After over four years in Frisco, we are all too aware of the huge list of chain restaurants to choose from. However, lately my husband and I are drawn to finding the locally owned gems popping up amongst the massive growth taking place.
Living in East Frisco I often find myself at the Custer/Eldorado intersection, just on the McKinney border, while running errands. It has a fair share of family restaurants, but I was delighted to see something different pop up on the northwest corner, at the Kroger strip mall. A perfect location with plenty of parking, plus a spacious patio to enjoy spring sunshine.
The general buzz has been very positive about BarnLight Eatery, and I recently got a chance to eat there with my family and see what all the fuss is about.
Owners Philip and Christina Doyal are sixth generation Texans. Celebrating a year since opening their mom and pop startup restaurant, they strive to provide great home cooking with a twist.
The first thing that greets you when you walk in the door is a case full of beautifully presented cupcakes, cookies, and desserts. All of these sweet treats are handmade, baked fresh each morning by Christina. It’s tempting to start with dessert – try to delay that gratification for after your meal.
The atmosphere is warm and staff are inviting, the environment is rustic chic, but charming. Historic photos adorn the walls, and that symbolic barn light can be found here and there.
The menu includes some popular comfort food items like chicken soup, pot roast, meat loaf, and pasta with shrimp, but each with a little twist on the flavors. For example, imagine the following enticing combinations of those standards I just mentioned:
- Chicken Soup of the South with avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños
- Pot Roast with a Zinfandel sauce
- Chorizo Meat Loaf with a tangy tomato glaze and smoked corn relish
- Pasta and Gulf Shrimp with a spicy tomato cream and spinach.
Is your mouth watering yet?
The choice in each course is diverse but not overwhelming, and there is a separate children’s menu with healthy options.
Zach, our server, was very polite and provided helpful guidance in making a final main course choice.
Our dishes arrived promptly at our table, well-presented and steaming hot. Our girls’ meals were delivered early (timed with my husband’s starter of delicious crab cakes), a detail that is much appreciated when dining with the little ones.
The main course pot roast did not disappoint. Accompanied by creamy buttermilk mashed potato, every piece just melted in my mouth. The Zinfandel sauce proved an amazing combination with the meat.
All four of us scraped our plates and felt our appetites where satisfied, but did not feel overly full.
Although I opted for a nice latte instead of dessert, I noticed Key Lime Pie and Crème Brulee are staples on the menu, and there are additional blackboard specials offered each day. Oh! and an interesting detail: BarnLight prides itself so much on homemade bakery and desserts that you shouldn’t expect the routine scoop of tub ice cream for the kiddies here. Instead, a glass of milk with homemade cookies provide an excellent alternative.
Some may find the menu a little pricey, but every delicious bite, accompanied by attentive and courteous staff, was worth it. While we dined as a family and noticed many just like us that day, it would also be ideal for a mid-week or late-night date night.
They also offer a full bar including specialty drinks at their generously sized bar.
I will certainly return to make another selection from this menu that offers unique items with interesting flavors and combinations. Thank you, BarnLight, for a truly modern home cooked experience.
15922 Eldorado Parkway #700, Frisco, TX 75035
Hours:
Tues – Sat 11:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Closed Monday
