WORK

I can’t say much about the food; the two bites of an appetizer I had were pretty good, but two attempts to eat here both failed due to wretched service and inventory management.
Event 1: Sunday night dinner, looking for a place with a friend from out of state. She wants to try BBQ (meaning brisket, because this is Texas). Work is out. It took over 15 minutes to even get an acknowledgement of our existence and the opportunity to place a drink order, and the place was not particularly busy. The waitress was nice, at least, and recommended we come back on Wednesday for the burnt ends.
Event 2: So I come back Wednesday for the burnt ends. I try to call and place a to-​go order, and am asked if I can hold. I do, and we get disconnected. I’m calling on my law office’s landline, which has never given me any problems, so it’s almost certainly not my phone’s fault. I try calling back several times, and nobody picks up. I leave a message, and nobody returns the call.
I would revisit this recommendation if it were actually possible to conveniently ORDER AND OBTAIN THE DESIRED MENU ITEM. But I’ll never know, because it’s apparently not.

Great place to watch sports in Deep Ellum. Clean, new, a little up-​scale (for the neighborhood, at least). Awesome interior décor and lighting.
The Jaychos, the chicken lollipops, and the brisket sliders are outstanding. Be sure to ask for a side of their house-​made garlic ranch with whatever you order.
Bar prices are ok, not the best value or selection in Deep Ellum. I go there for the food and the laid-​back atmosphere more than for the bar.
I have to dock a star because they seem to have issues with their supply chain. It seems that every time I go, there are numerous items which they can’t make because they’re out of something. Last time, I ordered the fried mushrooms. «Sorry, we’re out of those.» They were also out of almost all domestic draft beer. The waitress was clearly embarrassed and finally I just laughed and put down the menu and said, «OK, tell me what you DO have.» Of course, it ended up being fantastic — everything here is. But come in with a flexible attitude and good humor or you might leave frustrated.

Decided to try this place as we had seen good reviews.
Good things … Food was pretty good, bar style, tasty and quick to serve.
Bad parts … Service sucked. 1 waitress with the black hair was too busy doing shots with her friends to notice. The other at least for us served but ten disappeared. Had no draft beer working ?!
Had to find someone to even get our tab sorted.
Would not plan on coming back

Horrible. 9:30 on Friday night before I ordered I was informed they are out of red wine. The tables who have red wine bought it from the 711 and brought it in. Then I ordered Harpoon UFO (all from the menu), out. So I ordered jalapeño infused margarita. It is not infused. It is a crushed jalapeño. Expect to fight with your straw with chunks of jalapeño and seeds. Music is as good as drunk karaōke, serious. Live music is a guy playing tracks and sing over. If your 21, this may be your spot. Anyone else you may just want to avoid.

Another of my recent favs.
This place has a great atmosphere, terrific food and friendly service. You can come here for lunch with coworkers (I have), come in for a beer before a show nearby (I have), or bring in 10 – 15 rowdy Saints fans and watch a playoff game on a Saturday night (I have)!
I’m not the biggest brisket fan in America (always prefer ribs or pulled pork, as I’m not a Texan), but always love the sugar cookie brisket and burnt ends here. The menu is a little upscale for a BBQ joint, and I love the presentation. Did I mention I would kill a man in a cagefight for the creamed corn, and they have lots of great beers on tap? Oh and LOTS and LOTS of TVs.
What more could you ask for?!
Hurry and get to work!!! You won’t regret it.

Pretty sure I had the chicken sandwich, and it was pretty tasty. But three words «sugar-​cookie-​brisket» put it on a plate and give me a spoon, nothing else needed.
EDIT 01.23.15
Oh wait, no longer in existence because it turned into a damn pitiful «uptown» club.
EDIT 02.04.15
My bad, ran by this morning and it’s the «Candy Shoppe». 50 Cent’s new hang out.

The on-​off again relationship Dallasites have with Deep Ellum is reminiscent to the turbulent Bobby Brown/​Whitney Houston train wreck where they couldn’t break up because in the end, they really needed each other. Or something like that.
Crowds give false hope by having a great time, then bail when bored. They leave a path of tears and heartbreak, destroying all hopes of Deep Ellum’s rise from obscurity which ultimately goes back to emptiness and dilapidation. The relationship with Deep Ellum is on – for the time being.
Restaurants, bars and other tenants are finding new homes in a neighborhood that has no reason to ever be vacant. The difference with this kick start to Deep Ellum’s heart, that may keep the pulse strong, is the emergence of respectable restaurants — not an oversaturation of seedy bars or dance clubs, which have become destination trips for their customer base.
One such new restaurant, Work Bar and Grill, opened it’s doors in April 2013. The restaurant can be viewed as a novelty sports bar with scantily dressed waitresses, which unfortunately are everywhere, but also has an upscale industrial theme.
Owner/​Pitmaster Doug Pickering has brought not necessarily a new concept to life, but one which can thrive if it catches the right crowd. He also may have unknowingly made one of the brightest business moves in Dallas for a barbecue restaurant. With the recent news of Pecan Lodge’s relocation to Deep Ellum, those meat travelers who arrive at Pecan Lodge then choose not to wait in line will find Work within walking distance.
Without labeling themselves as solely a barbecue restaurant, they do rely heavily on smoked meat. The menu itself is very diverse, catering to other palates with offerings such as buffalo fried oysters, mussels, and bacon wrapped prawns. There are plenty of green options for those who dig that sort of thing.
I planned my visit around their Thursday-​night-​only rib offering. Due to my reconnaissance, I discovered the ribs were to be ready by 7 pm. Upon my arrival to a steady, but not overly busy crowd, the disappointing news from the waitress was around 8 pm: They were already out of ribs. I would imagine for a one night per week special, there would be a higher quantity smoked if they sell out in an hour. Early bird gets the pork, I suppose.
The Sugar Cookie brisket was ordered with the sides of choosing being the Potato Salad and Purple Haze Ginger Coleslaw. After the discovery the sausage was that of commercial variety (boggles my mind when there are a handful of local meat markets nearby) and for $ 4 extra, I opted to add protein by ordering the pulled pork.
With a hearty amount of brisket displayed, no time was wasted digging in. The bark was distinctively good and there were several brilliant bites of meat, more often there were bites which caused my jaw to do a bit more work than I would’ve preferred. On these slices, the thick fat had more of a congealed effect due to incomplete rendering. This could be remedied by a bit more trimming prior to applying the rub. The smoky flavor was exactly what one would expect and with a bit longer in the pit, every slice of meat could’ve been consistent deliciousness.
What was commendable was the fact theses slices of brisket were served with fat — not lean and trimmed of all the flavoring that the average Dickey’s enthusiast believes to be real Texas barbecue. While the sauce was served on the side with the brisket, the pulled pork was served with just enough on top to complement the meat.
The sides were above average without particularly standing out. Luckily, there are enough options for the next go-​around.
Work Bar and Grill is worth a visit. For a restaurant with an identity crisis such as them (video arcades in the corner next to the posh lounge seating and is it a barbecue joint or not?), this is an option for the lover of smoked meat who would like to hang out for while, watch a game on one of their many flatscreen TVs and enjoy the wide selection of booze located at their saloon-​style bar.
The only change I would unselfishly like to see made are the Thursday night ribs becoming a menu staple. It’s normal to crave ribs during the day while regressing to your youthful days at the local Pocket Change arcade, right?!

Had dinner here tonight in this laid back, cool bar and grill. Today was a football Sunday, and every game on TV was on their TVs! I think this would be a great place to watch a game that you’re into.
Either way, the service was fine, and the food was pretty good! I ordered citrus brined chicken, and it was very tasty! The server said it comes served on a bed of arugula, but it actually came next to a bed of spring mix baby lettuces. Am I splitting hairs? Yep, but I only mention it because some other reviews included similar reports. It was delicious, regardless. I recommend this dish.
My date had the sausage plate with green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. Both of the vegetables were delicious! He said that the sausage was really good, and that the bar-​b-​que sauce was flavorful with just the right amount of heat. He said it was almost as good as Kenny’s, and that’s high praise.
I’d like to check Work out again and try some other things! If you’re looking for a spot to hang out in Deep Ellum, put Work on your short list.

Man, it only gets worse!
I gave Work another shot last week for dinner, and this time instead of ordering smoked chicken, I ordered the pounded citrus chicken. I’ve had it there before, and the last time I ordered it it was great — succulent chicken with a big pile of arugula, shaved parmesan cheese, little tomatoes, and balsamic drizzled all over. This last time, it was NOTHING LIKE THAT. There was no arugula — it had been susbstituted with iceberg. Iceberg?! Really, come on, who wouldn’t notice the difference there. No parmesan shavings, and even the tomatoes were sliced like you’d get on a burger. Barely any balsamic either. It was like going through some kind of funhouse where the food you used to love is warped and twisted into a grotesque monster. The chicken was good though, so at least that part was fine (this is a non-​smoker required dish so I was glad to find it too wasn’t unrequited-​ly deep fried for no reason).
I get the desire to cut costs, or maybe this was just leftover lack of supplies from the icestorm, but if you’re not going to serve what the menu describes when a customer puts in an order, just tell the customer that you’re out of it so they can decide if they want to tempt fate and see what comes out.

If I loved sports, this would be the place to come to… they had HD screens that are so freakin clear I felt like I was at the fight (MMA was on at the time).
The waitress seemed as if she’d rather be doing anything other than serving us, however the food was good and the atmosphere is cute so i’ll probably be back if i’m in the area.

I went to Work last night for a friend’s promotion celebration. It was a fairly large group and the service was not the best.
I asked for a water to start and 3 other people ordered and received their drinks after me before I had to ask again for a glass of water. Two guys ordered wings but with different sauces. The first order was given to the wrong guy, he didn’t notice and started eating. The waitress brought the second order to the next guy, explained that his order was incorrectly given to someone else and said «you’re ok with these right?» He had been sitting with the rest of us eating for about 20 minutes so he just said yes and ate them, but it was surprising to me that she didn’t get the kitchen to make the correct order quickly.
I ordered the tortellini mac and cheese and it was GOOD. I want another bowl of it right now. I also got mashed potatoes, also delicious.
Their Jaychos (waffle fry nachos) are also great. Add brisket or pulled pork for a fun appetizer.
Other friends have raved about this place and I’d definitely give it another chance, possibly with a smaller group in hopes that the service would match the food.

After several really great experiences, we went back to get some yummies on a Sunday during a Cowboys game early in the season. Now, it wasn’t very crowded there– in fact, I’ve been there when it was at least twice as crowded during the NBA finals and the service was beyond excellent.
First we sat near the bar for 10 minutes, but the fans in the bench seats in front of us were crazy loud and no server came by. Then we moved to the enclosed patio and gave it another 10 minutes. No server.
I went to the bar to get menus and the bartender didn’t seem to care that I had to go to the bar to get a menu. After another 10 minutes of waiting, and no server in sight, I returned the menus to the bar.
Thanks for the lack of service.

Word was spreading like gun fire around the Dallas’ foodie set about a new BBQ spot in Deep Ellum. Excited about the prospect to eat great BBQ after five o clock, I mosied on over for dinner as quick as I could.
Now, lets define BBQ. Shall we? First off, BBQ does not mean, «cook out». It is not a verb. If you think proper BBQ takes place on a grill, that’s also something you’re wrong about. If you are going to want me to take your seriously, I am going to need to see a big smoker and a pit master. Now, the cuts and types of meat used can vary from region to region and so can the rubs and sauces.
Being that I am from great state of Texas where Longhorn steer roam free, my heart is taken by a big ol’ slab of beef. This means Brisket folks. True Texas BBQ. Giddy up.
From the moment I pulled into their well lit parking lot until I took a seat, the amazing smell of smokey goodness filled my nose and provided the perfect Pavlovian effect for what was to come. In true Texas fashion we proceeded to order everything. It happened to be a Wednesday which was great because that’s, «burnt ends day». Thank you sweet baby Jesus! Ill have a pound of those puppies too. What a pleasure it was to not have to stand in line at the butt crack of morning to get some BBQ: cough cough: Pecan Lodge. Also pleasurable to not have to convince friends to take a road trip across the bridge: cough cough: Lockharts.
So, here is the nitty gritty: EVERYTHING (and I mean everything) was over the top perfect. The «sugar cookie» brisket had the most PERFECT bark crust and was highlighted by a nice, red ring of smokey love. The serving was huge and it was so moist that it pulled away from itself with hardly any tugging. Like BBQ sauce? Cool. They have a great homemade one. Does it need it? Hell no. I am sorry Pecan Lodge, and Lockharts. I’ve found a new lover. I’m moving on. This my friends is the BEST BRISKET IN DALLAS. PERIOD.
The chicken was also spectacular. I wont even go into the burnt ends because its hard to articulate was heaven tastes like. Yes, the sides were great too but we aren’t here to talk about mac and cheese and green beans. We are here because as soon as this review is through, your mouth is wet craving some perfect Texas BBQ.
Service: 10 — cute girls mostly who are eager to please and make you feel welcome.
Food: 12 out of 10
Ambiance: 8 —- cool, clean, modern finish out with an awesome jute box and a HUGE outdoor projection screen. Plus, there are tons of TVs. This is quintessentially the perfect place to watch sports.
OVERALL: NEW top 5 in my regular rotation. All other BBQ restaurants should take notes.

I really don’t know how to describe Work. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a pretty cool place in the olé Deep Ellum but the interior confuses me. It doesn’t have your dive bar vibe but then it’s definitely not a frou frou bar either.
Oh well. We came on a Saturday afternoon our bartender/​waitress was nice and the drinks were cold. For bites we tried the ribs and cheese fries and they were actually very good. The tab came out to be pretty reasonable so it gets good marks for that. I’ll be back because Work, ‘works.’

I was actually intending on getting sushi next door when I walked by. The aroma of BBQ on a smoker drew me in like a magnet. Suddenly the thought of sushi wasn’t appealing. Besides, I told myself, you’re in Texas. Average BBQ should trump great sushi here any day of the week. I guess that’s true of anywhere outside of Japan though. For me at least.
I really liked the atmosphere here. It’s a nice bar with good food basically. The place is new so there are quite a few kinks to work out but they’re on the right track. The menu was just what a bar/​american restaurant should be. There are a few BBQ entrees, a half dozen sandwiches or so, and some unique appetizers. They had about 6 beers on tap, more by the bottle, and a long fully stocked bar with very friendly staff.
The kinks they need to work out are more with the kitchen. I probably waited 40 minutes for my food. I didn’t really mind as I had no where to be and was thouroughly enjoying the Agave Wheat beer. Additionally they were running out of things left and right. During my wait I heard the kitchen say they ran out of oysters, corn, and moist brisket. The moist brisket was an issue for me because that’s what I ordered already. The manager was very nice about it and offered to swap out ribs or whatever I’d like but I said I’d try the lean. When my food came he was able to salvage some moist brisket. The moist pieces were great. The lean were very lean and a little dry but I did enjoy my meal.

This place is pretty chill with a sweet happy hour (4p-​7p)!
There’s plenty of seating inside and on their patio. During happy hour you can get your grubby hands on some local beers on draft (Deep Ellum Blonde and Peticolas Velvet Hammer are two I like), you-​call-​it drinks, and wine for $ 3. Certain apps are $ 5 — def try the chicken lollipops! And up yours to everyone who picks on me for eating them w/​a fork and knife! :-P LOL!
What I like the 2^nd most is their décor. I’m not educated in interior design, so I can’t put a name to the type of design. It’s chic warehouse-​y, IMO. The doors between the interior and exterior (patio) remind me of rolling metal dock doors (only narrower) and the lighting is unique. There are counter height tables throughout the interior and a chic nook on a platform with a sexy white couch and square stools that surround a low rustic coffee table. The patio was enclosed with plastic curtains, but it was waaaaay too hot to sit there the day I went!
The jukebox is tricky and not user friendly. There’s lots of music genres on it though, so that’s cool. Also, paying out was confusing. I’m not sure if it is because we had different servers coming to our table and people from our group simultaneously ordering from the bar. The servers were definitely cool and helped clean up two friends’ spills (I didn’t spill til later). They also have FREE WI-​FI! I love that!
If this is WORK, I don’t mind continuing work after the end of a regular work day!

This is the only WORK you’ll be eager to do after work. HA!
Seriously, this place is a great addition to DE. I think it hits the nail on the head in terms of food, service, ambiance, specials, and location.
1) The food is wonderful… it’s dressed up BBQ and new southern, with the likes of bacon wrapped prawns, waffle fries loaded like nachos, elotes style creamed corn, chicken drumette ‘lollipops’ in a delicious Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, and a beaaautiful cut of fatty or lean brisket, your pick. The prices are reasonable for the quality and amount of food you receive (the brisket holds its own against Lockhart Smokehouse or Pecan Lodge, comes with 2 sides, and will come in a huge slab for $ 14).
2) They have great drink and food specials for happy hour, which go from 4pm — 7 pm on the weekdays, and a late night deals menu on Sundays. They have good local beers on tap for $ 3 and appetizers for $ 5 during HH. (Try the Deep Ellum IPA and the lollipop chicken as a combo)
3) The inside of this bar/​restaurant was designed to cater to folks coming in to work or play. They have really fast wifi, lots of outlets, and you can even rent phone chargers from them. I guess if you’re looking to get out of the office, you could potentially come here with your laptop and no one would look at you weird. At night, it’s mostly people coming to play, and they have a full bar and bar like atmosphere to cater to you. TVs, spacious bar tables and stools, an enclosed patio are waiting for you here.
Bonus: If you get take out, you will be handsomely rewarded with their AMAZING, reusable, sturdy, and large take out containers!

Work is a bar that serves food, not a restaurant that has a bar. That’s a useful distinction, because as a bar, they seem popular and enjoyable. And the food is a cut above standard bar food, though it needs more seasoning.
The name, «Work», seems to be some sort of mixed metaphor. The menus are in old fashioned file folders, suggesting that Work refers to office work. However, the waitresses are dressed in sexy Asian schoolgirl outfits, suggesting sex workers not office workers. I’m sure there are patrons who appreciate this. I’m just not one of them.
Then there’s the menu item called «Smack My Chick Up». Naming your chicken entrée in a way that trivializes violence against women does not make me want to come back. So I’m not.

I have always loved the Deep Ellum area of Dallas, and back in the mid 90’s it was a weekly hangout spot for me. Times changed a little bit and I came to the area less frequently. Lately I have begun to rediscover Deep Ellum and this new restaurant/​bar is a nice addition to the area. I come to this area for a change of scenery from where I live, and Work is able provides that. The office theme is cool and some of the female staff have the sexy secretary look.
I didn’t try the food, but was giving a sample of their fried chocolate chip cookies, and they were crunchy, chocolaty and yummy. They only had about 5 or 6 beers on tap, but they had the ones that mattered for me. I love the Deep Ellum IPA, and Peticolas Velvet Hammer.
Work is a fun casual place with a friendly staff. Go to Work and have fun!

I’m very surprised how much I liked this place considering I heard it was a breastaurant. The layout is awesome. Long bar with plenty of seating. Plus a loungy like area and plenty of tables including an awesome patio that will be nice when the weather is cool and they open the windows.
I ordered the patty melt sliders, and sampled my friend’s buffalo fried oysters and bacon wrapped shrimp. Everything was good for bar food. They have a decent selection of beers and liquors too!
Welcome to the neighborhood!