Café 43

Café 43 reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. C

   Catherine VIP

   Tahoe68 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The early lunch, during SMU graduation weekend, was very good. The service was excellent! We had Cobb salads and Eggs Benedict along with crab salads for our group of 6 and all were very nice.
   

   Is this helpful?

2. L

   Lee VIP

   Dallas122 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We eat here 1 - 2 x's every week. I can't think of a single thing Brian's Team could do to improve. They are all exceptional, especially Veronica and Vanessa.
   

   Is this helpful?

3. J

   Julie VIP

   Dallas22 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on May 8, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 1

   Staff was outstanding - from the front to the servers! Disappointed in the ambiance, or lack of it. Very noisy. We were seated in a "quiet corner" but still had a difficult time hearing each other. Enchiladas were very good. Chef salad was mediocre - proportion sizes were off. Too much chicken, not enough vegetables. Salad dressing was tasty but overpowered the salad flavors. Needs to be a blue cheese dressing to go with the blue cheese crumbles on the salad.
   

   Is this helpful?

4. E

   Erin VIP

   Denver74 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 21, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This restaurant, named for our 43rd American President, is the best kept secret in Dallas. Granted they are only open from 11 AM-2:30 PM Monday through Saturday, so they are really missing out on an opportunity for Sunday brunch. It is located in the same building as the George Bush library to the right of the fountain before the museum entrance and is a lunch spot with a brunch item or two on the menu. It is a truly lovely space with large original paintings on the walls and small sculptures, floor to ceiling windows looking out onto a lovely patio with oversized shutters above to shield patrons from some of the sunlight. The food is excellent and thoughtful. We had a large party, so we ordered a variety of things which all received rave reviews from the fried avocado appetizer, crab salad with freshly snipped chives, chicken fried steak, amazing pecan crusted chicken, omelette, grilled chicken sandwich, grilled cheese for the kids, and outstanding homemade ice creams for dessert. Even the vanilla earned high praise! The service is friendly, attentive, and efficient, and prices are shockingly reasonable for the quality of the experience and the food. Portions are Texas style: generous. It’s a wonderful spot to bring out of town guests— even highly particular ones!
   

   Is this helpful?

5. p

   peggy VIP

   Dallas10 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on April 16, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The only thing stopping a 5 star rating is that the parking lot is $10.83 as part of Bush Library center and Cafe 43 does not validate any parking. 😟
   

   Is this helpful?

6. K

   Kathleen

   Dallas3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We sat outside and enjoyed moderate temperators and a light breeze. The service was very good. The menue is wonderful and we all enjoyed our meals. I look forward to dining here again next time I am in town.
   

   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

7. J

   Jerrell

   Dallas1 review

   5.0

   Dined on April 9, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Outstanding lunch experience! Great service, food, and environment.
   

   Is this helpful?

8. R

   Ray VIP

   Dallas50 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 3, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was busy at lunch today, but the staff was attentive, helpful and welcoming. The menu had something enticing for each of the 6 ladies in my group. My lump crab salad was great, the corned beef sandwich (really a reuben) made a great lunch with half to go for dinner, the corn soup made a nice light lunch, and Mrs. Bush's favorite sandwich was also a hit. For 5 of the group it was first visit, but it won't be the last. Thanks for such a charming spot right in the heart of Dallas/Park Cities/ SMU.
   

   Is this helpful?

9. L

   Lee VIP

   Dallas122 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 3, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Brian and his team always deliver a special experience. Veronica is a great Hostess.
   

   Is this helpful?

10. M

    Mary

    Salt Lake City5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 27, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5

    Food was tasty. Service very slow and shouldn't have been as very few dining at this time. It is a great place to relax during tour of Bush library.
    

    Is this helpful?