It would have been easy to overlook this part of the shopping center before. Once a COVID-19 hospital, the address got a bold makeover as a lively place to drink and dine near Highland Park and Preston Hollow.

The rooftop is one of the signature parts of Craft, said PJ L’Heureux, founder of the Canadian-based company. This new restaurant in Preston Center is Craft’s first in the United States. 

Dallas was the right next step for Craft, L’Heureux said, because one of the co-owners is Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi, a Canada native.

Plus, L’Heureux said, “the synergies between Dallas and Calgary are big.” Both are business-centric urban cores, but with a Western edge, he said.

He is already looking for more real estate in other parts of the state. “I just fell in love with Texas,” he said.

Craft is a massive place, even by Texas standards, with 10,000 square feet downstairs and 5,000 upstairs on the patio. It’s known in Canada for accommodating big groups, L’Heureux said. 

Grabbing dinner with 12 people? Or 20? Craft has you covered. 

A private room that can fit 50 people, seated, or 75 for a cocktail party offers another option for large parties.

A bank of TVs give Craft’s first floor an upscale sports bar feel. Walls of taps pour over 100 beers and cocktails, most of them local to Texas.

Craft has a surprisingly eclectic food menu that includes burgers, steaks, sushi, ramen, pizza and more. The restaurants are known for the Nacho Barrel appetizer, a mound of chips, cheese, jalapeños and more served out of a heavy metal plate fashioned from the bottom of a keg.

The presentation was so unusual — and Instagrammable — L’Heureux trademarked it.

Texans will find plenty of menu items that feel at home, like the skinny margarita, strawberry mezcalrita and Topo Chico ranch water. 

The Fraperol Spritz is a frozen aperol-vodka-sparkling wine cocktail with an orange hue. Bring your friends for a drink on the rooftop: Sounds like a solid patio sipper.

Craft Restaurant and Beer Market is at 5974 W. Northwest Highway (at Preston Road), Dallas. It opens April 1, 2026.