Unlock Deep Ellum: Your Guide to Local Experiences
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
Just Dallas Things
Is there anything more Texas than the State Fair? As a Dallas native, I’ve been going ever since I was a little girl🎡 There is something about the smell of corn dogs frying and Big Tex waving “Howdy, Folks!” that makes me feel at home💕 My first stop is always Fletcher’s to get the best corny dog on the planet. I know it’s controversial, but I’m team mustard AND ketchup💛❤️ Next I tried some 2022 food winners ~ if you’re a pickle lover, the pickle pizza is to die for! I loved every bite. If you have a sweet tooth, the fried rocky road + bluebell is 10/10 for me! I usually end with a Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Leg from Hans Mueller (IYKYK). My other all-time favorites include fried oreos, fried PB&J, Funnel Cakes, and a swig of Pepto Bismol🤪 Try some new foods, ride the Ferris Wheel, play games & win big at the Midway, and end your night with the beautiful Illumination Sensation performance🎆🎉
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
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.
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 also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
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
Turkey sandwich, Encina Encina’s brunch burger is stealing a lot of attention these days, and its blue corn pancakes are a smash hit. But can I put in a good word for the most boring-sounding dish on the brunch menu? There’s so much good detail in this turkey sandwich. The little bit of avocado, the arugula and peppers for depth of flavor, bread that complements the rest. Oh, and bacon. Everything about this construction is oh-so-right.
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 Magazine
Breakfast sandwich, Alamo Club This is a righteous sandwich. You can tell because it comes with a hash brown inside, but really, everything about it is exactly what it should be: the buttered bun, the well-done egg, the jalapeño condiment. It’s the model of a breakfast sandwich. I like it so much, I ate it outdoors.
Dallas Magazine
Ari’s Pantry An Italian-focused grocery-and-provisions store that opened on West Davis Street this winter. The first time we met Ari Lowenstein, he told us, “I opened this place because I was tired of driving to Jimmy’s.” His little shop doesn’t sell sandwiches or wine, but it has everything else, from top-notch imported meat and cheese to homemade tomato sauce. There are great pastas, jams, and even cookbooks. This fall, a new commercial kitchen will allow Ari’s to bake breads and sell take-home meals such as lasagna. Signature Offering: You can find everything you need to make your own pizza here, from homemade tomato sauce to hot salami—plus expert staff advice on topping combos. Got some pizza dough and leftover broccoli? They’ll help you find the perfect cheese. Secret Weapon: You might be offered a free bundle of fresh herbs with your purchase.
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
Shania dfw.topsites
ANTOJIITOS MENTIIRAS is definitely a must-visit! They serve up mouthwatering “antojitos,” also known as tasty Mexican street food! Their corn in a cup (topped with hot cheeto, takis, or traditional toppings) is outstanding – the top pick in DFW! They also offer over-the-top shakes, fresas con crema, aguas frescas, prepared maruchan, mangonadas, and more! They prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients in all their dishes. 🌽🔥
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in West Dallas: Local Insights, Events, and Anonymous Discussions
STEPHANIE
A friend recommended this spot to me and she was absolutely right 🫶🏾✨ Plomo Quesadillas Bar is a new quesadilla bar in Dallas that is the perfect spot for a quick, quality bite! They’re open late every day and stay open until 4am on the weekends! 🌙 I’m always looking for solid spots that are quick, but still have good food, and this is one of them! The quesadillas are fresh, the service is great, and they have a parking lot so it’s easy to stop by! 🔥 Hands down, I recommend the CHORIZO MAC AND CHEESE and the QUESO! For quesadillas, there’s only two rules: add Doritos and ask them to make it dirty! Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with any option! 🌮
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
Me Enloteces, Dallas’ all-pink elote stand, debuts new location in Bishop Arts. Me Enloteces, the Dallas elote stand that became a social media sensation by offering everything in pink, has debuted a new fixed location in Bishop Arts. With nearly 18,000 followers on Instagram, this small elote shop had offered its food in Dallas and other cities at a mobile stand for months. Now, they have an establishment with a patio. “It fills my heart so much to see our customers come in and sit down to enjoy their afternoon with friends or family,” said Aidee Del Villar, owner of Me Enloteces. “This achievement is not only ours, but also theirs because they always supported us, and now we can offer them a space where they can enjoy themselves.”
The Dallas Morning News
For the first time, the traditional Battle of the Burgers at Rodeo Goat is raising money for a good cause. Through July 31, the restaurant’s Radio G.O.A.T. and Birria Burger are the stars of the burger competition. For every vote they get, $1 goes to KERA, the community-supported radio station in North Texas. As of July 24, 11,441 votes had been cast. The creation is the Radio G.O.A.T., made with a beef patty, double pepper jack cheese, roasted green chiles, prickly pear barbecue sauce, cactus fries, and micro cilantro. As of July 24, this burger had 7,148 votes. Its competitor is the Birria Burger, which features a beef patty with birria de res, a corn tortilla, queso Oaxaca, radish slaw, and cilantro-avocado spread. As of Wednesday, it had 4,293 votes.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Just steps away from the American Airlines Center, Happiest Hour is a vibrant and spacious venue. In fact, it is the largest patio bar and lounge in Dallas. Offering 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor lounge, the prime spot for alfresco vibes is the stylish second floor rooftop, surrounded with impeccable views over Victory Park and the Dallas skyline. Packed with plenty of atmosphere, from the casual post-work and pre-game sessions, to more upscale late night vibes, the large rooftop menu comes filled with signature cocktails, wines on tap and more than 50 different beer selections.
Dallas fun fam
Dallas: balancing great food and child-approved fun! Medieval Times is a kid-friendly attraction where you eat a medieval-style dinner and watch knights joust right in front of you! It feels like you’ve stepped back in time, and it’s a good time for everyone! Make sure to book a reservation in advance! Medieval Times is based upon authentic Medieval history and is the true story of a noble family with documentation dating back to the 11th Century. Medieval Times began with two dinner/ entertainment complexes located in Majorca and Benidorm, Spain. The first North American Castle in Kissimmee, Florida opened in December 1983. Medieval Times’ Castles have since entertained more than 72 million guests.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Perched on top of the classic hotel The Statler in downtown Dallas, the beautiful Waterproof is a pool bar by day and a rooftop lounge by night. Both stylish indoor lounge and open-air terrace, where the outside part offers both a refreshing rooftop pool and panoramic views over the Dallas skyline. Visit for sunny and relaxing afternoon cocktails, or come for the nightly, more swanky and vibrant atompshere. During the colder months, the terrace turns into Winterproof, with some really cool and cosy rooftop igloos.
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THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
At the 19th-floor of the Statler Hotel, a true Dallas icon, you find the exclusive indoor/outdoor urban oasis the Waterproof bar and pool. Here you can swim with an epic panoramic view of surrounding downtown Dallas and enjoy delicious cocktails and bites. Waterproof is open for everyone, but to access the pool you need to make a reservation for a cabana. As the sun sets the energy picks up with life DJ entertainment, bottle service and ever more impeccable views. There is also an outdoor resort-style pool on the 4th floor, called The Statler Pool, offering loungers, cabanas and a relaxing experience.
Discovering the Unique Charm of Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum, just outside of Dallas, offers a one-of-a-kind blend of culture, art, and vibrant community experiences. If you're looking to immerse yourself in this eclectic neighborhood, tapping into local experiences is essential. Let's uncover some trending experiences and insights that make Deep Ellum a must-visit destination for exploration and socializing.
Art and Culture in Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is renowned for its rich artistic heritage, evident in its numerous murals and galleries. The neighborhood is a living canvas, where you can find striking art installations at every corner. A stroll down Elm Street reveals walls adorned with colorful murals, each telling a unique story. Many of these works are contributions from local artists, providing both visitors and locals with endless photo opportunities and moments of inspiration.
The Deep Ellum Art Co., a venue that perfectly encapsulates the area’s creative spirit, features rotating exhibits from local artists and an extensive outdoor mural park. Here, you can also enjoy live music and events that showcase the local talent and vibrant community spirit. Don’t miss out on the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, an annual event celebrating the neighborhood’s cultural diversity through music, art, and food.
Diverse Culinary Experiences
Food enthusiasts will find Deep Ellum a treasure trove of culinary delights. From food trucks to fine dining, the area offers a variety of flavors and dining experiences catering to every palate. Local favorites such as Pecan Lodge serve up some of the best BBQ in Texas, a must-try for any visitor. For a more eclectic experience, Revolver Taco Lounge offers gourmet tacos that are a true embodiment of Deep Ellum’s innovative spirit.
For those with a sweet tooth, Emporium Pies presents an array of artisanal pies that are both visually stunning and delicious. This quaint pie shop is a hidden gem among locals and is perfect for an afternoon treat. If you’re exploring Deep Ellum at night, the neighborhood's food scene continues to thrive with food trucks serving late-night bites, ensuring you never go hungry.
Vibrant Nightlife and Socializing Spots
When it comes to nightlife, Deep Ellum's offerings are second to none. The neighborhood boasts an array of bars, lounges, and music venues that cater to a variety of tastes. The Bomb Factory, a historic music venue, regularly hosts renowned artists and bands, providing an electrifying atmosphere for music lovers. Smaller venues like Club Dada and Three Links offer more intimate settings, perfect for discovering local up-and-coming bands.
For those who enjoy a good dive bar, Louie Louie’s Piano Bar is a fantastic spot with live dueling pianos and a lively crowd. Alternatively, Armoury D.E. offers a great selection of craft cocktails and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a night out with friends. The neighborhood is also home to several breweries, such as Deep Ellum Brewing Company, where you can sample locally crafted beers and soak in the convivial atmosphere.
Hidden Gems and Secret Spots
Deep Ellum is full of hidden gems that only locals tend to know about. One such spot is the Traveling Man sculptures, a trio of larger-than-life metal sculptures that tell the story of a robot who rises, walks, and jams out in Deep Ellum. These sculptures not only make for great photo ops but are also a testament to the area’s quirky and creative identity.
Another lesser-known attraction is the Underdog (affectionately referred to as the Dog), a cozy and welcoming bar located underground. This hidden bar is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main streets and enjoy a laid-back evening. The bar’s friendly bartenders and unique atmosphere make it a local favorite.
Local Chat and Insight via Kikihub
To truly get the most out of your visit to Deep Ellum, tapping into local knowledge is invaluable. Kikihub provides a platform for local anonymous chats, where you can gain real opinions and secrets about the best places to visit, eat, and explore in the neighborhood. Engage with locals to uncover the best-kept secrets and get insider recommendations that you wouldn’t find in any guidebook.
From discovering the latest food trends to finding the best socializing spots, Kikihub’s community-driven insights ensure your Deep Ellum experience is both unique and memorable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular explorer, these local experiences offer a fresh and authentic perspective of this dynamic Dallas neighborhood.
