Paul Martin’s American Grill

Reviews

• Carolyn H.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  I really enjoyed this  place, tucked into a Highland Park plaza. I went for happy hour and then returned 30 minutes later for dinner with someone else. The happy hour is great. There are many more choices (maybe 15-20?)for food than most happy hours offer, at 7, 8 or 9 dollars. I had the veggie street tacos and a friend had the pork street tacos, and both were excellent. The wine choices are so plentiful that I will definitely be back. I'm tired of having to drink what little is offered at hh's around town, even though it isn't really my cup of tea (or wine).
  Dinner lived up to the high expectations I had after happy hour at the bar.
  My companion had the price fixed Friday-Saturday night 3-course prime rib, a steal at $34.00. I had the blackened halibut and it was fantastic.
  How nice to find a  gem in Dallas with lots of familiar American favorites on the menu, done right.

• Leena J.

  star star star star_border star_border 23 May 2026

  Friday night, slower service, average food. A little bit of an older vibe, but all good,
  I'm getting older too- #eyecream.
  Most of our table said the food lacked a bit of seasoning here and there. Glad we got to try it out. My chicken tortilla soup wasn't all that great and the wedge salad didn't have the good stuff toppling over just the way we like to. My drink was more expensive that my soup and salad- bloop.

• Alex S.

  star star star star star 20 May 2026

  Now, the more astute of you are probably looking at this review update and wondering what exactly needed updating if my initial review was already at the coveted five-star rating, and this update is occupying the same five-star pedestal. And the answer is surprisingly not that entertaining as my previous review was based on lunch and not the dozen+ dinners I have had here in the years between writing. So if you are collecting Yelp reviews a la baseball cards, Pez dispensers or Faberge eggs, then you can keep the previous Paul Martin's review I wrote, label it "lunch," and then add this one to the stack under the distinction of "dinner." (Please note if anyone reading this really does collect reviews and labels them as such, thank you for being more OCD than me.)
  
  We've already discussed how impressive Paul Martin's is, the somewhat ominous exterior rising above the corner of the intersection it rests at, almost serving as Dallas' answer to that fortress in Krakow I am forgetting the name of - truly, when your restaurant is being compared to a stronghold of former European royalty, you're doing something right. The building is massive, with a waiting room and lounge that can accommodate the waitlist that undoubtedly creeps higher and higher on the weekends. There is a huge bar straight ahead when you enter that is never lacking in activity, and the dining rooms are like something you would see if Pac-Man stopped hanging out in mazes and instead opted to wander the pages of a Barney's of New York autumn catalog (before they went bankrupt). There's a flurry of action, people-watching and photo opportunities for dates, parties or just general dining.
  
  Yet even with so much hustle and bustle, not once have I ever had the impression that the proverbial wheels were ever in danger of coming off. The front desk staff is eager to greet all guests with a smile, there is always a manager on duty to ask diners how their experience has been and the food runners seem to be on roller-skates given how they effortlessly glide from the kitchen to the table. Of particular awesomeness is Nicholas, a server who has had made our most recent visits the best we have experienced. Part of it is due to his dexterity at maintaining a relaxing pace for his guests, whether he's serving a table of 4 or 14, while also never allowing drinks to go without refills, plates to be bussed or any of the other "basics" many of us take for granted. But the most reassuring part is the simple fact that the dude's attitude is exceptionally impressive. Scientists are wrapping up a study that confirms Nicholas has never had a bad day, and the positivity he exudes commands the experience from start to finish in a way that is incredibly refreshing.
  
  And when it comes to food, well, all I can say is be sure to come hungry. From pieces of conversation I am trying to piece together through the cobwebs of my memory, I believe this Paul Martin's is kind of a "test" location for dishes. This ends up being a double-edged sword in the best possible way, though - do you stick with the fish tacos, ribs or shrimp pasta you know and love, or do you venture out and try something new the chef has prepared through a combination of alchemy  and wonder? It's actually a trick question because the correct answer is you get the fried chicken, a dish that is so rapturous that the heavens declared it should go from "temporary special" to "permanent fixture of the menu." Just be forewarned that you will probably lose consciousness while eating, with your last words being "please pass that  honey plfffzzzzz." When you awake, you will be content in the knowledge that you had experienced a dish that has probably made grown men weep. This is partially due to deliciousness, but mostly because it will make you too full to enjoy the butter cake, a dessert I cannot help but recommend despite not remotely being "a dessert person."
  
  What's next? I suppose brunch. I know they serve it, and if it is anything like lunch or dinner, then I think it is safe to assume Paul Martin's can do no wrong. Personally, I'm willing to test this theory. Yet even if it's another three years before venturing out here for brunch, I think the crowded dining rooms, awesome service and outstanding food speak for themselves. This is a place with something for everyone and remains a very welcome destination for a fun night out.

• Amber S.

  star star star star star 19 May 2026

  I absolutely love this place. The decor is warm and inviting. I really appreciate the open concept kitchen area showcasing just how sanitary, professional, and clean it is. My favorite entree I had was the steak salad. They have a very large wines by the glass list I always love all the different options for when I bring clients with different tastes than mine. I also really enjoy their incredible happy hour prices. Sabrina, our waitress was an absolute doll and the customer service was impeccable. Paul Martins is a definite recommendation from me!

• Rachel G.

  star star star star star 18 May 2026

  Came here for dinner on a Saturday and had a wonderful experience. There is plenty of parking in the lot in front of the restaurant. We ordered from the fixe price menu. It came with a wedge salad and filet with bacon wrapped, crab stuffed shrimp. For sides I had mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. The mashed potatoes were great but the mac and cheese was my least favorite part of the meal. My friends got the prime rib and short rib. Everyone loved their meal. The portions are big enough to share. And don't forget dessert! The butter cake is delicious! This is one of my new favorite restaurants in Dallas.