The Boardwalk at Granite Park

The sounds of laughter and clinking glasses from the outdoor bar filtered in through the open doors. My husband and I were sitting in a booth overlooking the peaceful water while eating hamburgers and garlic fries and enjoying the beautiful summer weather—basically, experiencing a little bit of paradise. No, this lunch date didn’t take place at a faraway beach town; it actually happened right here in Plano at The Boardwalk at Granite Park.

The Boardwalk entrance at Granite Park // photos Tim Sporcic

The Boardwalk is a miniature oasis, tucked away just southeast of the intersection of State Highway 121 and the Dallas North Tollway. It’s hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, encircled by the Granite Properties towers and the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park hotel.

Walking down the wooden planks of The Boardwalk and overlooking the pond bubbling with water fountains, it’s easy to forget it’s in Plano. Beach chairs and tables are set up along the edge overlooking the water, string lights dangle from above and a stone fire pit is set up to keep visitors warm during cool fall nights. Take a stroll and then stop for lunch at Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, the first restaurant to open on The Boardwalk.

Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburger’s outdoor patio

“We are excited to have had the opportunity to open our third location at one of the hottest spots in North Texas,” said Brent Gamster, co-owner of Chip’s since 2010. “One of our regular customers approached us to be the first signed lease in this dynamic center.”

Sit at Chip’s outdoor patio in nice weather or spread out with the kids at one of the many booths covered by red-and-white-checkered tablecloths. Order Chip’s classic 1/3-pound burger with all the fixings on the side, or go for a healthier option like a salad or grilled chicken. To get the true experience, make sure to get a handmade milkshake (a favorite is chocolate and Oreo mixed together).

Chip’s 1/2 lb. cheeseburger

“For more than 35 years, this family-owned restaurant has never wavered from its original goal of providing quality food and huge portions in a family-friendly environment,” said Brent. “Our fresh, high-quality ingredients have led loyal fans to vote it into Dallas’ Burger Joint Hall of Fame, and we have won numerous awards such as Best Cheeseburger, Fries, Shoestring Onions and Milkshakes.”

Chip’s won’t be the only restaurant on The Boardwalk for long. “The Boardwalk is quickly becoming a dining destination,” says Granite Properties President/CEO Greg Fuller. “It draws both business professionals by day and families in the evening. Everyone is eagerly anticipating our next eateries, and we anticipate two openings this fall with more to follow in early 2018.”

One of those is the new seafood concept Hookline, which is part of the Del Sur Restaurant Group that also owns Urban Taco and Hook Line and Sinker. And 33 Restaurant Group, the team behind Taverna Rossa, Cadillac Pizza Pub and Heritage Pizza and Taproom, will open a casual craft beer and pizza spot called Union Bear. After those two open, there will still be room for three more dining establishments.

Walking down The Boardwalk we were not ready to leave this peaceful oasis. This secluded area is only going to get more popular as more restaurants open, so don’t hesitate to visit the area now. In a city as busy as Plano, a relaxing beach-like hangout is exactly what we could all use.

The Boardwalk at Granite Park > Chip's Old Fashioned Hamburger >
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