DALLAS — This story was originally published by our content partners at the Dallas Business Journal. Read the original version here . A new ice house with a unique history has recently emerged on Dallas' bar scene, providing patrons another place to drink, socialize and even watch a game on Henderson Avenue.
Lawnie's opened Aug. 27 and aims to bring an authentic, Southern-style ice house experience to Dallas, said Matt Peterson, co-owner of Estacado Interests who contributed to the vision for the bar. The bar is at 2414 N.
Henderson Ave., east of U.S.
Route 75 near Belmont Avenue. Peterson and Devan Pharis of Estacado partnered with Sam Wynne, a local restaurateur and operator of Mike's Gemini Twin, on the project to revive a house built in 1924 into an almost exclusively outdoor bar, which they felt was much-needed in the Henderson area. Josh Bishop was also a major investor.
Matthew Rosenfeld and Kevin Butkus of Weitzman handled negotiations for the landlord, NHA Holdings LLC, and the new ownership group. "Our goal with Lawnie's is to provide a front lawn to the neighborhood," Peterson said. Several other bars exist along the street, including Skellig and Mayer’s Garden, but there are no authentic ice houses in the immediate area.
Lawnie's does not have a keg or a walk-in cooler; rather, drinks are kept cool by way of a massive ice machine — akin to how traditional Texas ice houses operate. The property was once a popular neighborhood barbershop but was vacated more t.