Southlake eatery nears five years in business

Dave Garner said his Wildwood Grill is the kind of restaurant that stirs feelings of familiarity for many of his patrons.

Nearly five years into his own restaurant venture, built on a career that includes a 12-year run with restaurant company Brinker International, Garner said he has had numerous occasions to tell guests that Wildwood Grill is unique to Southlake.

"We'll have patrons who will tell me, 'I've eaten at your other location in ,'" Garner said. "That's when I smile and tell them we just have the one location."

Garner said that feeling of familiarity and a comfortable atmosphere were goals from the start for Wildwood Grill.

When it opened in 2009, Wildwood fit into a kind of untapped niche of local, unique and casual contemporary dining in Southlake, he said. He said he is particularly proud of the wood-fired grill, which features oak and hickory flavors that augment fresh, never-frozen meat. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list to complement its meals.

"We have the best wine values in the area," Garner said.

For those with a different taste, the restaurant also carries specialized liquors such as TX Blended Whiskey and Tito's Handmade Vodka, as well as beer choices including eight Texas craft brews on tap.

Menu choices range from appetizers such as Chicken Lettuce Wraps ($8) with balsamic glaze, parmesan cheese, tomatoes and portobello mushrooms to Tomato Basil Flatbread ($10) with caramelized onions, goat cheese, roasted tomatoes and basil chiffonade. The Choice Wood-Fired Tenderloin ($27, $31) can come in 6-ounce or 9-ounce sizes featuring asparagus, Wildwood mash potatoes and red wine demi-glace.

Garner's team also offers a low-carb Wildwood Spa menu option for select items as well as gluten-free alternatives.

Dave's favorites

• "CAB" Ribeye Steak ($25) with au gratin potatoes and chimichurri butter
• Skin-On Texas Gulf Redfish ($21) with Israeli couscous, portobello mushrooms, onions, spinach and roasted tomatoes

Club 3:4:5

Wildwood Grill features a daily happy hour called Club 3:4:5 that includes small plates for $3, house wines for $4 and "Texas-sized" martinis for $5.

Wildwood Grill

2700 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake 817-748-2100, www.wildwoodsouthlake.com

Hours: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily