Bolsa is located on Davis Street just west of the Bishop Arts District in a historic building known as Settles Garage. The original owner built the core building block by cinder block himself and established a reputation for great service. Bolsa has paid tribute to Settles Garage by restoring many original elements, from the original garage doors on Davis to the original cement floor salvaged for paving stones on the patio.
The Bolsa bar and kitchen rest solidly on cinder block that Settles would have used. The location in Oak Cliff was chosen based on the sense of community that exists in this eclectic, bohemian neighborhood—a perfect match to the Bolsa experience. Bolsa, like the streets of Oak Cliff, is just minutes from Dallas but a world away from the city.
A garage shaped the look
The homepage reinforced that description visually. Its logo sat at the upper left, a horizontal navigation ran across the header, and a two-panel image slideshow occupied the main area. The fixed-width, square-edged layout and deep-burgundy accent matched the building’s practical, workmanlike character.
The building story also explains why the restaurant’s food and atmosphere were repeatedly described together. A visible kitchen, old garage opening, patio and workmanlike materials made freshness feel practical rather than ornamental. Read the Bolsa page for the earlier 2008 definition and Community for the neighborhood context.
Oak Cliff and the table
Bolsa connected its location to the food it served. The dinner menu drew inspiration from ingredients offered by local farmers, small growers, ranchers and fishermen, while the catering introduction emphasized support for local agriculture and food sustainability. The neighborhood room and the seasonal kitchen were presented as parts of one experience.
The menu changed regularly rather than treating a list as permanent. Brunch brought together flatbreads, eggs, biscuits, chilaquiles and sweets; dinner ranged from shared starters to local vegetables, fish, meat and dessert. The changing food gave the old garage a different rhythm from weekend morning through evening.
From garage to Mercado
Bolsa Mercado opened in December 2011 with the goal of carrying the same principles into prepared food and events. Its boxed lunches, salads and larger catering stations extended the restaurant’s local focus beyond the dining room. Continue to Bolsa, Bolsa Mercado or Community.