French bistro specializing in homemade breads & pastries opening Downtown this summer

Most of us have probably been thinking for the past year, What’s going on at the corner of High & Gay? It was rumored that Veritas owner Josh Dalton was opening his own French Bistro there, but it looks like some plans have changed. 

Well, kind of. A French Bistro is still going to occupy the space at 2 E. Gay St., but it will be operated by Makeready, a Dallas-based hospitality group that will also operate the anticipated restaurant this Spring, Hank’s, located right across the street. They also manage Little West Tavern, Brass Eye Rooftop Bar, and Maudine’s at the Junto Hotel. 

Chouette, the new concept, will serve French cuisine all day (lunch, dinner, and even weekend brunch) all in a beautiful setting, with an outdoor patio inspired by Parisian dining. 

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You can order escargot and French wine here, but if that’s not really your thing, don’t worry. “We pride ourselves on being an inviting and approachable place where guests of all backgrounds can feel at home,” said Makeready. “Our menu is designed to introduce the richness of French cuisine to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or new to the world of French flavors.”

The French bistro will specialize in freshly baked bread and pastries, too. “Our warm bread and butter ritual, a cherished tradition, features loaves baked in-house, offering crisp golden crust and a soft, pillowy interior,” Makeready explained. They’ll feature signature churned butter, just like you’d find in France. 

Guests can expect a selection of mainly French wines and French-inspired cocktails, plus new and classic cocktails.

If this place sounds cool already, well, yeah, that’s the point. “Our name translates to ‘owl’ in French, but in casual conversation, it also means ‘cool’ or ‘nice!’ We embrace that ambiguity because it evokes both the age-old wisdom and boundless creativity found in France’s culinary culture,” said Makeready.

Chouette is expected to open in the late summer of 2024, and frankly, we can’t wait.

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