Stillwell's

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

An Ode to Texas Ranching, Refined

Stillwell's takes its name from Hallie Stillwell, a pioneering rancher, journalist, and judge whose resilience became a symbol of the West Texas spirit. That heritage is not merely decorative — it shapes every dimension of this Dallas steakhouse, from the beef on the plate to the ethos behind the bar.

Located inside Hôtel Swexan on McKinnon Street, Stillwell's is part of Harwood Hospitality Group's vision for the Harwood neighborhood. The hotel's name itself tells the story: "Swiss hospitality meets Texan charm," a concept rooted in the founders' multi-generational Swiss-Texan family heritage and over a century of collective hospitality experience.

The Beef Is the Point

The centerpiece of the steakhouse menu is HWD — Harwood Premium Beef — Akaushi cattle raised locally through a partnership with Texas and Oklahoma ranches, prime-graded and exclusive to Harwood. Every cut is aged a minimum of 28 days, broiled, and finished with salted butter. The lineup runs from a 12 oz Filet Mignon and a 16 oz Dry-Aged Ribeye to a 22 oz Cowboy and a 42 oz Tomahawk. For those who want to go further, Japanese Wagyu options — Hokkaido A5 Ribeye, Sanuki A5 NY Strip, Tajima Beef Tenderloin — are cut to order by the ounce.

Beyond the cuts, the menu moves confidently: starters like HWD Bone Marrow with gremolata crumble, Beef Dumplings in truffle gravy, and Foie Gras with strawberry and almond cream sit alongside a raw bar offering shellfish towers and East Coast oysters. Sides such as Creamed Corn with green chiles and cotija or Brussels Sprouts with whiskey soy glaze keep the Texas identity intact without playing it safe.

A Wine Program Worth the Recognition

Wine Spectator awarded Stillwell's its Best of Award of Excellence in 2024 — recognition the restaurant has earned through an unusually ambitious approach. The list draws from top producers across major global regions and reaches back into older vintages, while also featuring Swexan-only exclusive selections chosen specifically for the Dallas market. The restaurant claims the lowest markups in Texas, and the by-the-glass program is designed to reflect what's happening in the wine world right now, including emerging producers worth watching.

Cocktails are equally considered. The Barrel Aged Old Fashioned blends Elijah Craig bourbon and rye; the Swexan Martini uses Absolut Elyx with Carpano Bianco and dry vermouth. Daily from 4–6pm, "Cowboy Hour" offers half-priced cocktails and small bites in the bar and lounge.

Recognition and Setting

Stillwell's has been recommended by the Michelin Guide for both 2024 and 2025 — a signal that this steakhouse operates at a level beyond the category's typical expectations. The atmosphere is described as ultra-luxe, shaped by the hotel's European-inspired design and the founders' passion for art and travel, while remaining grounded in Texas ranching tradition. Private dining is available for events that call for the full treatment.