R Bar and Grill - A Favorite Destination During the NCAA Final Four

Arlington Texas has always been known for it's sporting venues and Six Flags Over Texas, but now thanks to the new R Bar and Grill at the Arlington Hilton it's also becoming a dining destination.

The hotel has just undergone extensive renovations that include updated guest rooms, fitness center and lobby. The lobby is so welcoming I just wanted to stay there. They completely rebuilt the dining area and added the R Bar and Grill which features a stunning bar area, lots of televisions to watch the games on, and my favorite area - a wood burning pizza oven. There's also a great new patio area that's perfect for enjoying our Spring weather.

Chef Michael West is a wonderful addition to the talented Arlington Hilton team. His knowledge in the kitchen including working with Chef Joanne Bondy at several James Beard dinners is reflected in the menu which is influenced by locally sourced food and produce presented beautifully. I had so much fun working on some food photography at the restaurant and it tasted as good as it looked which said a lot.

I'm not usually a big cocktail person but there are some really interesting choices that feature housemade ingredients I'm going to have to try.

Fortunately the restaurant opened before the Rangers opening game and the NCAA Final Four Finals and you can be one of the first to try out this great new spot.

If you are looking for a place to avoid the traffic and crowds before or after the games, or just have a great meal and people watch, this is where you want to be.