Though the illuminated sign outside declares that there is “nothing to see here,” Delilah begs to be seen. This modern supper club, which was born in West Los Angeles, grew to locations in Miami and Las Vegas, and is now open in Dallas, feels opulent, nostalgic, and relevant all at once.
There are at least two kinds of supper clubs; one is the Wisconsin-style supper club, which is a large tavern, often in the middle of nowhere, in which guests drink brandy old fashioned cocktails and play pull tabs while waiting for their tables that will be, when their names are called from the loud speaker, preset with relish trays then cluttered with platters of prime rib or perch. Those tend to be low key, community gathering centers.
The other is the elegant supper clubs, the ones you’ve seen in movies like Goodfellas, White Christmas, and Casablanca. They ooze sophistication. They depict exclusivity and community at the same time. These are places where guests turn out in finery, enjoy a beautiful dining room, a meal, and live entertainment. That’s Delilah.
Delilah is a visual wonderland. The design is elegantly loud, with corally-pink velvet booths, Venetian glass-style chandeliers and pendant lights, mirrors, heavy drapery, golden stage-to-ceiling palm trees, and carpeted flooring in shades of blue ripples. It’s not subtle and the décor is meant to be part of the entertainment experience.
Delilah’s menu is consistent in each location, such as the chicken tenders, seafood tower, burger, and carrot soufflé, but Dallas is a little heavier on the beef with around a dozen beef menu items here, but half of that in the Las Vegas location.
The night we dined, my husband and I shared the truffled grilled cheese with a fondue of toma, a buttery, tangy cheese for dipping, the tuna tartare, and the crispy cauliflower. Everyone has different tastes so just because I loved the grilled cheese and thought the tartare was a little bland, doesn’t mean you, dear reader, will feel the same.
Our entrees were the bone-in Texas Redfish ($36) and the lobster pasta ($62). The bone in the fish is large and easily avoided and the brown butter beurre blanc sauce served with it was excellent. The pasta was served with a roasted lobster half. It was flavorful and included a generous portion of lobster. We enjoyed our entrees and thought they were well prepared and offered at reasonable prices.
The service was attentive and friendly, though our server was aware that I was hosted by the restaurant, which could have influenced that. However, we observed the same affable, attentive service at the tables near us. In fact, a table of women nearby were taking photos and videos of themselves, the entertainers, and the venue, which is not permitted in any Delilah locations, and a server warmly but firmly reminded them of the policy.
The entertainment was, well, entertaining. The dancers, positioned in stages throughout the venue, were glamourous and costumed in plumes and pearls, befitting of the venue. The jazz trio and revolving singers were entertaining, more as background than a powerful stage presence.
Deliliah Dallas is the largest location so far, extending more than 15,000 square feet which is the equivalent of slightly more than three NBA basketball courts. The space includes private dining areas, a bar and the cruise ship-like main dining room. As expansive as it is, it feels cozy. The placement of the tables and banquets is designed to maximize access to the entertainment and provide a little cocoon for your dining experience.
Deliliah is fun, beautiful, novel, and a special venue for date nights, girls’ and guys’ nights out, and even celebrating your parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. It’s appealing for all ages.
Deliliah is located at 1616 Hi Line Drive in the Design District. It’s open for dinner 5 p.m. – midnight Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday and open until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday with a special late-night menu. Deliliah is closed on Mondays. Make reservations online here.
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