MOTOPIA visit and review
Yes, It was very chilly today, I know, it started snowing just a little as I was taking the cover off the FJR and thinking, hmmm, do I really want to go out to lunch on the bike today? Well, I zipped the liner into my jacket, threw on some long johns and got the heck outside. It was nice to get away from school/work for a bit and I just had to check out the new motorcycle cafe that has recently opened just a couple miles from where I live/work.
They are located here:
4123 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75204 l 214-443-8389
and their website is here:
https://www.motopiacafe.com/index.php
First off, Its easy to find, just off 75 near downtown dallas and as I was there they were adding lights to the top of the structure (see picture) to increase roadside visibility. There are 7 motorcycle only parking right in front of the cafe and more parking in back. I initially missed the store front parking and drove up the steep ramp to get to the parking lot in back and almost ran into a big white pick-em-up coming down the narrow drive. Well, the truck backed up, I stalled my bike on the ramp and then parked and met the driver of the truck. Turns out it is Adam, who runs the built in bike detailing shop of the cafe. He apologizes for our near collision and introduces himself. I show him some boot rubber by SO put on my exhaust and he tells me he can get that off for me no problem. Sweet. Then he tells me to ask for Augustine and get a tour of the place. Perfect. First I move my bike down to the front parking so I can get this pic.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I should have realized that being in what we affectionately call (up-town Dallas) is would be nice. That turns out to be an understatement. The Place looks FANTASTIC. The layout is cool, the motorcycle decor is awesome.
Here is a couple pics of the main cafe area.
Note the Cafe overlooking the Bike Detail Shop
And the cafe bar. They serve great coffee as well as beer and wine. I had a cafe con Leche to remind me of my work in Spain a few years ago. So while Im at the counter, I meet Augustine, the barista. He is very nice and gives me a guided tour.
First we start off with the Cafe area, the move to the “business center” The whole place has free wi-fi and you can sit at a stool, desk area and work or read while observing the bike detail shop. There are a couple of full size cubicle type workstations there as well as printing, coping, faxing facilities. Right now all this is free, I picture myself doing homework and studying there in the very near future.
Nice place to work or hang while watching your bike get detailed
Next we go to the bike detail shop. It looks really cool with two service bays and big windows looking out at the cafe and business center.
Here is the owners BMW
And this REALLY TRICK quad, note the BMW engine. Augustine tells me its limited production and goes goes for about 60K. I’ll take two!
Augustine only had a few customers probably to the fact that they are pretty new and it was a little chilly for the whimpy bikers who actually have cars to drive on days like this. Being hard core however, I was able to get special treatment. While I’m chatting with Augustine, another fellow walks up and I’m introduced to Rene Larrave, the owner. He is very nice and seems to be personally involved with getting the lighting installed. I like hands-on people!
Of course, I have not eaten in awhile, so a pending question for me is, “hows the food”
Menu is here:
https://www.motopiacafe.com/motopia-menu-food.pdf
WelI, I ordered the Cubano, which for you who are too lazy to click the link above is composed of: “Roasted and lean pork loin, premium ham, swiss cheese, refried black beans, avocado,
tomatoes, onions and our special dressing”
It was literally melt in your mouth good. I had an emotional moment as I bit into the sandwich and was taking in the entire place that just opened up a couple miles from where I live. Wow. I’m verclempt. (SNL Reference)
Well,being a guy, I don’t think about checking out the decore in the head, but had to pay a visit anyway and Wow. Ok, it gets a point off for not having a cool urinal or any urinal for that matter, but the sink is a work of art and there is an LCD screen on the wall so you don’t miss any of the race while in the head. Mans Paradise!! There are also three large panel televisions on the walls around the cafe so you can watch motorcycle racing or other events.
IN THE BATHROOM!!
Well, I had to leave and get back to work but I’m already working on my calender to reschedule my near future lunch appointments for this place. This place is such a neat concept and so well implemented that you have to pay a visit. Once you experience the food and the atmosphere, I think you’ll be hooked.
Lamp ART!
~FJR@DTS
