The mission of Haywire is to “Inspire the true Texan in everyone,” Haywire Managing Partner Jamie Johnson said.
“We welcome anyone—from your boots to your stilettos,” Johnson said of the three-story restaurant located in Legacy West. “You could have a business or casual dinner or just meet for a cocktail.”
Haywire, a restaurant concept by Dallas-headquartered FB [Front Burner] Society, opened its Plano location in 2017.
On the menu
Haywire Chef Skyler Gauthier said the menu celebrates Texas cuisine through dishes inspired by the state’s diverse culinary influences, including barbecue, Mexican and German food.
“Our ethos, when it comes to food, is approachable yet unique,” Gauthier said. “To call yourself Texas cuisine is to really embrace all the different cultures that are embedded in Texas culture.”
The top-selling menu item, whether it be lunch or dinner, is the chicken fried steak. Other crowd pleasers are the 6-ounce petit filet, mini-elk tacos and steakhouse salad.
Johnson and Gauthier indubitably agree that the pork chop is their favorite menu item. Gauthier describes the flavor of the two-bone-thick protein as being smoky sweet and a little bit spicy.
“We brine it in our house chili brine, which has a bevy of dried chilies and some citrus in it. Then we rub it with a carnitas-style rub before it goes on our mesquite grill. Then we throw it in a bag with some smoked chili butter and sous vide it,” Gauthier said. “It takes three days to actually put it on a plate.”
Dig deeper
Gauthier said his favorite thing about being the Haywire chef is contributing to local businesses including farmers, apiaries and woodworkers.
“Farmer Ross [from Misty Moon Farms in Argyle] walks in our front doors with trash bags filled with lettuce, just freshly picked. When we partnered with Ross’ Rowdy Bees, it was our first apiary partners. They provide our honey … which is the reason our honey and herb vinaigrette is so fantastic,” Gauthier said. “I feel like we're more than just a restaurant, we're part of the community.”
The setup
Haywire consists of three distinct levels. On the first floor is the whiskey lounge. The main dining room, which Gauthier describes as having a “modern, shabby chic vibe,” is on the second floor. The third floor is a rooftop patio featuring Marfa-inspired design elements, a variety of seating options and views of Legacy Hall’s performance stage and Legacy West shops.
“I like to think of us as a night out on the town under one roof,” Gauthier said.
