DINING FEATURE Lakewood Landing ‘Upscale dive bar’ serves cocktails, comfort to East Dallas community F or Bill Rossell, owning a bar has been a lifelong dream. Twenty- ve years into owning Lakewood Landing, an
BY CECILIA LENZEN
economy. He never looked back. When he took over Lakewood Landing in 1986, the business was run down and lthy, Rossell said. He contacted two di erent steam-cleaning companies to deep clean the bar’s kitchen, and they both refused. Now, Rossell proudly boasts over 200 awards and recognitions in local newspapers and magazines, including having the best bar food in Dallas, he said. The bar owner credits the East Dallas community for keeping his
“upscale dive bar” in East Dallas, he said he could not be prouder of the community he has cultivated with his business. Not everyone understands the appeal and charm of dive bars like Rossell’s. Typically, they are “run down, not busy, dirty and cheap,” he said. But “dive bar” is a title he proudly gives his business—minus the “dirty” part. “When I unlock
Lakewood Landing owner Bill Rossell has been in the bar and restaurant industry almost all his life, including 25 years owning his bar.
CECILIA LENZEN COMMUNITY IMPACT
BAR BITES
In addition to cheap, strong drinks, Lakewood Landing is known for its food, which has been recognized as the best bar food in Dallas. Popular
menu items include: • The Landing Burger • Philly cheesesteak • Pork tenderloin sandwich • Loaded cheese fries • Nachos
business the home- like haven that it is. Even during di cult times, the neigh- borhood has rallied around Lakewood Landing, he said.
“I WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL LIKE THEY’RE IN MY LIVING ROOM.” BILL ROSSELL, OWNER
those doors every day, I want you to think we’re hosting a cocktail party in East Dallas, and we’re going to host
The Philly cheesesteak and the loaded cheese fries are among patron favorites.
CECILIA LENZEN COMMUNITY IMPACT
the [best] cocktail party every day of the week,” Rossell said he told his employees on the bar’s opening day in 1988. “I want people to feel like they’re in my living room.” Rossell has been in the bar and restaurant business almost his entire life, getting his rst job at a restaurant when he was 15 years old. Aside from a summerlong stint as the assistant general manager for a minor league baseball team in Tyler, Rossell said he has never strayed from the industry. After growing up in the Midwest, Rossell moved to Dallas in 1983 at his brother’s encouragement because of the then-booming
Amid business shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakewood Landing was able to stay a oat because of the neighbors who ordered takeout every day just to keep him in business, Rossell said. During the severe winter storm in February 2021, Lakewood Landing stayed open while other businesses closed, and the bar stayed packed each night. “People that know us know that we will always be open, and we will always be there for them,” Rossell said. “Doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like; you’re gonna get treated the same as long as you behave.”
The Landing Burger is one of Lakewood Landing’s most popular menu items.
Lakewood Landing serves a number of local beers.
KEVIN CUMMINGS COMMUNITY IMPACT
CECILIA LENZEN COMMUNITY IMPACT
LA VISTA DR.
Lakewood Landing 5818 Live Oak St., Dallas 214-823-2410 http://thelakewoodlanding.com Hours: 3 p.m.-2 a.m. daily
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