Ellie's

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Where Art and American Cuisine Meet in Dallas

Situated within the Hall Arts Hotel at 1717 Leonard St., Ellie's — operating as Astra Kitchen + Lounge — occupies a distinctive address in the heart of the Dallas Arts District. The setting is as considered as the food: a sculptural light installation by artist Spencer Finch floats above the room, plush seating invites lingering, and the overall atmosphere is, as one guest put it, "elegant, art-inspired spaces designed to welcome and inspire." It is elevated without pretense, creative without excess.

Seasonally Driven, Made From Scratch

The kitchen's approach centers on refined classic American cuisine with global inspiration, built from thoughtfully sourced local ingredients and executed with made-from-scratch discipline. Menus shift with the seasons, spanning breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert — each designed to move at the pace of the guest rather than the clock.

Brunch gives a clear sense of the kitchen's range. The bakery section opens with warm croissants and cheese danishes, while the main card moves from Chilaquiles — two eggs, shredded chicken, ranchero sauce, avocado, and queso fresco — to Eggs Benedict finished with a jalapeño hollandaise, to a classic Avocado Toast on multigrain with hard poached eggs and salsa verde. Heartier midday options include Red Fish Tacos with broccoli slaw and oaxaca cheese, a Smash Burger on brioche, and a house-made Veggie Burger with lemon thyme aioli. The lounge program runs alongside, with cocktails like the French 1717 — Ketel One, St-Germain, and prosecco — anchoring the drinks list.

Recognition and Private Dining

The wine program earned Astra a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2025, a mark of the care given to the cellar alongside the kitchen. That same attention carries through to private events: the restaurant offers dedicated private dining for intimate dinners, corporate gatherings, and celebrations, with personalized service and curated menus tailored to the occasion.

The result is a restaurant that takes American cuisine seriously — seasonal, intentional, and designed to be shared — in one of Dallas's most culturally rich neighborhoods.