Known for its eclectic, chef-driven American cuisine and farm-to-table roots, Hannah's Off the Square celebrated its 25th anniversary in September.
Located in the heart of downtown Denton, Hannah's first opened in 2001, occupying the space now inhabited by Thai Square at 209 W. Hickory St., Ste. 104, and came under owner Phil Shirley's management about a year later. The restaurant was Shirley's first foray into the food business, which he describes as the "hardest ever."
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Shirley and his wife, Kerry, who is also the restaurant's manager, feel Hannah's has grown with Denton and are proud of the thriving downtown community their business has helped foster. Customers can eat in a refined, but relaxed atmosphere welcoming anyone looking for a bite to eat.
"We love when people say, 'I can come from [the Denton] Arts & Jazz [Festival] all sweaty in my shorts, have brunch and not feel like it's too stuffy for me to have a great meal,'" Kerry Shirley said.
The city's artsy, eclectic culture is central to the way the Shirleys run the restaurant and Chef Anton Babarovic crafts the seasonally rotating menu by embracing creativity.
Babarovic took the helm of Hannah's kitchen three years ago. Upon meeting him, Shirley said, "It was love at first sight."
While largely adhering to a "100-mile dinner" method of sourcing locally grown and harvested ingredients, Babarovic serves dishes with a unique twist, like the tomato and feta-stuffed squid. Another popular dish featured ostrich meat.
Babarovic typically curates new menus about 5-6 months in advance, first choosing from seasonally available produce, then matching it with a protein. When crafting a dish, Barbarovic takes inspiration from whatever he may stumble across.
"If I like it, I'll use it," he said.
Babarovic began his culinary training in his native Slovenia, opening restaurants there, other European countries and in the Caribbean. He sharpened his skills in London at his first Michelin Star restaurant under the mentorship of the head chef.
Looking ahead
Phil Shirley always encourages customers to try dishes from the seasonal menu for new and unexpected experiences.
Keeping with Denton's 31 Days of Halloween celebrations, Friday and Saturday nights at Hannah's will be "SPOOKEASY's", featuring extended hours, live music and a Halloween cocktail menu featuring drinks like Carrie, Masquerade, Beetlejuice and Corpse Bride.
Pet owners are also encouraged to enjoy the fall weather at Hannah's on the outdoor patio along with their dogs.
