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Café 43, Dallas, TX

Café 43

4.9
4.9
1532 Reviews
$30 and under
American

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2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 5 times today
  • Charming
  • Good for business meals
  • Healthy
Café 43, located at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, is a contemporary American restaurant which features a locally sourced, organic, seasonal and sustainable menu for weekday lunch and weekend brunch. It is one of the most preferred venues in the city for private events in the evening for groups of up to 150 because of its stunning design, flexibility, private entrance and breezy terrace. Admission to the Center is not required as Café 43 has its own entrance.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–2:30 pm Brunch Sat 11:00 am–2:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (214) 200-4302
  • Website
    http://www.bushcenter.com/plan-your-visit/dining
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    John Maas
  • Catering
    Upscale American cuisine focused on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
  • Private party facilities
    Cafe 43 is available evenings for seated dinners of up to 120 guests and cocktail receptions for up to 150 guests. There are other private event spaces located throughout the Center.
  • Location
    2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205
  • Area
    Downtown
  • Cross Street
    Bush Avenue
  • Parking details
    There are several nearby parking garages on the SMU campus.
  • Public transit
    From the Dart Mockingbord Station take the Mustang Express bus route 768.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Main

  • Southern Benedict*USD 15.00

    pulled BBQ pork, buttermilk biscuits, andouille gravy, asparagus

    • Avocado Toast*USD 15.00

      two eggs, sauteed spinach, grapefruit / orange / blueberry salad

      • Huevos Rancheros*USD 15.00

        two fried eggs, salsa ranchero, black beans, avocado, queso fresco, corn tostada

        • Brioche French Toast*USD 15.00

          smoked bacon, berries, maple syrup

          Starters

          • Corn SoupUSD 8.00

            potato, queso fresco

            • CupUSD 8.00
            • BowlUSD 12.00

          • Sweet Potato & Apple BisqueUSD 7.00

            roasted shallot

            • CupUSD 7.00
            • BowlUSD 11.00

          • Fried AvocadoUSD 12.00

            black beans, smoked tomato, chipotle aioli

            • HummusUSD 12.00

              roasted pepitas, olive oil, grilled flatbread

              • Caesar SaladUSD 7.00

                roasted tomato, croutons, parmesan

                Salads

                • Cranberry Chicken SaladUSD 17.00

                  almonds, rustic wheat, apple cider dressing

                  • Seared Salmon*USD 20.00

                    green beans, potato, olive, baby greens, dill dressing

                    • Smoked ChickenUSD 17.00

                      berries, tomato, orange, pecans, balsamic dressing

                      • Lump CrabUSD 21.00

                        avocado, bacon, roasted corn, baby greens, lemon dressing

                        • CobbUSD 18.00

                          chicken, bacon, egg, avocado, corn, chipotle honey vinaigrette

                          Sandwiches

                          with market fruit or fries | sweet potato fries, tarragon aioli +$2

                          • Grilled Burger*USD 16.00

                            thick cut bacon, sharp cheddar, brioche

                            • Turkey PaniniUSD 16.00

                              green apple, cheddar, spinach, tomato, mayo

                              • Tenderloin CheesesteakUSD 17.00

                                grilled peppers and onions, provolone

                                • Grilled ChickenUSD 15.00

                                  avocado, tomato, red onion, swiss, mayo

                                  • Corned BeefUSD 15.00

                                    swiss cheese, russian dressing, sauerkraut, marble rye

                                    • Mrs Bush's Favorite SandwichUSD 15.00

                                      tomato, avocado, mozzarella, mayo, wheat

                                      • Bacon Grilled CheeseUSD 16.00

                                        cheddar and havarti, tomato, sourdough

                                        Entrées

                                        • Salmon*USD 20.00

                                          bok choy, asparagus, mashed potatoes, lemon sauce

                                          • Pecan Crusted ChickenUSD 18.00

                                            herb mashed potato, green beans, dijon

                                            • Roasted CauliflowerUSD 15.00

                                              mushrooms, tomato, chimichurri

                                              • OmeletUSD 14.00

                                                mushroom, spinach, gouda, market fruit, petite greens

                                                • Chicken EnchiladasUSD 18.00

                                                  refried black beans, tomato pico, salsa verde

                                                  Desserts

                                                  • Mrs Bush's Award Winning Cowboy CookiesUSD 8.00

                                                    vanilla ice cream

                                                    • House Made Ice Cream or SorbetUSD 7.00

                                                      • President & Mrs Bush's Favorite Banana Pecan Ice CreamUSD 7.00

                                                        • DC Caramel Brownie BarUSD 8.00

                                                          vanilla and caramel ice cream

                                                          • Warm Maple-Apple Bread PuddingUSD 8.00

                                                            white chocolate sauce

                                                            • Bourbon Pecan TartUSD 8.00

                                                              caramel sauce, whipped cream

                                                              Last updated: 29 October 2024

                                                              What 1,532 people are saying

                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                              4.9
                                                              4.9 based on recent ratings
                                                              • 4.8Food
                                                              • 4.8Service
                                                              • 4.8Ambience
                                                              • 4.8Value

                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                              Loved For

                                                              • Dallas

                                                                Best Overall

                                                              • Dallas

                                                                Best Value

                                                              • Dallas

                                                                American

                                                              Review summary

                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                              Café 43 offers "delicious food," "excellent service," and a "beautiful setting" on SMU's campus. Guests appreciate its relaxed atmosphere, ideal for business lunches or casual meals. Highlights include the warm feta and fried avocado dishes, and standout staff like Manny and Brian. Parking fees are an occasional concern.

                                                              1,532 Reviews

                                                              1. Eileen

                                                                Dallas

                                                                24 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                4.0

                                                                24 reviews

                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                lovely place to have lunch, very good food , and good value .

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              2. Cam

                                                                Hawaii

                                                                4 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                4 reviews

                                                                Dined 1 day ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                This is a wonderful experience each time we eat here! The cafe is first class but not fancy...everyone I take there enjoys it! The staff is very friendly, and the food is delicious! It is such a treat to eat at Cafe 43...and then you can enjoy both the Bush Museum and the SMU Campus! Thank you to the genius who decided this needed to be included in this wonderful complex representing America!!!!!! LOVE IT!

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              3. Stephen

                                                                Dallas

                                                                3 reviews

                                                                3.0

                                                                3 reviews

                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 2
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                Food was good and attractively presented. Waiter was not hostile, but seemed less than friendly.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              4. Katy

                                                                Dallas

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined 5 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Always excellent service and food here. Today was a special plus as Mrs Bush was dining there too. It is a casually elegant place with beautiful views.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              5. Chris

                                                                Chicago

                                                                3 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                3 reviews

                                                                Dined 7 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                If you live in the area and have not tried this place you are missing out as anyone passing through the area or visiting SMU or the Bush Center or Dallas it’s a destination, hidden gem.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              6. Lee

                                                                Dallas

                                                                108 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                108 reviews

                                                                Dined on 21 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Another great visit. Brian runs a great restaurant.

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                                                              7. HelmuthL

                                                                Dallas

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                Dined on 19 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Always a great place for a nice and good quality lunch.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              8. Lee

                                                                Dallas

                                                                108 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                108 reviews

                                                                Dined on 14 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                A great experience. Manny is a super server. We go every week.

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                                                              9. Lee

                                                                Dallas

                                                                108 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                108 reviews

                                                                Dined on 5 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Really great place every time we go. Hits every point a restaurant should hit. I suggest they consider opening a couple of evenings......................

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              10. David

                                                                Seattle

                                                                11 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                11 reviews

                                                                Dined on 2 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Excellent as always! The new Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is absolutely wonderful!

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              FAQs

                                                              Café 43 is rated 4.9 stars by 1532 OpenTable diners.

                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                              Make a booking

                                                              2 people
                                                              7:00 pm
                                                              Booked 5 times today
                                                              Google Map for Café 43

                                                              2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205

                                                              Additional information

                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                Bush Avenue
                                                              • Area
                                                                Downtown
                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–2:30 pm Brunch Sat 11:00 am–2:30 pm
                                                              • Price
                                                                $30 and under
                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                American
                                                              • Dining style
                                                                Casual Elegant
                                                              • Dress code
                                                                Business Casual
                                                              • Parking details
                                                                There are several nearby parking garages on the SMU campus.
                                                              • Public transit
                                                                From the Dart Mockingbord Station take the Mustang Express bus route 768.
                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                              • Executive Chef
                                                                John Maas
                                                              • Additional
                                                                Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                              • Website
                                                                http://www.bushcenter.com/plan-your-visit/dining
                                                              • Phone number
                                                                (214) 200-4302
                                                              • Catering
                                                                Upscale American cuisine focused on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                Cafe 43 is available evenings for seated dinners of up to 120 guests and cocktail receptions for up to 150 guests. There are other private event spaces located throughout the Center.

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