East Dallas Brunch: Local Secrets & Foodie Favorites
Just Dallas Things
Welcome to the neighborhood, D.L. Mack’s🍸 This cozy Chicago-style tavern does not disappoint👏🏼 Everything was delicious, but the cracker crust honey truffle chicken pizza really did it for me. They also use Banana Hazelnut Infused Cold Brew in their Espresso Martinis and o.m.g. IT’S SO GOOD. Cheers to many more nights at Mack’s🥂✨ Ordered: Garlic Knots, Lemon Drop Martini, Bee’s Knees Cocktail, The McCarthy Salad, Honey Truffle Chicken Pizza, Cheeseburger, Espresso Martinis Want to Try Next: Mozzarella Sticks, Pesto Rotini, Harry Caray Special Pizza, Southside Cocktail
VICTORIA northtx.gemz
DOLCE RIVIERA || DALLAS 💙 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: upscale Italian food. Known for their interior and covered patio seating. 🍒 THE VIBE: literally feels like you transported to Italy. Full of “lemon” trees. The patio is actually a covered patio so you can sit “outside”. Literally such a gorgeous restaurant. Top 3 prettiest restaurants I’ve been to. 🍒 PRICE: ~$25 + $5 tip 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! Overall Rating: 10/10 - If you have been here back when it was going viral, you probably will think this place is overhyped. Having tried it recently, I can say they either improved the menu or have just perfected their craft. - Server was super polite and sweet. Service was quick and efficient. If you have a reservation, make sure everyone is there before you check in! - THE FOOD. I had the brunch carbonara and it was absolutely phenomenal. It was rich and hearty and had so much flavor! I was obsessed with the egg yolk too it added an extra level of creamy. - My friends loved their food too but they probably will drop their opinion down in the comments! - They have an affordable mimosa service and some drinks to choose from! - An absolutely divine restaurant. I can’t wait to go back. It’s a great place to take someone to if they don’t come to Dallas often!
Paige
👀Enjoyed the lounge at Sweet Tooth and the art exhibit! 🎇 It's Showtime - Tropical citrus and pineapple combo that'll make sparks fly! 💜 My Whole Life is a Dark Room - Mescal base with some fruity notes and a shrunken head of course. 💚 The Beetlejuice - Our classic green cocktail with hints of melon, citrus, and pineapple (you'll wanna keep an eye out for this one 👁️). 🔥Headless Manhattan - Spooky twist on the espresso martini featuring pumpkin and flames!
VICTORIA northtx.gemz
LAS PALMAS || DALLAS 🌴 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: their super strong margaritas and happy hour! Kept hearing about it so had to try it. 🍒 THE VIBE: super dark inside, sultry, the outside of the restaurant is completely different than what you get inside. It’s giving western Mexican romantic restaurant 🤣 🍒 PRICE: ~$35-$40 per person? That’s with a drink! 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Maybe! Overall Rating: 8.5/10 - Solid Tex-Mex food and you can’t go wrong with it. If you’re looking for reliable food in Dallas and you’re with a group of picky eaters and y’all are about to have a night out- this is the perfect place to eat and pre-game. - The margaritas were a bit too strong for a happy hour weekday pick-me-up (personally for me but I know some people love to get slammed mid day 😂) but they were good and only $8 during happy hour. - The fajitas were the star of the show! Absolutely solid! I loved the steaming hot theatrics the fajitas here provide. The tortillas were amazing (we got corn and flour). I love the grilled jalapeños. The rice and beans were flavorful. - I didn’t have the cheese tacos because I was too full but Sweta said they were good! The fajita fiesta easily feeds 3 people, it’s huge! - I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here but like I said if you’re in Dallas, having a night out with picky eaters, this is a solid pre-game dinner spot.
Just Dallas Things
I feel like good service & quality food has been a little hard to find in Dallas these days! One of my favorite spots for lunch & brunch is definitely an exception🍝 James at Al Biernat's Oak Lawn took excellent care of us today and the food was amazing as always👏🏼 Most people think of Al Biernat’s as a fancy dinner spot, but you should definitely give it a try during the day! The prices are great and the food will have you coming back week after week☕️✨ Ordered: Bread Basket with Whipped Herb Butter, Brad’s Grilled Pear Salad, Tortilla Soup, Wild Boar Bolognese, Latte with House-Made Biscotti Want to Try Next: Escargots & Tortellini, Herb Roasted Chicken, Lump Crab Angel Hair Pasta
Just Dallas Things
It’s not SMU Homecoming Weekend without a night out at Javier’s🍸 The staff is always extremely friendly and the atmosphere is so much fun! I’ve narrowed down my favorite menu items and they include (1) The Perfect Margarita, (2) Smoked Chicken Nachos, and (3) Cafe Pierre ~ this dessert drink is 🔥 (literally!) It’s made with Rum, Kahlua, Brandy, Amaretto liqueur, Coffee, and homemade Whipped Cream. It’s delicious & the star of the show every time✨ Minimum order of 2 but you won’t regret it! Oh and if you’re looking for something to try in the cigar room, go for an Espresso Martini and a Vanilla Cigar😘 What are your Javier’s favorites?
Just Dallas Things
About last night... dinner at Fearing's was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had! From start to finish, the entire meal was perfection✨ Chef came to visit our table many times and was a true delight! It’s easy to see why he’s a favorite in Dallas😉 I can’t wait to visit again soon! - Ordered: Dean’s Signature Margarita, Flower Child Cocktail, Tortilla Soup, Ahi Tuna Crudo, Filet & Chicken Fried Maine Lobster, Wagyu Tenderloin, Crispy Duck Fat Tater Tots, Granny Fearing’s Banana Pudding, Lava Cake, Espresso Martinis - Want to Try Next: Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut, Granny Fearing’s ‘Paper Bag Shook’ Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Shortcake
See also
Discover Top Dining Experiences in East Dallas: Foodie Favorites and Trending Spots
VICTORIA northtx.gemz
PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: a classic steakhouse franchise across the US. There’s about 6 locations in Texas. I love how they have pictures of their food on the menu. This place is hyped up for a reason! 🍒 THE VIBE: upscale, very fancy, and classy! Large interior, lots of seating, super busy! 🍒 PRICE: ~$65 + $15 tip (my meal I ordered was the sea bass and steak and tater totter bites) 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! Overall Rating: 10/10 - I am so happy I finally got to try this place after hearing so many great things about it for the longest! - This place is hyped up for good reason. The sea bass I had SO much flavor. More than I would’ve imagined. It had corn and this red pepper sauce on the bottom. I don’t even know to describe it except that I inhaled this dish so quickly bc it was that good. The fish was cooked perfectly. - I LOVED the steak bites and was the perfect amount of steak. My friends thought it was okay but I think it’s because they already ordered a steak for their entree. I thought it was perfectly good and a good hearty dish since my fish was light. - I tried the other side dishes as well and my favorite had to be the corn brûlée!!! Omg it was so good I can’t even begin to describe it. It was slightly spicy and full of flavor. You should skip out on the lobster mac and cheese it was pretty disappointing. The au gratin potatoes were phenomenal too! I also tried the sriracha Brussel sprouts and they were good too! - Our server was very attentive, patient, and informed us appropriately about anything we asked. I truly had a great experience!
Dallas Magazine
Best Meal With A View in Dallas: Mirador The downtown penthouse restaurant reopened after its pandemic hiatus with the same beautifully sunlit dining room and a fresh new menu that includes seasonal bistro lunch fare and a glamorous afternoon tea service. There are restaurants with higher views and aspirations. Mirador offers a gentler touch of luxury.
Dallas fun fam
🌟 Kid Friendly Patio Restaurant with Yard Games: Shake Shack in Uptown Dallas🌟 Why we love it: ❤️ Shake Shack in Uptown Dallas has a huge kid friendly patio! ❤️ There are yard games like ping pong & corn hole, a large grassy lawn, and plenty of shaded tables. ❤️ This is the perfect lunch or dinner spot when exploring Klyde Warren Park, the Perot Museum, or riding the uptown trolley. Good to know: - There is free restaurant parking in the parking garage of The Crescent Hotel. Make sure to validate your ticket at the restaurant! - It’s open daily for lunch and dinner.
VICTORIA northtx.gemz
JOE LEO’S TEX MEX: Great food and a solid Tex Mex place! 💓 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: I’m not sure but it seems to be a local Dallas staple for years now. I only just found out about it. It’s pretty cute inside. Chips and salsa were fire >>> 🍒 THE VIBE: pretty casual, laid back, local Dallas vibes. 🍒 PRICE: ~$22 + $5 tip (my beef taco salad only) 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes. •••• Overall Rating: 8.5/10 - This is definitely a solid place to grab lunch or dinner! If you’re craving Tex Mex, add this to your list because they do it right. - The steak in my taco salad had SO much flavor. The salad was lowkey drowned in their jalapeno ranch making it not so healthy- however the ranch was actually SUPER spicy. I loved it!!!! I would get it again next time. - I had a little bit of my friend’s brunch fajitas that were half chicken and half jalapeno sausage and she loved it I also loved it as well! - Service was great. Vibes were great. They have a huge patio that does have misters for the hot days. Inside is not that big but is pretty cute. Parking was a breeze.
Minnie
YAY wagamamaUSA! Their first location in Texas is in Dallas! I’ve had wagamama many times before since I lived near one when I was in NYC. It’s a popular ramen shop from the UK with pan-Asian and Asian comfort food. I stopped by for their new menu, which includes the Ahi Tuna Nachos, Korean Fried Chicken Bao, Miso Sweet Potato Bao, Karaage Chicken Bao, and Chili Hoisin Duck Bao. They also have sake-based cocktails with SOTO sake: Vietnamese Espresso Martini, Matcha Mule, and Passion Fruit Paloma. Tag a friend you’d like to go with! FYI - There’s free parking! They can validate parking for 2.5 hours in the building garage.
VICTORIA northtx.gemz
NORI HANDROLL BAR 🍙 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: hand rolls! They have classic Japanese appetizers too like Karaage and takoyaki. 🍒 THE VIBE: sultry and intimate. We went during the daytime though so it was a bit more empty but I can tell this is a vibe for a date night! 🍒 PRICE: ~$80 for two people 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! •••• Overall Rating: 10/10 - We got king salmon, torched crab, dakutoro, & negitoro hand rolls. Absolutely phenomenal quality. I’m gonna say something controversial but I thought it was better than Hatsuyuki in Fort Worth but they are in two different cities so take it as you will! - The king salmon had the largest piece of salmon I was obsessed! The negitoro was out of this world. I will say the dakutoro was slightly fishy but I enjoyed the balance of the radish. - I liked this Handroll place had other ingredients inside of the Handroll to complement the fish. - The chefs and employees were extremely nice and attentive. I highly recommend coming here!
VICTORIA northtx.gemz
OISHI SUSHI & PAN-ASIAN🥢 •••• 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: very popular sushi restaurant. 🍒 THE VIBE: really small interior with patio seating. Recommend a reservation on weekends. 🍒 PRICE: varied per person but we honestly got way too much food LOL. Average should be $20-$50 per person based on cocktails and quantity. 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes. •••• Overall Rating: 8.5/10 - Great sushi spot with TONS of choices for sushi lovers AND non-sushi lovers. There’s just so many options you really can’t go wrong. - Please get a lychee martini their martinis were absolutely phenomenal! - Space was limited, I had a reservation but it didn’t work out but they were accommodating setting another reservation but this place was extremely busy on the weekends which is good for them! - The thing that stood out to me was the service here! The hostesses were nice when I brought a birthday cake for my friend. The server was so friendly. They really made this casual restaurant such a beautiful experience! I love the employees here!
See alsoExplore the Vibrant Community in East Dallas: Anonymous Local Discussions & Events
The Dallas Morning News
La Bodega Rotisserie If you want to save money and have a family or friends meal where sharing is key, you can go to La Bodega Rotisserie in Oak Cliff and buy a rotisserie chicken with sides that can easily feed a group of four or five people for less than $50. Your package of rotisserie chicken, plus fries and salad, can be a delicious dinner any day of the week or a one- or two-person weekend lock-in meal if you plan to stay home and marathon a series.
The Dallas Morning News
Food From Galilee Nestled in University Park’s Snider Plaza, this humble Mediterranean spot serves loaded gyros, shawarma sandwiches and a plethora of appetizers that allow for variety on a budget, such as kibbeh, hummus and cabbage rolls. At lunchtime, meals are served on styrofoam plates; dinnertime gets an upgrade to something sturdier. The zingy chicken and rice soup is part of my order on every visit. Platters are generously portioned and come with rice or cucumber yogurt and a choice of soup or salad.
Dallas Magazine
The brunch bazlama, Petra and the Beast Does a bread folded in half count as a sandwich? Petra and the Beast’s brunch gets into the game with a bazlama, a relative of a Middle Eastern flatbread. It’s folded around the restaurant’s own sage breakfast sausage, eggs, arugula, and Thomasville Tomme, a tangy aged cheese made from raw cow’s milk. The result is big enough to share—if you like other people enough.
Dallas Magazine
Chicken burger, Ookuma Japanese Burger Crispy breaded chicken, a fistful of pickles, and a blanket of tartar sauce are all this burger needs. As I wrote previously, you can’t eat the burger without a mountain of napkins, thanks to the housemade tartar sauce loaded with chopped egg. Miraculously, the fried chicken stays crisp underneath. It’s a creamy summer delight, which is good, since seating here is in the great (shaded) outdoors.
Dallas Magazine
Ookuma Japanese Burger Crispy breaded chicken, a fistful of pickles, and a blanket of tartar sauce are all this burger needs. As I wrote previously, you can’t eat the burger without a mountain of napkins, thanks to the housemade tartar sauce loaded with chopped egg. Miraculously, the fried chicken stays crisp underneath. It’s a creamy summer delight, which is good, since seating here is in the great (shaded) outdoors.
Dallas Hidden Gems
We just checked out the Operators Club in the West End historic district’s Coca-Cola building, and the experience did not disappoint! This gem is the perfect spot to grab a bite or catch a game in the downtown area, as it pays homage to the American “Operators” and hard working people everywhere that get it done on the daily. We loved everything we sampled, but we will definitely be ordering the Pasta Zepp on our next visit! Food Deets: - Butcher & Farmer Board ($24) - Gochujang Duck Drumettes ($14) - Max & Cheese Burger ($19) - New Orleans Tasso ($22) Drink Deets: - Manhattan Project Draft - Irish Maid
STEPHANIE
One of my personal favs! ✨ Sassetta is a beautiful Italian Restaurant is one of my go-to date night spots! The interior is romantic, the service is great, and the food is always delicious! 🙌🏾 This spot opens at 11am, so it’s perfect for a lunch date or an evening in the city! The menu is full of Italian favorites and I’ve yet to try a dish I don’t like here! 🥂 I highly recommend the RIGATONI PASTA & the BOLOGNESE PASTA. Both are amazing! 🍝 I also recommend asking to sit along the windows. It’s a ground level view, and such a nice vibe while eating ☀️ This a great spot for a date night, girl’s night, or to grab a solo drink in the city! 🍸
See alsoLocal Networking in East Dallas: Trending Community Events & Socializing Insights
Discover Local Brunch Spots in East Dallas
East Dallas, nestled near the bustling heart of Dallas, offers a diverse array of brunch spots that cater to all palates and preferences. Whether you're a local foodie or just visiting, uncovering the local secrets of this vibrant neighborhood can transform your brunch experience. From cozy cafes to trending brunch spots, East Dallas has something special for everyone.
Foodie Favorites in East Dallas
One of the standout local brunch spots that has gained popularity among foodies is Gold Dust Café. Located on a charming, tree-lined street, this café offers a dining experience that blends comfort with sophistication. Their signature avocado toast comes highly recommended, topped with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that make it a must-try. To complement your meal, don't miss out on their refreshing mimosa flight, elevated with seasonal fruits.
Another gem in the area is The Gardenia. This restaurant is celebrated for its garden-to-table philosophy, with a menu that changes seasonally. The Gardenia’s Sunday brunch is a local favorite, featuring dishes like smoked salmon benedict and banana walnut pancakes. The ambiance, adorned with lush greenery, provides a serene escape from the urban hustle, making it an idyllic spot for weekend brunches.
Trending Brunch Spots for the Hip Crowd
If you’re looking for a brunch spot that's buzzing with energy and modern flair, Alchemy on Main is not to be missed. This trendy spot is known for its inventive take on classic brunch dishes, offering unique creations like lobster waffles and duck confit hash. The artisanal cocktails here are crafted to perfection, making it a go-to destination for brunch enthusiasts who love to pair their meals with delightful drinks.
For those who appreciate a well-curated menu with a touch of Texan charm, Maple & Motor is the place to be. Situated in the heart of East Dallas, this spot offers a rustic yet contemporary dining experience. Their Tex-Mex brunch options, such as chorizo-stuffed breakfast tacos and spicy shrimp grits, have become crowd-pullers. Pair your meal with one of their fiery Bloody Marys for a brunch you won’t forget.
Cocktails and Comfort: Brunching with a Twist
No brunch is complete without the perfect cocktail, and East Dallas delivers on this front too. Bar none, one of the cornerstones of the local brunch scene, offers a range of craft cocktails that elevate your dining experience. Their cocktail menu features classics like bellinis and mimosas alongside signature drinks such as the "Rosemary Gin Fizz" and "Spicy Grapefruit Margarita". Coupled with their all-day brunch menu, which includes delectable items like truffle scrambled eggs and herb-roasted chicken waffles, it’s a haven for brunch-goers seeking both comfort and a dash of elegance.
Urban Bloom, another notable spot, offers a brunch cocktail list that’s as whimsical as its name. This quaint eatery’s “Lavender Fields” cocktail, a refreshing gin concoction with lavender syrup, perfectly complements their farm-to-table fare. Enjoy dishes like their sweet potato hash or blueberry ricotta pancakes in a space that feels both homey and sophisticated.
Local Insights and Hidden Gems
Aside from the well-trodden paths, East Dallas is home to several hidden gems known only to locals. Little Dove Café is one such spot. Tucked away in a quiet corner, this under-the-radar café serves a stellar brunch menu on Saturdays. Known for their outrageously good French toast, which comes piled high with fruit compote and freshly whipped cream, Little Dove Café is a secret worth sharing.
Another local secret is Elm & Vine, a small, family-run bistro that prides itself on hearty, home-cooked brunch options. Their breakfast burritos and homemade biscuits and gravy are local favorites, drawing regulars week after week. The warm, welcoming atmosphere, along with their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients, makes Elm & Vine a beloved brunch spot among East Dallas residents.
Exploring East Dallas and Its Charm
East Dallas is not just about fantastic brunch spots; it’s about the overall dining experience and the local culture. The neighborhood itself is steeped in history, with beautiful old homes, eclectic art galleries, and verdant parks. As you explore the area, you'll find that many of the brunch spots reflect this rich cultural tapestry. Whether it’s the art-deco interior of a café or the live music wafting through a restaurant’s open windows, the dining experiences here are intertwined with the vibrant local scene.
Some brunch spots, like Wild Oats Kitchen, have even hosted pop-up events featuring local chefs and bartenders, offering a unique twist to the usual brunch offerings. These events often highlight lesser-known culinary talents, providing both locals and visitors an opportunity to experience something truly special and unique.
So, whether you're in the mood for a classic brunch dish, an inventive twist on tradition, or an immersive dining experience, East Dallas has an abundance of options to explore. With local insights provided through platforms like Kikihub, finding the perfect brunch spot to suit your tastes has never been easier. Enjoy your journey through East Dallas's brunch delights, one delicious bite at a time.
