Photo by Christal Howard

Photo by Krista Wadsworth

Photo by Krista Wadsworth

Photo by Krista Wadsworth

Near stadium, area restaurant serves as soccer fan hangout

The Londoner Pub & Grill aims to channel the look, feel, drinks and food of what a patron might expect to find across the pond in England.

The Frisco restaurant, which opened in 2010, is part of a small chain of Dallas-area pubs owned by Barry Tate. The owner is originally from England but has lived in the Dallas area for more than 30 years.

The homage to the British pub is seen in the dark-stained wood tables, wooden ceiling beams, wall decor and eclectic mix of chairs and barstools.

"It's just a really fun atmosphere," bartender Alex Gartside said. "People have a good time, but we don't ever get out of control. It's a more controlled crowd."

The Frisco pub serves as a hangout for one of Britain's most celebrated sports—soccer.

Easily within walking distance from Toyota Stadium—which Major League Soccer team FC Dallas calls home—the pub draws both local and international soccer fans.

"We are the soccer destination in this area by far," Gartside said. "During the [FIFA] World Cup [June 12 to July 13] it's going to be off-the-wall crazy—a very busy time for us."

To go along with its English decor and sports is the fresh, never-frozen food, which includes favorites such as fish and chips ($13), shepherd's pie ($12) and bangers and mash ($10).

The most popular menu item?

"It's fish and chips by far," Gartside said.

Some of the other menu choices include the cheese board ($16), chicken tikka marsala ($13), "Big Boy" macaroni and cheese ($10), the Tower of London burger ($10) and Guinness cheesesteak ($12).

To go along with the British menu items is another British staple—beer and liquor.

"We are very into the craft beer, especially promoting the local breweries," Gartside said.

There are dozens of beers on tap as well as an extensive Scotch collection, wine choices by the bottle or glass, and cocktail choices.

Hours:

Sun.–Fri. 11 a.m.–midnight, Sat. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.