warehouse windows. One of the most notable changes is the 30-foot chalkboard wall that displays artisan illustrations of crafted cocktails, a whiskey menu and 18 draft brews. Copper vintage pendant lamps softly illuminates the bar area and cozy nooks create intimate areas for groups to gather at any time of day. A garage-style glass door opens into the patio with new outdoor seating and whiskey barrel tables.
According to Garner, the renovation intentionally incorporates flexible components and spaces to accommodate a variety of diners.
"Our goal is to have a restaurant that appeals to the businessman dining alone, a quiet spot for date night, large family dinners, and a fun place for locals to hang out after a Carroll Dragons football game," he said, noting there are two private dining rooms that may be reserved for group events.
Wildwood’s menu also got a makeover, with the addition of new southern-style favorites such as hickory smoked fried chicken, Gulf shrimp and grits, southern fried cobb salad and macaroni skillet. A variety of wood-fired chops, poultry and seafood entrees remain on the menu, along with Wildwood staples such as Dragon Dip, flatbreads and burgers.
Local residents Dave and Mary Garner opened Wildwood in December 2009 to offer a unique, family-owned restaurant to diners in Northeast Tarrant County. As part of its community relations program, Wildwood supports numerous local organizations including the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, Carroll Education Foundation, Call A Ride Southlake and Kids Matter International.
Wildwood is located at 2700 E. Southlake Boulevard. For more information or to make a reservation, call 817-748-2100 or visit www.wildwoodsouthlake.com.