The Stix Icehouse is an expansive indoor-outdoor Texas icehouse and family dining destination located at 301 Eldorado Parkway #100 in southern McKinney, Texas, just east of Central Expressway (US-75) and adjacent to wooded parkland. Founded by local residents Mike and Rae Luther in partnership with restaurateur Don Day, the venue draws inspiration from classic Hill Country and College Station watering holes to create a multi-acre gathering spot centered on Southern comfort food, craft cocktails, live acoustic music, and open-air lawn games. With its towering roadside statue of Lucky the Mule, sprawling shaded decks, and dog-friendly turf lawns, it is one of Collin County’s premier spots for casual group dining and weekend afternoons outdoors.
What to Expect at The Stix Icehouse
Unlike traditional sit-down restaurants, The Stix Icehouse operates on a relaxed, seat-yourself model across both its climate-controlled timber-and-steel indoor dining hall and its expansive multi-level outdoor patio and lawn. Guests walk in, claim any open table indoors or under the oak trees, and a server comes directly to the table to take food and drink orders. For larger informal gatherings on the grass, the venue encourages a “BYOT” (Bring Your Own Table or lawn chairs) culture where groups can spread out near the outdoor stage and turf play areas while still enjoying full bar and kitchen service. For private celebrations and organized events, the property also houses Lolly’s Dance Hall, a dedicated event space on site.
The kitchen focuses on scratch-made Texas and Southern comfort fare alongside Cajun-inspired favorites, smash burgers, gourmet street tacos, and shareable baskets. Signature starters include loaded queso, boudin balls, and house-smoked wings, while main plates range from crispy chicken tenders and chicken-fried steak to blackened catfish and stacked burgers. On the beverage side, the full bar pours ice-cold Texas draft beers, frozen cocktails, ranch waters, and house margaritas. Scheduled weekly specials anchor the calendar, including Lucky’s Lunch Features from Tuesday through Friday (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM), weekday Happy Hour from Tuesday through Friday (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM), Reverse Happy Hour on Friday and Saturday nights (9:00 PM to 11:00 PM), and Weekend Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Multi-Acre Outdoor Lawn & Patios: String-lit wooden decks, picnic tables, and synthetic turf lawns give kids room to run and adults plenty of shaded seating overlooking the surrounding trees.
- Lucky the Giant Mule Landmark: The property’s iconic oversized mule statue greets guests at the entrance and lends its name to the weekday Lucky’s Lunch Features menu.
- Weekday & Reverse Happy Hours: Drink and appetizer specials run Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, plus late-night Reverse Happy Hour on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- Weekend Brunch & Live Music: Saturday and Sunday brunch runs from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, regularly paired with live Texas country, Americana, and acoustic performances on the outdoor stage.
- Lolly’s Dance Hall & Dog-Friendly Grounds: Leashed dogs are welcomed across the outdoor patio and lawn areas, while Lolly’s Dance Hall accommodates private parties and community events.
The Stix Icehouse at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 301 Eldorado Pkwy #100, McKinney, TX 75069 |
| Neighborhood / Area | South McKinney / Eldorado Corridor (east of US-75) |
| Operating Hours | Mon: Closed; Tue–Wed: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM; Thu: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM; Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM–12:00 AM; Sun: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Mains typically $12–$22; free entry to grounds) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site surface parking lot; 2 minutes east of US-75 Exit 38C (Eldorado Pkwy) |
| Official Website & Phone | thestixicehouse.com | +1 214-592-8335 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because The Stix Icehouse does not take table reservations for regular dining, timing your arrival matters on warm Friday evenings and sunny weekends when local families and sports teams fill the lawn. Arriving before 5:30 PM on Fridays or right at 11:00 AM for weekend brunch ensures first pick of shaded patio tables without a wait. If the main surface parking lot fills up during peak weekend music sets, additional overflow parking is available nearby, and guests planning to camp out on the lawn with a large group can bring folding lawn chairs. The venue is reached by car via Exit 38C (Eldorado Parkway) off US-75 Central Expressway, heading east for half a mile past South Hardin Boulevard.
The property is step-free from the parking lot into the main indoor dining room, bar, and primary covered deck, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers, with accessible restrooms located inside the main building. Before or after your meal, you can pair a visit with Towne Lake Recreation Area just five minutes north, where paved trails circle a 22-acre lake with paddleboat rentals and picnic pavilions. Historic Downtown McKinney is less than a 10-minute drive northeast via Highway 5, offering the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts, independent boutiques, and wine tasting rooms around the Collin County Courthouse square, while the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary lies 10 minutes southeast along FM 1378.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours and happy hour times at The Stix Icehouse?
The Stix Icehouse is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to midnight, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM; it is closed on Mondays. Happy Hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Reverse Happy Hour is offered Friday and Saturday nights from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Does The Stix Icehouse take reservations?
No, The Stix Icehouse operates on a first-come, first-served open-seating policy for both its indoor dining hall and outdoor patio tables. Guests simply walk in, select any open table, and a server will come by to take orders; private events for large groups can be booked in advance at Lolly’s Dance Hall.
How much time should I budget for a visit to The Stix Icehouse?
Most guests spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours at The Stix Icehouse, especially when dining outdoors during live music sets or letting kids play on the turf lawns. Quick weekday lunches during Lucky’s Lunch Features (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) can easily be completed in 45 to 60 minutes.
Are dogs and children allowed at The Stix Icehouse?
Yes, the venue is built specifically for families and pet owners, featuring wide-open turf play areas for children and welcoming friendly, leashed dogs across all outdoor patio and lawn spaces. The dress code is completely casual, and step-free access accommodates strollers and wheelchairs throughout the main building and deck.
When planning your McKinney travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in McKinney, pair this stop with standout local spots including Local Yocal BBQ & Grill, Courtyard Dallas Allen at the Event Center, Urban Grill and Wine Bar McKinney, and Towne Lake Park (1.2 km away).
