By Rebecca Leclair ’28
Located along West Lovers Lane, between Inwood and Lemmon is Celebration, a beloved Dallas restaurant that has been serving diners since 1971. Founded by Ed Lowe, Celebration has become a favorite farm-to-table restaurant in Dallas, earning praise for its commitment to the community.
When you drive into the parking lot and approach the stone building you can tell the restaurant is casual with a little bit of classy. The restaurant features two old houses made into dining areas, a full-service bar, and a patio with a stone fireplace and fountain. It’s perfect for family gatherings, groups and even dogs are welcome on the patio.
“Celebration prides itself on having the freshest, most flavorful, and whenever possible, local ingredients at an affordable price,” said Ed Lowe. The restaurant has a diverse menu that reflects original Southern cooking, with dishes that have earned recognition across multiple newspapers and magazines. Noteworthy mentions include Best Meatloaf in Taste of the South Magazine and Best Fried Chicken in the Dallas Observer.
Despite its multiple awards, some diners express mixed feelings about the food’s flavor. Robert G. said “The food’s flavor has cafeteria at a senior citizen home vibe. Next to no spice, flavors, or best-in-class recipes the flavor of the food felt focused on appeasing the dietary restrictions of an older customer base.” Even though…Celebration continues to attract a diverse crowd, showing its adaptability and broad appeal.
Ed Lowe’s passion extended beyond the kitchen he was an advocate for environmental stewardship, founding the Friends of the Brazos River. His commitment to sustainability was shown in Celebration’s sourcing, partnering with local farmers’ markets to bring fresh food to the restaurant each week.
Lowe’s life was cut short in a camping accident in 2018 at Big Bend National Park, leaving a legacy with the natural world and a community devoted to his vision. Today, Celebration continues to honor Lowe’s memory and mission. The restaurant not only serves as a dining destination but also offers catering services that began in 1994, expanding within the Dallas community. The restaurant’s private rooms accommodate special events.
Celebration remains a constant choice for those looking for comfort food and a sense of community. As diners sit around the patio with its flickering flames or inside the warm, wooden houses, they participate in a tradition that has lasted years.
In the words of Ed Lowe, “Thank you for supporting Dallas’ original farm-to-table restaurant since 1971.” At Celebration, every meal is not just about food it’s about bringing people together, with local produce, and celebrating the sense of community that Ed Lowe envisioned over five decades ago
THE BEAR FACTS 