The Hilton College Station announces the official opening on October 10 of its upscale dining and bourbon lounge, The Dean.
News release from the College Station Hilton:
There’s a new spot in town, and it’s about to shake up the local dining scene. The Dean, an upscale dining and bourbon lounge, officially opens October 10 inside the Hilton College Station Hotel & Conference Center. A tribute to classic bourbon lounges with a modern, nostalgic twist, The Dean is set to become the go-to spot for Aggies and visitors alike.
The Dean Unveils a Bold Menu with Sophisticated Bourbon Pairings
Sitting in the heart of College Station, The Dean is bringing something new to the table: a refined dining experience rooted in local flavors with a global spin. From perfectly prepared entrées to expertly crafted bourbon cocktails and an extensive wine list, this menu is designed to impress and leave an impression.
Timeless Meets Fresh: A Culinary Gem in College Station
The moment you step inside The Dean, you’ll feel the blend of old-world charm and modern style. It’s not just another hotel restaurant—it’s a destination. Whether you’re stopping by for an after-work cocktail, a business meeting, or toasting a special moment, The Dean elevates every occasion.
A Menu That Demands Attention
The menu kicks off with dishes like ceviche, a refreshing starter featuring striped bass, citrus, and avocado, topped with pico de gallo and a touch of chili, served with crisp plantain chips. For something with a little more substance, dive into the pork belly burnt ends. With rich pork belly caramelized to perfection in a spicy glaze and topped with “cowboy candy,” this dish is a spicy-sweet twist on a Southern favorite.
If you’re after something classic, steak tartare is the move. Salt-cured egg yolk, capers, pepperoncini, and house-made marrownaise come together in a dish that’s all about rich flavors and texture, served with grilled baguette for the perfect crunch. And for those who want full indulgence? The roasted beef bone marrow, paired with garlic confit and pickled red onions, hits that sweet spot between richness and tanginess.
Entrées That Steal the Show
Moving on to the mains, The Dean does not disappoint. Start with shrimp n’ grits, featuring grilled Gulf shrimp, Cajun garlic sauce, and roasted corn & poblano polenta for a bold touch. The striped bass is another standout, perfectly seared and served with crab and pea arancini, finished with a refreshing pea vinaigrette.
Pasta fans will fall in love with the scallop bucatini—a comforting plate of tender scallops, bucatini pasta, chives, tomatoes, and a white wine butter sauce that ties everything together.
For something hearty, try the lamb chops paired with a gratin potato and gingered carrot purée. The dish gets a fresh twist with gremolata, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a good mix of savory and herbaceous flavors.
But the showstopper? That would be the bone-in ribeye for two. Carved tableside and served with broccolini and a decadent macaroni gratin, this ribeye is taken to the next level with The Dean’s signature cowboy butter.
Desserts That Deliver
When it comes to dessert, The Dean plays the nostalgia card. The whiskey date cake layers a bourbon toffee glaze, cream cheese icing, and spiced pecans for a dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious. For something lighter but equally indulgent, go for the Basque cheesecake, which boasts a perfectly burnt exterior and a creamy interior, served with chocolate griottine cherry sauce for a bit of tangy contrast.
Shaking Things Up at The Dean
No meal at The Dean is complete without trying the cocktail menu, where bourbon-forward drinks steal the spotlight. The Dean’s Old Fashioned is a sophisticated take on the classic, featuring Redemption High Rye, Demerara simple syrup, Luxardo cherries, and chocolate bitters for a balanced, flavorful sip.
For those looking to venture off the beaten path, Memoirs of a Geisha offers a mix of Whistle Pig PiggyBack Rye, elderflower, guajillo chili, and ginger. It’s a little floral, a little spicy, and a lot memorable.
If you’re after something more complex with a bit of a kick, the A.C.D. is your drink. Redemption Bourbon, Dolin Rouge vermouth, cherry bitters, and black walnut bitters come together, but it’s the finishing touch that steals the show—a hit of smoke trapped under a cloche, unleashed right before your eyes. Bold and balanced, this cocktail demands to be sipped slowly.
Gin lovers will also find their match with the Howard Hughes, a refreshing twist that combines Aviation Gin, Luxardo, crème de violette, and lemon juice—offering a balance of floral and citrus notes that’s complex yet light.
With a lineup like this, The Dean isn’t just for bourbon enthusiasts—it’s for anyone who loves a well crafted cocktail.
Looking for Something More Casual?
For a laid-back but equally indulgent experience, snag a seat at the bar and dive into The Dean’s bar menu. The Dean Burger is a must—piled high with crispy smoked pork bacon, tomato poblano jam, CBS, and bone marrownaise on a sourdough bun. Craving something to snack on? The candied bacon, glazed with hot honey, is hard to resist, or try the house-smoked chicken wings with signature barbecue sauce.
A Team With Serious Cred
Behind the scenes, The Dean is helmed by the same team responsible for restoring and managing iconic properties like the award-winning Thayer Hotel at West Point. Led by West Point graduates, their dedication to excellence, detail, and service shines through every aspect of the restaurant, ensuring that The Dean is set to become a standout in the Texas culinary scene.
Reservations Not Required, But Highly Recommended
While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot at this soon-to-be hot spot. Private dining rooms are also available for more intimate gatherings, with seating for up to 12 guests in a beautifully appointed space designed for special occasions.
Dine at The Dean
Breakfast Hours: Daily from 6 AM to 10 AM
Dinner Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 PM to 10 PM; Friday and Saturday, 5 PM to 11 PM
With seating for 90 guests, including a private room for 12, The Dean offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort—whether you’re popping in for a casual dinner or hosting a celebration. Free parking is available.
About The Dean
Tucked inside the Hilton College Station, The Dean is where tradition meets modern flair, offering a dining experience that sticks with you long after the last bite. Whether you’re sipping a bourbon cocktail or indulging in one of the many carefully crafted dishes, every moment at The Dean is designed to leave an impression.
The Dean rounds out the trio of dining experiences at the Hilton, joining Reveille, the rooftop spot reimagining nostalgic college classics with a gourmet twist, and Offshore Bar & Grill, your go-to for poolside bites and drinks. And soon, the Hilton College Station will unveil a private speakeasy, still under wraps, that promises to add an extra layer of intrigue to The Dean.
The newly reimagined restaurants, along with their brand new menus, are part of the recently renovated Hilton Hotel & Conference Center in College Station.
Phone: 979-693-7500 Website: thedeancs.com Instagram + Facebook: @thedeancs