The Wild Detectives
| Address: | 314 W Eighth St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA |
| Phone: | +1 214-942-0108 |
| Site: | thewilddetectives.com |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 2PM–12AM 10AM–12AM 10AM–12AM 10AM–12AM 10AM–12AM 10AM–1AM 10AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
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Chelsea Criss
WD, you have so much potential in this neighborhood! The design of this place is wonderful! They have a small menu of upscale snacks essentially and a couple tea selections, both of which Ive tried most of and enjoy. They seem overpriced for the quality and size. Adding some protein to the toastas would help. The best thing about this place for me has been the people it attracts. Ive met some amazing teachers, professors, artists and other professionals here and shared incredible conversations that led to new friendships and connections all while just showing up here to work on my laptop. I come here frequently and have enjoyed some readings and other events. Its a lovely place to meet a friend or get work done, depending on the time of day. It is AWESOME that they are open until midnight even on mondays! The baristas here typically do not give any kind of table service or even bring your orders to you even when they dont have any customers at the bar or in line. I worked in the service industry for 5 years and thats not service. Thats laziness. Dont expect a tip if you dont provide anything beyond the product paid for. A few months back I was here on a slow evening and it appeared the baristas put on some explicit music and turned up the volume. It was shocking and would not have been appropriate by any means had a family walked in and I could hardly take it myself. It was disgusting. These songs continued to play loudly with the baristas having no sense about how customers would feel about it until close! I didnt return to the shop for a while after that and it contributes to my 3 star rating vs. 5. It gave me reservations about suggesting The Wild Detectives to friends or family. I want to be able to trust the shops I give my business to. All in all, I still give them business because I enjoy the atmosphere and design and I live less than a mile away. If the above things change my 3 stars would become 5. WD, you have so much potential in this neighborhood!
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Michael Englehardt
My girlfriend and I totally stumbled onto this place while being terrible at navigating and it was good enough we got lost again trying to find it the next day. Its not difficult to find, were just really bad at it. From the outside, it looks like someone took a house and decided one day to make a book store/cafe. Its so cozy. You can work on your laptop, curl against a window and read, or chat with the barista over a small pour of beer or four (well, Ill stay, but just for a bit...). They have a good selection of literature, poetry, and signed copies. Going to Dallas in the middle of a week of downpours was maybe a slight bummer, but sitting inside here with the rain coming down was a beautiful moment.
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Ben Carlton
This unusual coffee shop is nestled in the suburban area just South of downtown. The building has quite a few area for seating with two window seats, a large table, and several places for individual studying not to mention a great outdoor area in the back. The interior has a spacious lodge feel with a high ceiling and large beams. They serve alcoholic beverages alongside the typical coffee, teas, and hot chocolate as well as a variety of pastries. To order, just open a tab and ask for your favorite drink. When youd like to pay, ask for the bill before you leave.
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meroni carderon
Staff are friendly and more than competent! I got a simple Americano and it was fantastic. Sometimes they have local artists or musicians come in so thats fun. Cool little lounge area inside surrounded by bookshelves with couches and seats. Outdoor area in back is super for groups. Cozy bar. Not the place to go for flavored lattes or frappes; their focus is more on the standalone quality of the coffee and drinks themselves. My friend ordered an iced mocha and they basically gave him a plain iced latte with undissolved cocoa nibs at the bottom.
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Elizabeth T_
Very disappointed with their service. Was meant to travel through Dallas and got in touch with the main bookstores listed in that region. Everyone recommended The Wild Detectives, so I contacted them. After many promises from the owner himself, I proceeded with my transaction. Stopped hearing from him after a while, and despite my numerous phone calls to his bookstore, and the messages I left with the shop assistant, I received no reply by phone or email. Very inconsiderate of them. I am extremely disappointed!
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Nathan Wilson
My wife and my favorite spot for coffee or dessert on a night out. Theyll do half-size beer samplers which are great for saving money while trying a new micro, they serve emporium pie (the bourbon chocolate pecan is just deadly), and brew oak cliff coffee, which is wonderful. The decor is interesting, the books are unusual, and the staff is friendly. I love the "Weekends without WiFi" concept, too, from 5 pm Friday through Sunday.
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Essence Mahkato
One of the coolest concepts to a bookstore Ive seen, and it quickly became my favorite morning spot when I moved into the neighborhood. Love the coffee, the vibe, and the staff! Everyone is always super friendly and warm when I visit, and theres always good music playing in the background for studying and doing work. If you havent, try the tostas! The salmon + avocado is delicious, especially if you eat them together. <3 5 stars!
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Joseph Wang
Nice place to chill late in the evening if you want to hang out with a couple friends or you plan to get some work done. Its a rather unique place in that they serve both coffee and alcohol. They have shelves of books. And they dont have WiFi available on weekends to encourage you to disconnect from the internet and to connect with each other. Theres both indoor and outdoor seating as well on the patio.
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Desiree Eaton
My new favorite place!!! I knew I had to check it out after watching the owners TedTalk... Brilliant!!! I love the concept, the environment is cozy, comfortable and warm. Conducive of facilitating engagement, exploring ideas, meeting new peeps and meaningful conversation. Terrific staff, charming back yard, comfortable bar... looking forward to my next visit as well as 1 of the unique events. Kudos!
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J Will31
Definitely a wonderful hidden spot in the Bishop Arts area. I hesitate to share the greatness for fear of crowds taking over. In any case, the bookstore/coffee shop is a great place to meet up for a quiet date or a nice place to collect your thoughts and sip a beverage. The desserts are a bonus. I enjoy all of the staff, never met anyone in there that wasnt friendly and helpful. Awesomeness!
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Alex Lehman
Little cozy nook in the Bishop arts district. Indoor and outdoor seating is a good size. Id sit indoors for reading/studying and the outdoor seating perhaps more for having a glass of wine if thats what suits you. The bar top is a little smaller but the staff seems able to handle a good amount of people. The decor is great and they have a pretty great selection of books and vinyls.
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Lisa Galvan
Best little coffee book store in Dallas! Great reads, coffee and beer selection. Only a few on tap, but Ive never been unsatisfied with their selection, (coming from a beer snob). Cant wait for their next Hip Hop night at the back of the little house. Its definitely become a little jewel in the the Bishop Arts District
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Francisco Arteaga
You can easily spend most of your day here. Buy some books to read with some espresso. Hangout and have a beer or some wine with friends. If you come on the right day follow it up with a live performance (music and stand up comedy). If you can walk, bike, or Uber here it will save you the trouble of finding parking.
