Not everyone understands the appeal and charm of dive bars like Rossell’s. Typically, they are “run down, not busy, dirty and cheap,” he said. But “dive bar” is a title he proudly gives his business—minus the “dirty” part.
“When I unlock those doors every day, I want you to think we’re hosting a cocktail party in East Dallas, and we’re going to host the [best] cocktail party every day of the week,” Rossell said he told his employees on the bar’s opening day in 1988. “I want people to feel like they’re in my living room.”
Rossell has been in the bar and restaurant business almost his entire life, getting his first job at a restaurant when he was 15 years old. Aside from a summerlong stint as the assistant general manager for a minor league baseball team in Tyler, Rossell said he has never strayed from the industry.
After growing up in the Midwest, Rossell moved to Dallas in 1983 at his brother’s encouragement because of the then-booming economy. He never looked back.
When he took over Lakewood Landing in 1986, the business was run down and filthy, Rossell said. He contacted two different steam-cleaning companies to deep clean the bar’s kitchen, and they both refused.
Now, Rossell proudly boasts over 200 awards and recognitions in local newspapers and magazines, including having the best bar food in Dallas, he said.
The bar owner credits the East Dallas community for keeping his business the home-like haven that it is. Even during difficult times, the neighborhood has rallied around Lakewood Landing, he said.
Amid business shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lakewood Landing was able to stay afloat because of the neighbors who ordered takeout every day just to keep him in business, Rossell said. During the severe winter storm in February 2021, Lakewood Landing stayed open while other businesses closed, and the bar stayed packed each night.
“People that know us know that we will always be open, and we will always be there for them,” Rossell said. “Doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like; you’re gonna get treated the same as long as you behave.”
Business information
Lakewood Landing, 5818 Live Oak St., Dallas.
214-823-2410. http://thelakewoodlanding.com.
Hours: 3 p.m.-2 a.m. daily.
