The Heights has modern twist on nostalgic diner favorites

By R. H. Lannen

In the last few years, The Heights has solidified itself as a staple in the Lakewood shopping center, an area that has made or broken restaurants throughout the years. By offering a southern-inspired menu and a well-equipped coffee bar, the restaurant has gained a strong following with the growing and changing demographics in the neighborhood. With its popularity and seasonally changing menu options, The Heights is poised to be a long-standing Lakewood restaurant and even an institution in the future.

The breakfast options are concise and straightforward and, like most central Dallas breakfast options, hearty and heavy on the carbs. Despite its all-day menu, breakfast is where The Heights truly shines more so than lunch or dinner. Being the true Texan that I am, the biscuits and gravy drew my attention immediately. The jalapeño cheddar biscuits were small but packed with flavor, and the gravy was overflowing, as it should be. Also, the dish comes with two eggs cooked to your choosing. With eggs prevalent in many of its menu options, The Heights has shown they know their way around an egg.  

Another dish that I found particularly satisfying was the Hash n’ Eggs — a plentiful base of potatoes, topped with a seared piece of ham, a fried egg and vibrant red-eye or coffee-based gravy. The gravy was the real star of this dish, offering a sweet yet earthy flavor, which complimented the roasted potatoes well and brought cohesiveness to the plate. After working my way through, I was in need of a post-breakfast nap. 

The lunch and dinner options offer a modern twist on the nostalgia of eating at a classic southern diner, something that in Dallas is now few and far between. One of the most satisfying starters, the deviled eggs, is made in true Texas fashion with mustard and pickle relish giving it a tangy and velvety bite and just enough sriracha to taste the heat.

I found the burgers to be the least successful option on the menu and do not fit in with the overall theme of the list. The burgers are “made to order” but always seem to turn out medium. The self-named Heights Burger comes topped with a glob of cold pimento cheese and a sprinkling of caramelized onions. Yet, the flavor is unable to stand up to the copious amounts of dijon mustard overpowering the dish. The Lakeshore is decidedly the best option by the addition of a well prepared over-easy egg to an otherwise bland burger. 

A classic tuna melt is something I was raised eating, and The Heights has created a successful modern adaptation while still respecting the childhood memories. The tuna salad comes topped by an olive-oil-based mayonnaise giving a creamy texture while the oven roasted tomatoes and green beans brought freshness and acidity to the plate. In the same vein, the very rich brisket pot roast served with collard greens, mashed potatoes and glazed carrots are worthy of ordering if you’re looking for something both hearty and nostalgic.

The Heights has been able to maintain a strong group of regulars and continually manages to be a highly recommended breakfast option in East Dallas. It is a great place to be if you need a delicious cup of coffee and some perfectly cooked eggs.

The Heights

2015 Abrams Pkwy.

Dallas, 75214

214-824-5800

Sun.-Wed. 8 a.m-2 p.m. and

5 p.m.-12 a.m. 

Thur.-Sat. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and 

5 p.m. to 12 a.m. 

Friday and Saturday 

7 a.m.-2 p.m. and

5 p.m. to 2 a.m.