Around the corner from Dealey Plaza is a new hip restaurant, 3Eleven Kitchen & Cocktails.

Sporting a décor that’s a mix between rustic and chic, 3Eleven offers something new to Dallas: a restaurant with a John F. Kennedy theme.

West End is often inundated with visitors and tourists, drawn to Dealey Plaza where President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed on November 22, 1963. Now, they can continue to dive into the JFK history of Dallas by stepping into 3Eleven for modern American fare and creative cocktails.

There’s something stylish to the space filled with white contemporary chairs on wooden floors. Small details to the décor like silhouettes and pithy sayings on walls make for a fun environment. A walk up the stairs and a look over the banister offers an opportunity to people-watch Dallas locals and visitors.

I was fascinated with the JFK sitting area, a spot with vintage furniture including a table filled with JFK-themed items like a book with a cover of John and Jackie Kennedy, a TIME magazine with JFK on the cover, and a copy of the newspaper that announced his death.

Perusing the cocktail menu, it was interesting to find specialty drinks named after key players in JFK’s life and assassination. There’s the Fitzgerald, named after the “F” in JFK, prepared with anejo, Campari, pink grapefruit liqueur, fresh grapefruit, and lemon. Another drink made with bourbon, Aperol, cacao, salted cola reduction, and cider vinegar is provocatively named “Oswald…Or was it?” a nod to the fact those that feel the blame for John F. Kennedy’s assassination has never been confirmed.

“3Eleven is a welcome addition to the West End food scene”

While the theme is unique, the real reason you’ll want to visit 3Eleven is for the food. Start with the crab cake for an appetizer. Though it comes with a side of sauce, the crab cake is so delicious, it doesn’t even need it. The balsamic and wild mushroom pizza was delightful, and the spiced chicken was falling off the bone. However, the lamb was perhaps the most divine of all the dishes – both tender and tasty.

3Eleven is a welcome addition to the West End food scene, as it brings together history and good cooking in a sleek and lively space. If you’re looking for a new place to visit in Dallas, this is it, y’all.

Alex Temblador is a novelist and travel writer based in Dallas. Her work has appeared in outlets including Oyster, Matador Network, Culture Trip and the Huffington Post. @alextemblador

Cover photo: Balsamic and wild mushroom pizza | Photo Scott Mitchell