You’ll never run out of live music venues, late-night bars, trendy restaurants, or tattoo parlors in Deep Ellum. Yet there’s one thing it’s been sorely missing: a proper English pub. Anvil Pub, which closed in 2021, was the closest thing, but now that Queen’s Head Pub has made its debut at 2713 Elm Street, it’s clear that this is exactly what the neighborhood needs.
Like many a pub in merry old England, Queen’s Head is a place you’ll want to hang out for a while. With its dark woods, cozy nooks and crannies, communal tables, large fireplace, and abundant decorative accents from across the pond (including vintage advertisements and taxidermy), you’ll feel almost immediately transported to a London side-street hangout.
The key focal point is a massive wooden bar dating back to the 19th century, a portion of which long-time Dallasites may remember from the iconic and beloved Green Room, which once occupied the same space. Deep Ellum’s nothing without its history, after all.
Televisions are strategically placed for watching sports, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, but there are also areas downstairs where you can escape the electronic glow. Climb up two long flights and one short one to the rooftop, and you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city, making Queen’s Head a top patio destination, too. To the southwest, you’ll see a nice chunk of the Downtown skyline, which creates an incredible backdrop for pints of Guinness and lively conversation after sunset.
Queen’s Head Pub is the second concept from the Deep Ellum Collective, joining the Terrace event space in a soon-to-expand portfolio of concepts. (Potentially even a rival Irish pub across the street.) Founder Eric Bradford has a knack for bringing very specific ideas to life, and the attention to detail he and his team brought to this restaurant and bar is evident in every corner of the space. Even more so, the food from chef Tim Hooker will keep guests coming back.
Starters feature hearty shareables galore (and they’re half-off during happy hour, Tuesday-Friday from 4-7 pm). Among the can’t-miss options, the curried mussels feature a pound of shellfish, swimming in a luscious broth made with coconut milk, butter, onions, curry, and garlic, with crostini. The spice bag is also a classic English pub offering that can be ordered spicy or mild. Fried chicken, onions, peppers, and Chinese spices are tossed with fries in that same delicious curry. Plans to shake it tableside in an actual bag are in the works.
For mains, the fish and chips are a must. Two large cod filets are beer-battered and fried crisp, served with fried potatoes, homemade coleslaw, and an herbaceous tartar sauce. Steak and ale pie takes about 25 minutes to bake, and is completely worth the wait. Guinness beef stew (also available by the bowl) gets covered with a flaky puff pastry and baked until golden brown.
Handheld options include an excellent Reuben with the ideal meat-to-bread ratio. Grilled corned beef is piled with housemade kraut and Russian dressing on thick toasted rye, which is almost like if traditional rye bread and Texas toast had a baby. A double smashburger with whiskey aioli, grilled onions, bacon jam, and both Swiss and Dubliner cheese has also proven a major hit in the short time the pub’s been open.
Save room for dessert. The toffee bread pudding combines the comforting texture of a Southern bread pudding with the rich, caramelized flavors of a classic sticky toffee pudding. A pleasantly crisp, toasted exterior adds a welcome contrast often missing from the dessert.
Then there’s the chocolate layer cake, cheekily described on the menu as “a chocolate cake…with layers.” While technically true, it’s not a traditional layer cake. Instead of alternating tiers of cake and frosting, it features a chocolate cake base piled high with luscious milk, dark, and white chocolate mousse-like fillings, creating a decadent finale for any meal.
Of course, you may want to just pop in for a drink at the bar. In addition to a nice selection of draft beers, you can sample some classic beer combos, including a Black and Tan, or a lighter-than-Guinness Half and Half, which adds in an equal amount of Stella Artois.
The cocktail list impresses, as do the prices, with some ringing up at a mere $8. One can’t-miss option is a traditional Pimm’s Cup, made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemon and orange juices, simple syrup, club soda, and fresh mint and berries. It’s a true patio pounder (or rooftop bar pounder, as the case may be).
Join the Queen’s Head Circle before you visit to start earning loyalty rewards and also be among the first to hear about special events and promotions.
Queens Head Pub is open at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
2713 Elm St., Dallas, queensheadpubde.com
