Uncover University Park's Local Foodie Gems
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.
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.
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
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 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
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 also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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! 🍸
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!
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in West Dallas: Local Insights, Events, and Anonymous Discussions
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
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!
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! ✨
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.
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
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!
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.
See alsoNetworking Events & Socializing in West Dallas: Trending Community Gatherings & Local Insights
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!
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
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.
Discover the Best Local Food in University Park Near Dallas
University Park, nestled alongside the bustling city of Dallas, is a haven for food lovers and culinary adventurers. Known for its high-end residential areas and proximity to Southern Methodist University, this stylish enclave offers a variety of dining options that cater to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking a cozy brunch spot, a trendy eatery for dinner, or a laid-back place to grab cocktails, University Park has it all. Here’s your guide to discovering the local food secrets of this charming neighborhood.
Hidden Gems for Breakfast & Brunch
Start your day in University Park with a visit to some of the best breakfast and brunch spots that locals rave about. Nestled on Hillcrest Avenue, The Bubble Bar offers an array of bubble waffles and gourmet coffee that are perfect for a light breakfast or mid-morning snack. For a heartier option, head over to Mimosa Brunch Bar, where you can indulge in avocado toast, fluffy pancakes, and, of course, bottomless mimosas. Don’t forget to try their specialty eggs benedict, a local favorite that has people lining up on weekends.
Top Lunch Spots: Where Locals Eat
When it comes time for lunch, University Park has no shortage of delectable options. Located in Snider Plaza, Foodie Heaven Deli is a local secret known for its artisan sandwiches and fresh salads. Popular with university students and residents alike, the deli’s house-made dressings and freshly baked bread make every bite a delight. Additionally, Taco Villa on Lovers Lane serves up some of the best street tacos and Tex-Mex dishes in the area, drawing crowds eager for its famous carne asada tacos and refreshing aqua frescas.
Dinner Destinations: The Trendiest Eateries
The dining experience in University Park really comes to life in the evening, as some of the trendiest eateries open their doors. If you're in the mood for fine dining, Park Avenue Grill is a must-visit. Located near the University Boulevard, this upscale restaurant offers a variety of gourmet dishes, from succulent steaks to fresh seafood, in an elegant setting. For a more casual yet equally delicious option, Bistro One 41 provides a cozy atmosphere with a menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and innovative cuisine. Don't miss their truffle oil fries and handcrafted pasta dishes, which have earned rave reviews from critics and patrons alike.
Relax with Perfect Cocktails
University Park is also home to several relaxed lounges and bars where you can unwind with expertly crafted cocktails. The Speak Easy, a semi-hidden gem on McFarlin, offers a vintage ambiance and a drink menu that will transport you back to the Roaring Twenties. Locals recommend their signature Old Fashioned and the lavender-infused gin cocktail for a refreshing twist. Another hotspot for cocktail connoisseurs is Rooftop Lounge, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Dallas skyline as you sip on creative concoctions and classic drinks alike.
Dessert and Late-Night Treats
No food journey is complete without indulging in some sweet treats. University Park boasts some excellent dessert spots that are well worth a visit. The Pie Hole in Preston Center is famed for its mouth-watering pies, with flavors ranging from traditional apple to quirky salted caramel pecan. Meanwhile, Sweet Treats Parlor on Hillcrest Avenue is a favorite among locals for its artisan ice cream and decadent pastries, perfect for satisfying late-night cravings. Their Nutella-stuffed croissants and homemade cookies are particularly popular choices.
University Park near Dallas is brimming with culinary delights that are cherished by those in the know. From breakfast to dinner, not forgetting cocktails and desserts, this area offers a rich tapestry of dining experiences that cater to every taste and preference. For even more insider tips and local secrets, explore the Kikihub website to engage with fellow food enthusiasts and discover hidden gems that make University Park a true foodie destination.
