Neiman Marcus’ Zodiac Restaurant Leaves Behind a Legacy: For over seven decades, The Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus’ flagship store in Dallas was more than just a restaurant—it was an institution. Known for its elegant dining experience, signature dishes, and its place in the city’s cultural and fashion history, The Zodiac Room is set to close alongside the flagship Neiman Marcus store on March 31, 2025.
The closure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a rich legacy of culinary innovation, hospitality, and timeless traditions. From its famous popover with strawberry butter to its status as a gathering place for Dallas’ elite, the restaurant has played an irreplaceable role in the city’s dining scene.
Neiman Marcus’ Zodiac Restaurant Leaves Behind a Legacy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Neiman Marcus, Downtown Dallas |
| Established | April 27, 1953 |
| Closing Date | March 31, 2025 |
| Reason for Closure | Lease dispute with the building’s landlord |
| Signature Dishes | Popovers with strawberry butter, Mandarin orange soufflé, Neiman Marcus Dip |
| Cultural Impact | A social hub for Dallas’ elite, informal fashion shows, landmark for fine dining |
The closure of The Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus marks the end of a storied chapter in Dallas’ culinary and social history. For over 70 years, it was a place where food, fashion, and fine dining intertwined, offering guests a unique blend of elegance and hospitality.
Though its physical doors will close, its legacy will continue through its famous recipes, cherished memories, and its influence on upscale department store dining. As Dallas bids farewell, The Zodiac Room remains a symbol of an era where shopping and dining were seamlessly woven into a luxurious experience.
A Legacy of Elegance and Culinary Excellence
The Birth of The Zodiac Room
The Zodiac Room was envisioned by Stanley Marcus, who sought to redefine the shopping experience by blending luxury retail with gourmet dining. Designed by New York interior designer Eleanor LeMaire, the restaurant featured an opulent setting that mirrored the elegance of Neiman Marcus’ high-end fashion collections. The space boasted cerulean blue walls, lush carpeting, and an Italian tile pool adorned with water lilies, offering a sophisticated escape for shoppers.
Helen Corbitt: The Woman Behind the Zodiac Room’s Iconic Menu
Much of The Zodiac Room’s success can be credited to Helen Corbitt, the legendary director of food services at Neiman Marcus in the 1950s. A culinary innovator, Corbitt crafted a menu that combined elevated simplicity with gourmet flavors, leading to the creation of some of the most celebrated dishes in Dallas history, including:
- Popover with strawberry butter – A signature dish served to every guest upon arrival.
- Mandarin orange soufflé – A light yet flavorful dessert that became a customer favorite.
- Neiman Marcus Dip (Million Dollar Dip) – A creamy, nutty dip that gained national recognition.
Cultural Significance of The Zodiac Room
The Zodiac Room was more than just a dining destination; it was a social and cultural hotspot. It served as:
- A meeting place for Dallas’ elite, where business moguls, fashion icons, and socialites dined regularly.
- A stage for informal fashion shows, where models would showcase the latest Neiman Marcus collections to patrons.
- A landmark of tradition, where generations of families celebrated special occasions over lunch and afternoon tea.
Why Is The Zodiac Room Closing?
The closure of The Zodiac Room is directly tied to the shutdown of the Neiman Marcus flagship store, which is closing due to a long-standing lease dispute with the building’s landlord. Despite over a decade of negotiations, the retailer was unable to reach a resolution, leading to its decision to vacate the property after more than 100 years of operation.
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Memorable Zodiac Room Dishes That Live On
While The Zodiac Room itself will be gone, its most beloved dishes will continue to live on through home cooks and fans of Neiman Marcus’ culinary traditions. Here are three of the restaurant’s most iconic recipes:
1. Neiman Marcus Dip (Million Dollar Dip)
A creamy, nutty, and flavorful dip made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, and slivered almonds. This dip remains a popular party appetizer and is easy to recreate at home.
2. Popovers with Strawberry Butter
A light, airy bread roll served with a side of sweet, whipped strawberry butter, setting the gold standard for elegant dining starters.
3. Mandarin Orange Soufflé
A refreshing and slightly tangy soufflé that perfectly complemented the restaurant’s sophisticated menu.
FAQs
1. Why is The Zodiac Room closing?
The Zodiac Room is closing because Neiman Marcus is shutting down its downtown Dallas flagship store on March 31, 2025, due to a lease dispute with the building’s landlord.
2. When did The Zodiac Room first open?
The restaurant opened on April 27, 1953, making it one of the longest-running dining establishments in Dallas.
3. What were some of The Zodiac Room’s most famous dishes?
Signature dishes included:
- Popover with strawberry butter
- Neiman Marcus Dip (Million Dollar Dip)
- Mandarin orange soufflé
4. Was The Zodiac Room only in the Dallas location?
Although several Neiman Marcus locations featured Zodiac-inspired restaurants, the Dallas flagship Zodiac Room was the original and most famous.
5. Can I still make The Zodiac Room’s famous dishes at home?
Yes! Many of The Zodiac Room’s classic recipes have been shared over the years, allowing home cooks to recreate the magic of this iconic restaurant.
6. What will happen to the Neiman Marcus flagship store building?
While Neiman Marcus has not announced specific plans, the future of the historic building remains uncertain. Developers and city officials are considering redevelopment options.
