Uncover Local Gems: Celebration in University Park!
Dallas fun fam
🎥✨ Movie Night is Almost Here! ✨🎥 Join for a magical screening of Maleficent on Friday, October 18! Enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, and all the enchanting moments! Don’t miss out on the magic—grab your friends and family and join us for this fantastic movie night! 🍿🌟 📅 October 18 🕢 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM 📍 Main Street Garden Park 🎟️ Free Admission
VICTORIA northtx.gemz
DRAKE’S HOLLYWOOD || DALLAS 🍸 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: the coldest martinis, steaks, and pastas! They have a such a unique menu to choose from. 🍒 THE VIBE: old Hollywood vibes. They do have a dress code they would like you to adhere to but I find that they’re not actually strict about it. 🍒 PRICE: ~$90 + $20 tip 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! Second time here. •••• Overall Rating: 11/10 - This is probably my favorite special occasion restaurant of all time because every time I come here I’m just obsessed with the food and ambiance! The service is always a 10/10 too. - They have the best martinis- my personal favorite are the French 75 (tastes like a light sparkling lemon drop) and the espresso martini WITH reposado tequila (you gotta ask for the tequila!). - Omg…. YOU HAVE TO TRY THE OZZY PIZZA. It’s absolutely delicious. The steak on it was cooked perfectly and this is the perfect size for two people or to share amongst a larger group so you can enjoy the other dishes. - The salmon crispy rice was pretty average but honestly I love any sushi and I was craving it so it satisfied my craving! - Overall, DRAKE’S HOLLYWOOD you’ll see me again!!! A classic old Dallas staple.
GetYourGuide
Dallas: Tex-Mex Food and Culture Walking Tour Visit the best Tex-Mex food establishments in the West End Historic District of Dallas on a guided food tour. Sample traditional food recommended by locals. Sample the best Tex-Mex in Dallas at four stops. Find out about the history of the city and learn about Texas' unique food culture as you walk along the tree-lined streets between the restaurants. Stop at Kokopelli Sweets for Chipotle sorbet or Mexican hot chocolate. Visit RJ Mexican Cuisine for tacos, enchiladas, and carnitas. Then, try deep-fried grits at Ellen's before you last stop at Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse for their famous Chuckwagon Chili. Leave your guide with a full belly and knowledge of the best places to eat during your stay in Dallas.
Dallas fun fam
🌟 Hidden Teddy Bear Park in DFW at Lakeside Park in Dallas🌟 Why we love it: ❤️ Lakeside Park along Turtle Creek is home to a secret garden with adorable teddy bear sculptures! ❤️ Teddy Bear Park has one 10 foot bear statues, and three smaller ones about 4 feet tall. ❤️ There is also a beautiful, shaded trail that feels like it’s straight from a fairytale! Just note that the trail is short and dead ends at a residence. Good to know: - You’ll need to cross a bridge to get to Teddy Bear Park! Just route to the address above and park on Lakeside Drive. You should see the bridge on your immediate left. - There are plenty of shaded areas at Lakeside Park for a picnic! Just bring a blanket or find an open bench. - This park is free and open to the public.
Downtown Dallas
🧘♀️ Let's go Sculpt + Stretch at the Park! We’re talking partner-based acro yoga that’s all about strength, balance, and good vibes. Perfect for all fitness levels! Your [free] ticket includes a 45-minute acro session and a post-class social with local vendors, complimentary swag, and the chance to connect with the community! Monday, October 21 | 7:00-8:00PM
Dallas fun fam
Riding the M-Line Trolley is a great way to explore Uptown Dallas with kids! There are 39 stops for the M-Line Trolley, but our favorite is at Klyde Warren! You’ll find this trolley stop just north of the intersection at Olive and Woodall Rogers Freeway. You’ll head north through Uptown, do a loop of almost the entire route, and eventually head back south to Klyde Warren. Trolley stops and schedules are available on Google Maps using the public transit feature. You can even download the Dallas Trolley app to track the trolleys along the route.
White Koala
come get me
See also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
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
Downtown Dallas
Are doglovers here?? Barktoberfest is coming to Dallas. Join us this Sunday, October 27th from 12:00pm-5:00pm. This family friendly festival will have a variety of activities including: 🎟️Free admission to event 🛍️20+ Local vendors to shop 🐶Dog Costume Contest with prizes 🎃Pumpkin Painting + Craft Station ✨Permanent Jewelry 🤠Hat Bar 🖤Henna 👗Women’s clothing 🕯️Homemade candles & wax melts 🍰Sweets & snacks 🍂Seasonal Items 💎Handmade jewelry 🪴Pottery & artisan goods 🐾Dog products & treats 💅Nail products 💗Charm bar 🫶 & More! Free to attend | Dog & kid friendly
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
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.
The Dallas Morning News
Thrillers, documentaries and kabuki: The inside scoop on this year’s Asian Film Festival of Dallas The Asian Film Festival of Dallas kicks off its 4-day run at Dallas’ Angelika Theater on Thursday. The festival returns to the basics in this 23rd edition delivering over two dozen drama, action, thriller and documentary films about Asians and Asian Americans. Thomas Schubert, executive director of the festival, gives us the inside scoop on this year’s festivities including opening night, filmmakers in attendance and his “can’t miss” picks which include a swashbuckling kabuki play captured on film. The 23rd annual Asian Film Festival of Dallas will take place between July 25th-28th.
Dallas fun fam
🌟 Toddler Art Class in Dallas at Dallas Museum of Art🌟 Why we love it: ❤️ The Dallas Museum of Art offers classes specifically for toddlers 2-3 years old! ❤️ Little ones learn about works of art, sing songs, and create their own masterpiece! ❤️ After class is over, there are more hands-on activities to explore in the Center for Creative Connections. There’s also a small play area with books, blocks, and other toys! Good to know: - These classes fill up fast! I recommend checking DMA’s website often to see when new class times are added. - Classes are only $10 per child. Adults and non-participating siblings are free. - Parking in the garage at the museum can be pricey! We circled the block to find metered parking to save some money. - Toddler art projects are simple but still very engaging for little ones.
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?
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in West Dallas: Local Insights, Events, and Anonymous Discussions
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
STIRR Dallas is a modern American rooftop bar and restaurant, located in the vibrant Deep Ellum. Here you find a bright and stylish rooftop terrace that, despite only being two floors up, offers great views over the Dallas skyline. Open daily and nightly, the rooftop bar serves a large and tasty selection of contemporary American dishes, along with a wide selection of seasonal, fun and creative signature cocktails. Expect a vibrant and friendly ambience, turning up a notch with live music during weekend nights.
VICTORIA northtx.gemz
NATUUR || DALLAS 🍓 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: having Erewhon smoothie “dupes”. News flash- it’s not really a dupe they just have the iconic coconut cream inside which makes it similar. However, their smoothies are so good in their own way!!! 🍒 THE VIBE: sooo cute inside! There are a few tables inside. There’s red smiley faces inside and it’s very simple grab and go. 🍒 PRICE: ~$30 (half price smoothies during happy hour 2pm-4pm on weekdays) 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! •••• Overall Rating: 9/10 - I’ve been hearing that the strawberry wave from here is the Hailey Bieber smoothie dupe and as someone who has had it from Erewhon- it is NOT a dupe- however it’s still really delicious! - There’s a reason Erewhon charges $25 for a smoothie because they have a whole bunch of sea moss, vitamins, elixirs in their smoothies. - However, smoothies are still really good despite not having as many of those ingredients and way more affordable at $9 a smoothie and even cheaper during happy hour when you buy 2! - I want to go back for sure and try more of their smoothies and smoothie bowls! The employees are very nice and everything is super fresh and tastes really good. - The lemonberry had the slightest taste of lemon it’s very good and creamy! The mellow mango has a strong ginger taste but tastes super fresh and healthy! The strawberry wave tastes like a typical tropical strawberry smoothie but it was super refreshing too.
Dallas fun fam
Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park at Klyde Warren Park The Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park, a gift from the Perot family, is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Located at the west end of the Park, between Harwood and St. Paul Streets, our youngest visitors (12 and under, please!) will find 18,000 square feet of fun including a 35-foot climbing tower and slide (one of only two in Dallas!), a kid-sized climbing wall, two water features, a tree-top lookout, and a myriad of other play equipment! Restrooms are available.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
According to many, Terilli's is one of Dallas best Italian restaurants, and as it comes with a lovely roof terrace, also one of the city's best rooftop restaurants. Located in the heart of Lower Greenville, Terilli’s serves fantastic Italian cuisine and drinks ranging from ice-cold Martinis, classic cocktails, an impressive selection of beers along with a long and very good wine list. The rooftop terrace is decorated with both dining tables and lounge sofas and also has heaters and cosy fire-pits for the chilly nights.
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! 🍸
The Dallas Morning News
12 seats, 3 chefs, 16 courses: dinner at Shoyo is one of the most joyful meals in Dallas! Shoyo is an omakase sushi bar that serves 16 courses for $175, with just 12 seats and three Nobu veteran chefs. This makes dinner at Shoyo sound like a visit to a fine-dining temple. Shoyo mixes tradition with playfulness, craft with camaraderie. You can spend weeks fretting over securing a reservation, setting phone alarms before the next batch of tables is made available, keeping your weeknights free in case of a last-minute cancellation. Then, in the moment of the meal itself, all that hassle is forgotten.
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!
See alsoNetworking Events & Socializing in West Dallas: Trending Community Gatherings & Local Insights
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.
The Dallas Morning News
To Be Seen Not Heard: Art Exhibition Desireé Vaniecia's exhibition, "To Be Seen, Not Heard," offers a powerful exploration of vulnerability and resilience, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the emotional landscape of anxiety and life's overwhelming moments. Through a series of evocative works, Vaniecia captures the tension between being visible and voiceless, creating a raw, unfiltered narrative that resonates personally. In a unique twist, viewers can become part of the exhibition, further blurring the lines between the observer and the observed. Vaniecia's distinctive style and intimate approach ensure that "To Be Seen, Not Heard" is not just seen but felt—leaving a lasting impression that challenges and inspires all who participate. Sep 15, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024
Dallas Love List
🎥FREE HALLOWEEN MOVIES AT THE PARK IN DALLAS 👻 This is one of the cutest Halloween date ideas in Dallas AND it’s free! 👻 Grab your blankets, snacks, wine, or mocktails and head to Griggs Park for an outdoor Halloween movie showing this October. Each Tuesday in October, Movies in the Park will show a different Halloween movie with a stunning city view 🙌🏼They also serve free popcorn and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the fall weather with your boo or pals🍿 ✨MOVIE SHOWINGS✨ 🍁October 15th: Beautiful Creatures 🪄October 22nd: Hocus Pocus ⏰TIME // 8pm
brad
hope everyone has a very merry Christmas 🎅
2
Dallas Magazine
Conduit Gallery Nancy Whitenack started Conduit Gallery 40 years ago in a live/work space in Deep Ellum. Over the past few decades, she’s established herself as one of the city’s most reputable gallerists. The gallery features a variety of emerging and established artists, some of whom have been on her roster since the early years. Whether you’re looking to scoop a dining room-friendly piece or explore new voices in the regional art scene, Conduit Gallery is a reliable stop.
Dallas Magazine
The African American Museum is hosting a celebration of African American literacy and history this weekend. Tulisoma, which means “we read” in Swahili, is a community-based festival aimed at promoting literacy and the arts in South Dallas and the Fair Park area. The event will feature workshops, book signings, panel discussions, activities for kids, and more. October 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.|
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.
See alsoCocktails in West Dallas: Top Local Cocktail Bars, Trending Rooftop Bars, and Nightlife Insights on Kikihub
Dallas Magazine
The Bias Inside Us Visit a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian all month long right here in Dallas. The free exhibition spotlights research and studies on human biases and how we can understand our own inherent preferences and prejudices to create a better future. The Bias Inside Us is a community engagement project featuring a Smithsonian traveling exhibition. It will be located at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library for one month and is free to view. The project is grounded in research and teaches us that bias is inside everyone. It is part of being human. July 25 to August 25
STEPHANIE
Local Tap And Table is a Cajun restaurant in Dallas that sits on the Katy Trail. Most people know it for brunch, but they also have a really great dinner menu and a good vibe during the week! 🥂 They also launched new food items, and as always, everything was spot on. Some of my favorites were: 🦞 Fried Crawfish Ravioli 🍝 Pontchartrain Pasta 🥖 Crawfish Bread 🍜 Birria Ramen 🍹 Bacardi Mango Chile Fever Parking is free during the week! There’s a run club called runitup that meets here on Tuesdays! It’s free to join, but it does get packed, so if you want a more chill vibe, come any other day during the week! ✨
Discover Local Celebration Spots in University Park Near Dallas
When it comes to finding the best places to experience the local culture and communal atmosphere, look no further than University Park near Dallas. This area is replete with celebration spots that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, knowing the top trending event venues and socializing hotspots can make all the difference in your planning.
Must-Visit Venues for Gatherings
University Park boasts some of the most picturesque and unique venues perfect for any celebration. One popular spot is the Frontiers of Flight Museum. This aviation museum not only offers an extensive collection of aircraft and space artifacts but also provides a captivating backdrop for various events, including charity dinners and corporate gatherings. Local insiders often rave about its ability to transform an ordinary event into a remarkable experience.
For those looking for a blend of modernity and tradition, Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a thrilling venue. Located just a short drive from University Park, this museum offers interactive exhibits and vast spaces that are ideal for both private celebrations and community events. Its architectural marvels and breathtaking displays make it one of the top trending event venues in the region.
Community Socializing Spots
Engage with the vibrant community by visiting popular socializing spots in University Park. The Snider Plaza area is a favorite among locals for its bustling environment filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. A well-kept secret among residents is the bi-weekly Farmers Market, where you can experience local flavors, homemade goods, and artisan crafts. It’s a great way to engage with the community and enjoy a relaxed morning or afternoon.
Looking for nightlife options? McFarlin Auditorium on the Southern Methodist University campus frequently hosts concerts, plays, and other live events. The atmosphere here is electric, and it's an excellent spot for socializing and immersing yourself in the local culture. Locals suggest checking out the event schedule in advance to catch some of the unique performances that come through this historical venue.
Trending Event Venues For Nightlife
When the sun sets, University Park transforms into a hub of vibrant nightlife scenes. Barley House is a top pick for those who enjoy a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its live music and extensive drink menu, Barley House is a local favorite for weekend gatherings. It’s a lively place where you can mingle with residents and fellow visitors, making it a cornerstone of the area’s social nightlife.
For a more upscale evening, Inwood Tavern offers a classy yet relaxed ambiance. With its rustic décor and cozy seating, it’s perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger groups. Locals frequently recommend Inwood Tavern for its exceptional service and intriguing cocktail menu. It's one of the area's best-kept secrets for those seeking a sophisticated nightlife experience.
Hidden Gems in University Park
While some venues and events are well-known, others remain hidden gems that offer unique experiences. The Highland Park Village is a treasure trove where high fashion meets local charm. This open-air shopping center is not only a shopping haven but also a venue for seasonal events and festivals. The well-manicured gardens and elegant architecture provide a beautiful setting for a celebratory outing.
Another insider favorite is the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Beyond its historical significance, the library hosts various exclusive events and exhibitions. The beautifully landscaped grounds are a serene escape within University Park, making it an unexpected locale for reflection and celebration.
Local Insights and Recommendations
For the most authentic experiences, it’s essential to tap into local insights. Residents often share valuable secrets on platforms like Kikihub, where anonymous chat with locals reveals hidden gems and unbiased opinions. According to locals, the best time to visit University Park's celebration spots is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor events are abundant.
Another tip from the community is to explore the smaller, less commercialized eateries and cafes dotted around Mockingbird Lane. These spots often offer the most genuine local flavors and comfortable atmospheres. Venues like R+D Kitchen and Cafe Brazil come highly recommended for their eclectic menus and welcoming vibes.
Diverse Options for Every Preference
University Park near Dallas is a haven for diverse options, from laid-back community events to high-energy nightlife, making it an ideal place for your next celebration. Platforms like Kikihub provide unparalleled access to local insights, ensuring that you make the most of your time in this vibrant area. With so many trending event venues and socializing spots, every visit can turn into an unforgettable celebration.
