Lakewood Dining: 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
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?
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.
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.
See also
Discover Top Dining Experiences in East Dallas: Foodie Favorites and Trending Spots
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!
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.
See alsoExplore the Vibrant Community in East Dallas: Anonymous Local Discussions & Events
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
The Dallas Morning News
One of North Texas’ best bakeries has opened in Dallas’ Half Price Books La Casita Coffee is open now, serving croissants and espresso. Coming soon: brunch. La Casita, a croissant shop and brunch restaurant that started in Richardson, opened Aug. 20, 2024, in the former Black Forest Coffee. La Casita Coffee sells espressos, matcha drinks and the pastries it’s become locally famous for: croissants, cruffins, muffins and the like.
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! 🍸
Local Dining Experiences in Lakewood near Dallas
Lakewood, a delightful neighborhood nestled in the heart of Dallas, is a veritable treasure trove of local dining experiences that cater to foodies and casual diners alike. Known for its vibrant food scene, Lakewood offers an array of restaurants that serve everything from comfort food to gourmet delicacies. Dive into this guide and uncover the hidden gems and trending spots that make Lakewood a dining destination worth exploring.
Foodie Favorites in Lakewood
When it comes to foodie favorites, Lakewood does not disappoint. One standout location is Matt’s Rancho Martinez, renowned for its Tex-Mex dishes that have become the stuff of local legend. Don't miss their famous Bob Armstrong Dip—a creamy queso loaded with beef and guacamole that visitors rave about. Another must-visit is Smoke, which pays homage to American barbecue with an inventive twist. Known for its smoked meats and hearty sides, it’s a haven for anyone craving authentic, smoky flavors.
Trending Spots You Can't Miss
Lakewood's dining scene is continuously evolving, with trending spots popping up regularly. One such place is Hudson House, a chic eatery that has quickly become a hotspot among locals. Their seafood-centric menu features freshly shucked oysters, a stellar lobster roll, and expertly mixed cocktails that set the perfect mood for any evening. Similarly, Kuby’s Sausage House & European Market marries German tradition with Texas hospitality, offering a unique blend of flavors that make it an unforgettable dining experience.
Delicious Dinner Options
For dinner, head over to The Porch for a delightful mix of Southern comfort and modern flair. Their menu features standout dishes like the short rib pot roast and the mouthwatering house burger, which uses a secret blend of beef to achieve its unique flavor. The ambient lighting and cozy decor make it the ideal spot for an intimate dinner. Another local favorite is Sundown at Granada, offering a farm-to-table experience that emphasizes seasonal ingredients. With a rooftop patio overlooking Greenville Avenue, it’s perfect for those who enjoy dining al fresco.
Brunch in Lakewood: A Weekend Tradition
Brunch in Lakewood is a tradition embraced by locals who flock to favorites like Hypnotic Donuts & Biscuits, where the maple bacon donut is to-die-for and the Southern fried biscuits provide a hearty start to any day. For those looking for a more upscale brunch experience, The Dream Cafe offers a tranquil garden setting and a menu that includes decadent French toast and huevos rancheros. Brunch here comes with a side of laid-back charm and is perfect for a leisurely weekend hangout.
Craft Cocktails & Nightlife
Lakewood doesn’t just cater to food enthusiasts; it's also a prime spot for craft cocktails and a vibrant nightlife. The Balcony Club is an intimate jazz bar where talented local musicians bring the night alive, perfect for sipping on a finely crafted cocktail. Meanwhile, Lakewood Landing keeps things relaxed with its classic dive bar atmosphere, offering a wide selection of beers and simple, delicious bar snacks.
Local Insights & Hidden Gems
One of the best parts about dining in Lakewood is stumbling upon hidden gems that don't always make the typical dining lists. For instance, Bacari Tabu offers a cozy wine bar atmosphere with an eclectic menu that’s constantly refreshed to incorporate seasonal ingredients. Locals love their wine flights and charcuterie boards, making it an excellent spot for a relaxed evening out. Additionally, the Trolley Stop Café is a tiny spot known for its unbeatable breakfast tacos and a community-focused vibe. Engaging in local anonymous chats on Kikihub can reveal many more such secrets, offering real opinions and insights that truly enhance your dining adventures in Lakewood.
