Come All Ye Neighbors:

Something only a reality television-show writer can accurately pen: Neighborhood Services. A new fresh face for local bar and grill goers, offers the Park Cities something to relate to.

From the moment my dining partner and I walked in the door, we were crammed into a small holding area with all eyes on the next available bar stool. Little did we know the restaurant does not accept reservations or parties larger than six, and little did we know we would be the youngest couple.

Walls are covered from floor to ceiling with memorabilia of tradition in the life of owner and chef, Nick Badovinus, a former co-owner of Dallas’ other hot-spot, Hibiscus, on Henderson Street. The only thing remotely close to his Hibiscus roots is quality. Badovinus, as personable as his cozy new digs, brought a unique vision to West Lovers Lane in the fall of 2008. Quality opens many doors – service, food, crowd and ambiance.

Uncommon Touches:

Service doesn’t go unnoticed at any restaurant, especially for new “neighborhood” restaurants. Service will either float your boat or send you sailing because of the tough traditional folk who want the best in their zip code. At Neighborhood Services, service is not only part of its brand, but also present from the moment you walk in the door.

Hostess’ dressed in grey v-neck sweaters embroidered with “NS” in hot pink, crisp white button downs and a feminine neck-tie, greet each party at the door with a smile ready to help get you seated as soon as possible. After our hostess told us to grab a drink, we squeezed our way up to the bar. After a few “excuse-mes,” a bartender, dressed in something out of “Harry Potter,” greeted us.

By now, you should be curious. When ‘Harry Potter’ took my order, I just had to ask, “what is with the costumes?” Harry, also known as, Peter Gabrielle, a licensed bartender and Thursday night enthusiast, replied that Badovinus wanted to give neighbors an “old-school, Ralph-Lauren inspired look.” That is it – old school, preppy … something out of “Grease” or “High School High.” I found this creative edge to be a characteristic of Badovinus’ past that neighbors may be familiar with too.

Everything from the restaurant blue print to the American flag, was framed on the wall along with photos of his parents and siblings playing at the beach. Black and white set the tone on the walls to give neighbors that old-school feel.

Love at first bite:

When we finally got the chance to sit down, it was at two, distressed brown leather, studded bar stools and black napkins as our place settings. We were given a bar menu, full menu and were allowed to order from both. Another glass of wine later, and a beer for my date, we knew exactly what to order. Because we decided to get all appetizers, we chose three of six that all sounded incredible.

“Tortilla soup for me, crab dip for the boyfriend and the meatballs to split please.” Sounds indulging, but portion is everything at Neighborhood Services. You should never give too little, but if your going to give at all, give generously and that, they did. Everyone from our neighbors at the bar to our neighbors just walking in, were staring at our appetizers. That is a sign of both presentation and word of mouth, literally.

Nothing flashy – just something cold to drink and hot to eat:

If you’re just looking for something cold to drink or something hot to eat, get to your neighbors’ favorite new cozy spot, Neighborhood Services. Although, it was mostly a vision of “mommy and daddy on date night,” it was a crowd as wholesome as home. Neighborhood Services offers more than just a new local spot, it is the chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and experience old-American culture through service, food, neighbors and ambiance.

Neighborhood Services is located at 5027 W. Lovers Lane or visit online at neighborhoodservicesdallas.com