Snuffer's Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Dallas

A Nostalgic Tribute to Snuffer's on Lower Greenville

As a devoted patron of Snuffer's for over 30 years, I feel a deep connection to this Dallas gem on Lower Greenville. Founded by Pat Snuffer in 1978, this restaurant has woven itself into the fabric of my family's history, standing as a culinary landmark that has transcended generations.

Snuffer's, known for its exceptional cheeseburgers with signature black poppy seed buns, has consistently delivered mouth-watering flavors. The juicy beef patties, combined with toasted buns, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes, create a symphony of taste, making each bite a delightful experience.

Another hallmark of Snuffer's is their legendary cheddar fries. Served in a foil-wrapped bowl, these fries are a heavenly mix of crunchy bacon, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheddar, crowned with a sprinkle of green onions. Though the presentation has shifted to a ceramic bowl under El Fenix's ownership, the taste remains a comforting reminder of the restaurant's legacy.

The fried mushrooms, always crisp and perfectly paired with ranch, are a testament to Snuffer's commitment to quality and taste. While I lament the loss of the famous spinach quesadillas and original chicken tenders after the ownership change, the core essence of Snuffer's still resonates with me.

My fondest memories are of the original Lower Greenville location, now replaced by a higher occupancy restaurant. The old building was haunted and nestled next to the Granada Theater, held a unique charm. Sitting on the patio, watching the world go by with a chocolate milkshake or cherry Sprite in hand, the gentle breeze, and the hum of rock music created an ambiance that was truly magical.

Though the new ownership scores a modest 5/10 in my heart, Snuffer's as a whole remains a solid 10/10. This review is more than just words; it's a tribute to the timeless legacy of Pat Snuffer and the unforgettable experiences his creation has given us. Snuffer's isn't just a restaurant; it's a part of our lives, a cherished memory, and a Dallas icon that will always hold a special place...

We love Snuffer's! I would give them a 4.5 stars if I could. There are a few minor improvements they could make. We have been ordering from them on UberEats for since the quarantine and love them. I will offer some THOROUGH insight on the delivery experience versus the in-person experience. I took my daughter to the actual location for her birthday and we loved it. The restaurant looks awesome. Our server was a little on the slow, but we came at a busy time. He could have checked in on our table more. I still tipped him, since he was nice. The manager came around at some point and checked in on us, which was great and personable. The restaurant on Greenville has very limited parking! If you are unable to park in their parking lot, then expect to pay $8 to park in the neighboring parking lot. UberEats did a great job delivering our food from Snuffers while it was still hot at first, but this spring it has been more hit or miss. I would watch their order tracking and notice that UberEats would take forever assigning a driver to pick up my food from the restaurant. By the time, I get my food it has to be reheated. Not a big deal, but may be problematic for someone who wants their food delivered hot. I don't think that's Snuffer's fault. The only thing Snuffers might be able to do is waiting till a driver has been assigned before preparing the order. Also, the packaging of the nachos (one of my faves) when getting them delivered is very inconsistent and I felt shorted on my order a couple of times. They have always been great about fixing it on the next order, but they need to standardize their process on that to be consistent. The nachos portion at the restaurant is bigger than what you get ordering through UberEats. I'm not sure if they are aware of that, but again...

The Fall of a Dallas Icon: Snuffer's on Lower Greenville

I've been visiting Snuffer's on Lower Greenville since the mid-80s, back when it was still owned by Pat Snuffer. The original location was a treasure trove of memories, from the haunted history to the test items that made each visit unique. I remember the October specials vividly, especially the Ghost Pepper Burger with Melinda's ghost pepper ketchup, which perfectly balanced heat and sweetness. The wooden patio, the bench seating, and the classic rock blaring outside—Joe Walsh’s "Life’s Been Good" was a personal favorite—all contributed to the location's undeniable charm.

The original building, with its two distinct sections—the old side and the newer addition—had a character that the new, rebuilt structure lacks. After the financial struggles in 2013, when the original building was torn down and replaced, the soul of Snuffer’s seemed to vanish with it.

Fast forward to 2024, and what was once a bustling, beloved spot has been reduced to a shadow of its former self. The menu has been slashed by 70%, with staples like the cheddar fries now absurdly priced at $13 for a half order and $17 for a full order with toppings. The famous black poppy seed buns, once a hallmark of Snuffer’s, have been replaced with a stale, thick alternative that’s nowhere near as satisfying as the original.

El Fenix, through Firebird Restaurant Group, has aggressively driven this establishment into the ground. What was once a testing ground for exciting new items under Pat Snuffer’s careful watch has become just another cookie-cutter chain. The way they've handled this legacy, stripping away its identity, is a shameful disservice to Pat Snuffer and the loyal patrons who once cherished this Dallas...