For my next Dinner and a Show column at TheaterJones.com, I had to select a restaurant in Richardson, Texas near(ish) the Richardson Theatre Center. In my research, I found a new patio spot — The Fifth Fireside Patio and Bar — that just opened in February in Richardson. You all know I’m a sucker for a patio … so I bring you my The Fifth Richardson Restaurant Review.
The Fifth Richardson Restaurant Review
It’s hard to believe that The Fifth just opened in mid-February. The evening I visited, it elicited a been-a-favorite-neighorhood-joint-for-years kind of vibe. That vibe, the food, the lovely patio and the live jazz I unexpectedly got to enjoy kept me there for hours and made me reluctant to leave.
How did the restaurant get its name? It’s the fifth restaurant in this location, so the owners decided to get creative and call it “The Fifth.” LOL! After my experience, I think the fifth time’s a charm.
Cocktails and Wine at The Fifth
Behold my new favorite adult beverage — a Hibiscus Gin and Tonic. Made with gin, hibiscus syrup, lime juice and sparkling water, it’s refreshing without being too sweet. Bonus: my second one tasted exactly the same as my first (a sign of a well-run bar).
Other craft cocktails on the menu at The Fifth include: a Barrel Aged Old Fashioned, The Fifty Sazerac (made with rye, cognac, simple syrup, bitters and absinthe), a Blackberry Lemon Drop, a Rye Collins, a Poloma and a French 75.
The Fifth also has an extensive wine selection, with options available by the bottle and by the glass.
Starters
Appetizers on the dinner menu range from calamari to ahi tuna nachos to a charcuterie board, tempura fried burrata, meatballs and three different kinds of flatbreads.
I opted for the ahi tuna nachos. There are 6 nachos to an order, and each is made with a crispy wonton topped with a generous piece of ahi tuna that is topped with ponzu, sesame seeds, wasabi cream, a thin jalapeño slice, avocado and togarashi. The combination of flavors was balanced nicely, and despite the jalapeño slice, it wasn’t too spicy. I was dining solo that night and was really grateful I didn’t have to share.
My table neighbors ordered the burrata and told me they loved it. When I questioned my server about his favorite app, he said the burrata was at the top of his list.
Salads, Entrees and Sides
Before I talk about all the options on the menu at The Fifth, I have to talk about this burger!
I love burgers, but I usually restrain myself and opt for “healthier” dishes. But a burger made with a mix of ground strip steak, filet and ground brisket?! I couldn’t pass that up. Even if it is called the “Fat Shady Burger.” However, I ordered it without the brie and subbed out the fries for green beans, so it’s all good, right?
Tender and flavored just right, the burger meat could have been eaten alone. I’m not saying you should miss out on the delightful house made potato bun or the truffle aioli, brie, herb mushrooms, greens or tomato that come with it. I’m just saying you could, and it would be delicious with no accessories.
As for my side dish, the green beans were cooked just right for my preference (seasoned well and not too crunchy, not too soft), and the basil aioli sauce on top was divine.
Brussels sprouts aren’t listed as a side dish on the menu, but I learned that you can order them as one anyway, so I opted to give them a try too. Brussels sprouts, bacon and tear drop Peruvian peppers made this side dish a contender for favorite side item.
Also on the menu at The Fifth are all kinds of enticing salads (from a beet salad with goat cheese to an herb crusted salmon one), two soups, a pan seared salmon my table neighbors loved, veggie pasta, herb roasted chicken, shrimp and grits, smoked short rib, Manhattan strip streak, tenderloin and ahi tuna.
Coffee Done Right
This self-professed coffee snob was happy to learn that they had French press coffee, and it was a delicious ending to my night. It’s made using a blend of beans from the local Eiland Coffee Roasters, located just down the street in Richardson.
A Climate-Controlled Patio + Live Jazz on Sundays
The night I visited, it was a surprisingly comfortable almost 90 degrees. With a nice breeze and a levered panel ceiling that the staff adjusted periodically to avert direct sunlight, I was a happy camper.
Then I heard three little words that will melt any Texan’s heart: “climate-controlled patio.” They said that a/c on the patio was being installed the following week, so it will be 20 degrees cooler on the patio than the normal outdoor temperature. Guess where I’m heading when it’s 100 degrees to comfortably eat outside!?
To top it all off, they have free live jazz on the patio on Sunday evenings from 6-9pm. The band is Gabe Meadows and the Lush Life Trio plus guests. Pictured above is guest trumpet player Bill Taylor.
Also of note: they have a brunch menu!
Address:
2701 Custer Parkway, Ste. 700, Richardson (in the Canyon Creek area)
Website:
