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!
peggy
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. 😟
Kathleen
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.
Ray
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.
Mary
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.
Pam
Delightful restaurant in the George W Bush Museum. Prices are as expected for this type of restaurant and for the quality of food. The service was quick and the wait staff was friendly and attentive. It was a nice experience and a wonderful place to eat while visiting the museum.
Matthew Flint
Fantastic experience with excellent staff and food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jill 67
This was an unexpected find. We knew the Library had a cafe but who knew it would be excellent. Nice environment with well spaced tables. Service was very good but the food was superb. I had the salmon with spinach, asparagus and mash potato and lemon sauce. All cooked perfectly. Well done! My husband said it was the best burger, and the fact they brought the ketchup and mayo before the burger arrived says everything. Well done.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lee
The only issue we had was there being no validation of the $10 parking fee. If the Cafe 43 really needs to make money from parking, just raise your prices accordingly. Don't nickel and dime your guests.
Dr Fran
Great food, lovely setting and wonderful service. Having not eaten here previously, the food though not fancy or foo foo was well prepared, nicely plated and just yummy. I did think however that directions regarding parking for Cafe 43 were not optimal and a ten dollar fee, especially if not spending the day at the museum was pricey. Outside of that I highly recommend a visit!
This is such a nice lunch place to go to. The food is excellent, and the service is always top-notch. I've only been there twice now, but both times my food was outstanding. I think people forget about it sometimes since it's at the George Bush museum, but it should go on their lunch Restaurant list for sure!
Rita
Great place for a business lunch. The food and service are excellent but the bonus is that it's a quiet dining Option. You can actually have civil conversations! I highly recommend it
Nok Koster
If you plan to visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center. I recommend to stop by Café 43 for amazing lunch. ( visited on July 27th, 2024 )
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corn Soup
Elizabeth
I always enjoy my meals here! I haven't had one thing on the menu I didn't like, and the environment is so fun being at the museum and on SMU's campus. The staff is incredible and so attentive. The last few times I have had Manny at my table, and he is so thoughtful, kind, and engaging.
Robert Capogreco
if it is a nice day, try to sit on the patio. good service, server was nice, but not interactive. corn chowder a,little spicy but good. whipped feta was great. Huevo ranchero was ok. two eggs on top of soupy blackbeans and two fried white corn tortillas. It's a different take but not a good one. Parking is $10, as most people go to George W. Bush museum
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!
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. 😟
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.
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.
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.
Delightful restaurant in the George W Bush Museum. Prices are as expected for this type of restaurant and for the quality of food. The service was quick and the wait staff was friendly and attentive. It was a nice experience and a wonderful place to eat while visiting the museum.
Fantastic experience with excellent staff and food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was an unexpected find. We knew the Library had a cafe but who knew it would be excellent. Nice environment with well spaced tables. Service was very good but the food was superb. I had the salmon with spinach, asparagus and mash potato and lemon sauce. All cooked perfectly. Well done! My husband said it was the best burger, and the fact they brought the ketchup and mayo before the burger arrived says everything. Well done.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The only issue we had was there being no validation of the $10 parking fee. If the Cafe 43 really needs to make money from parking, just raise your prices accordingly. Don't nickel and dime your guests.
Great food, lovely setting and wonderful service. Having not eaten here previously, the food though not fancy or foo foo was well prepared, nicely plated and just yummy. I did think however that directions regarding parking for Cafe 43 were not optimal and a ten dollar fee, especially if not spending the day at the museum was pricey. Outside of that I highly recommend a visit!
Restaurantji Recommends
This is such a nice lunch place to go to. The food is excellent, and the service is always top-notch. I've only been there twice now, but both times my food was outstanding. I think people forget about it sometimes since it's at the George Bush museum, but it should go on their lunch Restaurant list for sure!
Great place for a business lunch. The food and service are excellent but the bonus is that it's a quiet dining Option. You can actually have civil conversations! I highly recommend it
If you plan to visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center. I recommend to stop by Café 43 for amazing lunch. ( visited on July 27th, 2024 )
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Corn Soup
I always enjoy my meals here! I haven't had one thing on the menu I didn't like, and the environment is so fun being at the museum and on SMU's campus. The staff is incredible and so attentive. The last few times I have had Manny at my table, and he is so thoughtful, kind, and engaging.
if it is a nice day, try to sit on the patio. good service, server was nice, but not interactive. corn chowder a,little spicy but good. whipped feta was great. Huevo ranchero was ok. two eggs on top of soupy blackbeans and two fried white corn tortillas. It's a different take but not a good one. Parking is $10, as most people go to George W. Bush museum
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Corn Soup
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