Downtown Dallas is saying goodbye to two long-standing bars, The Mitchell and Ye Olde Scarlet Pumpernickel Tavern, both slated to close over Easter weekend. The closures, announced by co-owner Adam Salazar, aren’t due to financial struggles but a decision by the buildings’ ownership group to sell the properties. This news comes as Dallas continues to cultivate a vibrant nightlife scene, recently highlighted by a surge in popularity for pizza-centric events like the Dallas Pizza Festival and the Deep Ellum Pizza Fest, demonstrating a strong appetite for community and culinary experiences.
The Mitchell, which opened in 2015 at 1404 Main St., quickly became a fixture in the city’s Central Business District. Taking over a space with a long history of bars – including the Chesterfield, One Eyed Penguin, and Prohibition – The Mitchell distinguished itself with a focus on a lively atmosphere and a curated drink menu. Salazar noted the bar famously offered only one brand of vodka, a deliberate choice that nonetheless proved successful. The bar’s popularity extended to the service industry, becoming a favored spot for those working late nights in the downtown core. CultureMap Dallas detailed the bar’s opening, highlighting its ambition to replicate the energy of bars found in cities like San Francisco and Chicago.
A Downtown Duo’s Legacy
Next door, Ye Olde Scarlet Pumpernickel Tavern, opened in 2020, occupied a space previously home to City Tavern for 14 years and, before that, a Greek restaurant called the Zodiac. City Tavern relocated to 1514 Elm St. In 2019, paving the way for Salazar’s venture. While newer to the scene, the Scarlet Pumpernickel quickly established itself as a neighborhood gathering place. Salazar expressed particular regret over the loss of the Scarlet Pumpernickel, stating, “I sense like the Scarlet could’ve been there for 50 years.”
The decision to close both establishments stems from a real estate transaction, according to Salazar. “The two bars are owned by a group, and they’ve decided to sell the buildings,” he explained. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s a little beyond my pay grade.” The owners aim to vacate the buildings quickly to facilitate the sale, leading to the Easter weekend closure. Despite the circumstances, Salazar intends to send the bars off with a final flourish.
A ‘Bang’ and Beloved Menu Items
“We’re going to go out with a bang,” Salazar said, promising a return of classic menu items like the Monte Cristo sandwich during the final week of operation. The Mitchell, while primarily a bar, earned praise for its food offerings, and bringing back popular dishes is a way to thank loyal patrons. The bars are encouraging downtown residents to visit one last time and reminisce about the quality times shared within their walls.
The closures add to a shifting landscape in downtown Dallas, where real estate pressures and evolving tastes continue to reshape the entertainment options. The Mitchell and Scarlet Pumpernickel join a growing list of establishments impacted by these changes, prompting conversations about the future of the city’s nightlife and the challenges faced by independent businesses. The timing likewise comes amidst a broader trend of culinary festivals gaining traction in Dallas, including the aforementioned pizza celebrations, which draw large crowds and contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a food destination. The Dallas Pizza Festival, for example, showcases local pizzerias and attracts pizza enthusiasts from across the region.
The Rise of Dallas Pizza Festivals
The popularity of events like the Dallas Pizza Festival and the Deep Ellum Pizza Fest speaks to a desire for community-focused experiences and a celebration of local businesses. These festivals, which feature a variety of pizza styles and vendors, have become annual highlights for foodies and families alike. The Deep Ellum Pizza Fest, held annually in the vibrant Deep Ellum neighborhood, offers live music and entertainment alongside the pizza offerings, creating a lively atmosphere.
The loss of The Mitchell and Ye Olde Scarlet Pumpernickel Tavern represents the end of an era for many downtown Dallas regulars. But, the city’s thriving culinary scene and growing appetite for community events suggest that new gathering places will emerge, continuing to shape the city’s vibrant social landscape. The buildings’ future remains uncertain, but the memories created within their walls will undoubtedly linger.
The owners are working to finalize the timeline for vacating the properties, with the goal of completing the process by Easter weekend. Those interested in a final visit are encouraged to do so in the coming days. Further updates regarding the sale of the buildings are expected in the coming weeks.
Do you have memories of The Mitchell or Ye Olde Scarlet Pumpernickel Tavern? Share your stories in the comments below. And please, share this article with others who may be impacted by these closures.
