About Us
who we are and what we're about
Hey neighbors! My name is Kent Oliver. If we haven't met already, I've been your neighbor here on the near east side since 2008. I moved to the neighborhood for the same reason many of you did...affordable housing! Housing and its affordability is something that has/is changing before our eyes, and is more often than not a topic of discussion among neighbors.
What has not changed is the rich cultural history of our neighborhoods...Denver Heights...Dignowity Hill..Government Hill...Nevada Street...Historic Gardens. From the Czechs and Polish who built our century old homes to the African Americans who built a strong business community and raised families here and now the diverse population of all ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds....a rich history unlike anywhere else in the city. A history we must all treasure and preserve to the best of our ability.
The Dakota East Side Ice House opened on the corner of Hackberry and Dakota in April of 2018. We are housed in what was originally the Wah Yuen Chinese grocery and meat market, and most recently the Hackberry Express convenience store. This building, in the heart of the neighborhood, is perfectly positioned to function as a natural meeting place for friends and neighbors to get to know each other....something our community was missing.
I am proud to say that we serve some really delicious food...not fancy...but really good. Pizzas, Sandwiches and favorites like our Pork Queso will win you over without a doubt! We are very grateful for our loyal following of neighbors and friends.
In the fall of 2018 we hosted our first evening of live music, with one strum of the guitar the place was brought to life in a way it never had before...it was magic. Today, we host live music often. Our stage may be small, but the intimate setting always produces a night to remember. Jazz, Funk, Folk, Blues, Conjunto, Spoken word...and most recently Comedy. Our lineup proves itself to be as diverse as our neighbors.
We strive to provide a safe welcoming environment with the best food and drink available at a reasonable price for our neighbors, near and far, to relax and enjoy themselves. Our house is your house. Above all we focus on building and unifying our community...and just Being Nice to one another...Dammit!
good times!
