INVASION: HOW DID THE HIGHLY REGARDED SANDWICHES AT THIS DEEP ELLUM RESTAURANT RATE?
The Cost - $20 per person
The Atmosphere – Located in Dallas’s hip Deep Ellum neighborhood, Invasion is a local spot that has some indoor seating but does a lot of its business through take out and delivery orders. There isn’t too much to say with respect to the restaurant’s décor, but you really aren’t here for that. Invasion is open for both lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday and does not take reservations or serve alcohol.
There aren’t many businesses that opened during March of 2020 that have survived – however, not only has Invasion survived, it has thrived. The restaurant, which is most known for its burgers and chicken sandwiches, has gained a lot of popularity and has won many awards since its opening. While Invasion’s most popular dishes are on the heavier side, it also offers bowls and plates as healthier options. We visited Invasion for lunch to see whether the hype is justified.
The Order – Bomb Brussels Sprouts & Potatoes, Cardi B, and a Berry Good Burger.
The Great – Though the three items that were ordered all received the same rating, the Berry Good Burger was definitely the best of the lot. A creative and unique dish that has a base of two halal beef patties stuffed with homemade strawberry jam and goat cheese, the burger was then topped with roasted salted strawberries, basil and sea salt and was served with crispy potatoes. The strawberry flavor from the jam and the roasted strawberries was sweet but combined with the tasty goat cheese, the combo made for a nice compliment to the large portion of meat. If you like strawberries and goat cheese and aren’t afraid to combine them with beef, this burger will surely be your jam (pun intended).
The Bomb Brussels Sprouts & Potatoes came highly recommended by the woman working the register and it did not disappoint. The homemade “bomb sauce” gave the veggies a kick while also adding an awesome umami flavor. The Brussels sprouts were fried nicely and have a crisp outer shell and a soft inside. I could have gone without the potatoes mixed in, especially since the sandwiches each come with the starchy rootvegetable, but it did make Invasion’s version of a Brussels sprouts appetizer different.
Featuring a buttermilk fried halal chicken breast, the Cardi B is one of the most popular items on Invasion’s menu. The delicious sandwich which is served on the same bun as the burger, comes with Invasion’s special sauce as well as a pickled coleslaw that is bended with jalapeños. The sandwich is pretty darn big and the purple cabbage from the coleslaw sticks out on all sides, making it a pleasant and drool-inducing sight. The chicken was really well done and the coleslaw blend added some good texture and flavor as well as a small kick. While it wasn’t as good as the berry good burger, it is a chicken sandwich I’d gladly order again.
The Verdict – Lunch at Invasion made for an excellent meal to break up, and add some excitement to, the workday. Each dish that was ordered was a winner and if we lived nearby, the restaurant would certainly be part of our normal rotation. Whether you live in Dallas or are just in town for a visit, Invasion is a great place to have on your list for a quick and casual meal.