Discover Deep Ellum's Electric Music Scene
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. 🌽🔥
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
DIFF Shorts Film Festival August 23 to August 25 Watch an array of short films this weekend at the DIFF Shorts Film Festival. The event offers more than just screenings; it features panel discussions and Q&A sessions to learn more about the films and the filmmakers behind them. Founded in 2006 on the principle that film should be placed on the same pedestal as other art forms, DIFF is committed to supporting short films and the filmmakers who bring them to life. We believe short films are a unique and powerful medium for storytelling, deserving of the same recognition as feature films.
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.
Dallas fun fam
🌟 Colorful New Indoor Playground in DFW: bb pinata in Dallas🌟 Why we love it: ❤️ BB Piñata is a super cute and colorful new indoor playground in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas! ❤️ Kids will love the soft play area, imaginative play houses, plus an area with coloring pages and toys! ❤️ This spot felt super clean and chill on a weekday morning. Good to know: -Admission is $18.99 for an all-day play pass that allows you to come and go! - Socks are required for kids and adults! If you or your kiddo forget them, they have socks available for purchase. - I’d say this spot is best for kids ages 2-7 who enjoy imaginative play and don’t need huge climbing structures to get their energy out. My 4 year old daughter LOVED it and was not ready to leave after two hours. - There was plenty of street parking here, but it is metered. On a weekday morning I only payed 85 cents for two hour parking, but it’s probably a bit more on weekends. - Hours are Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 6 PM, Saturday: 9 AM - 7 PM, Sunday: 9 AM - 6 PM
See also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
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
I love a true happy hour spot with good options for a good price! 💰 Bar Louie is a traditional bar and grill with a solid happy hour that not too many people know about! They have discounts on food and drinks, Monday - Friday, and have a MARTINI MONDAY special all day long! 🍸 Every Monday you can get any of their signature martinis for $7 all day long! They have all your favorites, like espresso martinis, lemon drops, and more! 🍹 Monday - Friday from 4-7, you can find 50% off select bar bites and discount drinks ranging from $4-8! They have beer, wine, cocktails, everything! 🍷 Tbh any day of the week, this is a solid spot to meet a friend or bring your laptop to finish the workday! 🔥
STEPHANIE
I absolutely loveddd this class! 💐 TRADE is an art studio in Dallas that hosts tons of creative classes lead by local artists! Pretty much every class is BYOB and they have tons of workshops to choose from! 🔥 We did the HAND BUILT MUG CLASS and it was 10/10. Our instructor Corrie was soo nice and made it super interactive and fun! ✨ The class costs $85 pp and you make your ceramic mug during the class, then come back to get it once it’s finished with paint and the ceramic glaze! 🎨 This is a great outing to do with a group of friends or as a date night! I highly recommend! 🙌🏾
STEPHANIE
The PERFECT spot to meet a friend on a nice day! ✨ Sugar & Sage Bakery is a beautiful bakery in Dallas with a gorgeous outdoor patio that’s a vibe when the weather is nice! This spot also sells some of the BEST pastries, and the menu changes daily, so there is always something new to enjoy! ☀️ They take the parties here very seriously and you can tell! The chef previous worked at the Ritz Carlton in Dallas, so now you can get high quality pastries at a great price and in an equally great environment! 💐 It’s WFH friendly and the people are inside are very nice. I just adore this spot. It’s really a wonderful shop that’s worth a visit! 🙌🏾
STEPHANIE
Spa services are expensive, so this is a great way to save some 💰💰 Aveda Arts is a cosmetology school that has a professional spa inside where senior students perform self care services at a discounted price! The students are supervised by an instructor and do an amazing job here! 🧖🏾♀️ I used to go to my local beauty school all the time for discounted services, so when I found out about Aveda, I ran to see what it was about. For the price, quality, and service, this was 100% a great bang for my buck and a great service! 🛁 They do a little bit of everything here so you can choose what’s right for you! I did the Aroma Body Polish for $55 and the Platinum Hydrafacial. There’s tons of options for facials here, and a basic 60 min Tulasara facial is $40! Hydrafacials are typically super expensive, but they’re discounted as well! 🫧
STEPHANIE
The espresso martini flight was made for the girls! 🍸 Ascension Coffee is a coffee in the morning, cocktails in the evening type of vibe! This converted church is more than a coffee shop. They have great food, specialty drinks, and a beautiful outdoor patio! ☀️ The WHITE ROCK LOCATION just released a new ESPRESSO MARTINI FLIGHT! This flight has 3 takes on an espresso martini and it’s only $15. The flight + some other unique menu items can only be found at this location! ☕️ You can stop here any time, any day! It’s WFH friendly and always a good vibe! I love coming on the weekends, but it does get busy, so if you don’t want to wait, stop by during the week! ✨
Dallas Magazine
HENOSIS This weekend, the HighArt Foundation is hosting HENOSIS, a show centered on classical vocal performance. The show title means “unity” in Greek, symbolizing the group performance of art, opera, classical, and spiritual music. The proceeds from the show will be donated to the foundation, which will use them to provide scholarships to young, aspiring musicians. HAF founder, NaGuanda Nobles, an internationally acclaimed lyric soprano, along with a wondrous assemblage of artists, will edify the souls of the listeners with operatic, classical, and gospel genres. The concert title, HENOSIS, is a Greek word that means “unity” and this concert is sure to please the musical palates of fans of the fine arts and introduce new listeners to these timeless art forms. August 18, 7 p.m.
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in West Dallas: Local Insights, Events, and Anonymous Discussions
Dallas Magazine
Thursdays on Tap On the hunt for a date night? Head to the Perot Museum for another Thursday on Tap, to experience the museum after hours. The event will include food trucks, live performances, and access to current exhibitions. Plus, get full access to the Museum and all our exhibit halls, including our traveling exhibition, T. rex: The Ultimate Predator (through September 22). This program is for ages 21+, so whether you’re looking for a fun date night or a unique place to meet up with friends or coworkers, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the Museum without the daytime crowds or kids (we love them, but Thursday nights belong to YOU). August 15, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dallas Hidden Gems
Looking for the perfect way to escape the heat in Dallas this summer? Davis Street Mercantile is one of the cutest stores that offers the most amazing DIY workshops on the weekends - choose between pottery painting to candle making! Our experience was nothing short of amazing - we were immediately greeted with a sampling of house-made sangria upon arrival. For the next two hours, we got to customize our own personal candles from a selection of scents + bowls. The shop’s owner (Kirsten) and her staff were the most friendly and entertaining crew, making this the perfect summer activity! Workshop Deets: - Pottery Painting - Candle Workshop
Dallas fun fam
Indoor Activity for Kids Who Live Dinosaurs: Perot Museum of Nature and Science 🌟 Why we love it: ❤️ T-Rex: The Ultimate Predator features the latest research and discoveries about tyrannosaurs! ❤️ You’ll find life-sized models, fossil casts, and interactive activities. 🤩 ❤️ Once you’ve explored all this exhibit has to offer, you can head to Level 4 of the museum for more dinosaur fun! Good to know: - Dinosaur lovers of all ages will enjoy this exhibit! While there are quite a bit of written descriptions throughout the exhibit, little ones will enjoy the interactive puzzles, huge models, and video displays. - This exhibit will be on display through September 22, 2024. - Admission to the exhibit is an additional $6-$8 on top of regular museum admission.
Dallas Magazine
Muchacho The finishes are so polished at this University Park spot, you would be justified in worrying about the food. With a longhorn mounted on the wall, furry throws, and branded leather placemats, Muchacho looks too fancy to be proper Tex-Mex. But it is. The chips are big, vivid yellow, and clearly fresh-fried. The salsa verde has a soft touch of heat. And dishes like brisket flautas are very good indeed. (Those flautas come with guacamole, sour cream, morita salsa, and a scene-stealing radish salad. The salad’s on top of the flautas, so move it before they get soggy.) Much of the menu is given over to taco plates and family-style fajitas rather than more traditional Tex-Mex combos.
Dallas Magazine
Qué Calor August 10, 6 p.m.| This weekend, stroll through Eliana Miranda’s latest Oak Cliff Cultural Center exhibition. The exhibition centers on the intersectionality of migration and ecological events, specifically the Mexican border with the United States and heat-related severe weather. Miranda’s work investigates environmental intersectionality and the influence on the migration of people headed towards the U.S./ Mexico border from Mexico, Central America, and South America. The movement of people from marginalized communities are often affected by ecological disasters that stem from climate change. Severe weather events such as heat waves, flooding, and droughts are some of the catalysts for these migrations.
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! 🍸
Dallas Magazine
Trek to the African American Museum The museum has several permanent exhibits, like the Billy Folk Art Collection, plus visiting and temporary exhibitions that highlight African American history and culture across the U.S. The African American Museum is the only one of its kind in the Southwestern Region devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials. It has one of the largest African American Folk Art collections in the U.S. The institution hosts a number of lectures and specialty events throughout the year—don’t miss the Summer Music Under the Dome concert series. Free.
See alsoNetworking Events & Socializing in West Dallas: Trending Community Gatherings & Local Insights
Dallas Magazine
Spot the Fountain Show at Klyde Warren Park Whether you’re playing with your furbaby in the dog park, grabbing a bite from one of the food trucks, or attending a Saturday morning fitness class, there’s plenty to do at Klyde Warren Park. Klyde Warren Park was designed by award-winning landscape architect Jim Burnett, principal of The Office of James Burnett. His design created a sense of discovery when moving from “room” to “room” throughout the 5.4-acre Park. The sustainable landscaping includes 37 native and non-native plant species and 247 trees, transforming a former freeway to a beautiful urban oasis. While away the afternoon on the lawn, and don’t miss the Nancy Best Fountain show at 12:04 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day.
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! ✨
STEPHANIE
10/10! This was such a fun experience! 🙌🏾💐 Pur Noire is a black owned urban winery that just opened its second location in Dallas! The first location is in Houston, so this is a great activity if you’re in either city! ✨ The vibe is elevated but still relaxed, so it’s a great spot to unwind or meet a friend! You can grab a glass to sip or do a customized tasting to try a few different wines! They also have a free wine club for true wine lovers! This gets you exclusive perks, like access to the members only tasting room, and discounts on bottles, events, etc! I definitely recommend! 💕
STEPHANIE
Social club in Dallas to network and make new friends: Dallas Book & Sip Club Our shared experiences and the perspectives written about in novels can provide a look into the bigger picture of people. Every month we invite new members to join our social club to read, hang out, and overall explore Dallas through books and bonding. 📖🍸
The Dallas Morning News
Bread Winners Café & Bakery 30th Anniversary Party Grab your coffee mug or mimosa and raise a toast to Bread Winners Café & Bakery, a dining staple within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, in celebration of its 30th anniversary this July. Whether you've enjoyed a boozy brunch and its infamous Chicken & Waffles on the sunny patio, treated yourself to fresh baked goods and pastries, or enjoyed a glass of wine and intimate dinner in the inviting, New Orleans-inspired interiors, Bread Winners has been a go-to spot serving generations of Dallasites delicious food and beverages. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 28! To celebrate the big 3-0, Bread Winners is hosting anniversary celebrations across all locations with fun activations for every guest to enjoy: photo booths, face painting, live music, and, of course, beverage specials.
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.
See alsoCocktails in West Dallas: Top Local Cocktail Bars, Trending Rooftop Bars, and Nightlife Insights on Kikihub
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.
Discover the Local Music Scene in Deep Ellum
The heart of Dallas's vibrant music culture thrives in Deep Ellum, where history and local talent merge to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're searching for trending music events, hidden music hotspots, or secret local insights, Deep Ellum has something for every music lover. Dive into the rhythm of this neighborhood and discover what makes it a staple in the Dallas nightlife and entertainment sector.
The Historical Significance of Deep Ellum's Music Scene
Deep Ellum's music history dates back to early 20th century when it was a hub for jazz and blues. Legendary artists like Lead Belly and Blind Lemon Jefferson performed in intimate venues, establishing a tradition that continues to influence the area. Today, remnants of its illustrious past blend seamlessly with the proliferation of diverse musicians, making Deep Ellum a critical focal point for anyone exploring the local music scene.
Trending Music Events You Can't Miss
Deep Ellum's calendar is dotted with exciting music events year-round. The Deep Ellum Arts Festival is a magnet for tons of local and national talent, offering a smorgasbord of genres that cater to eclectic tastes. Additionally, look out for the Deep Ellum Music Festival, which showcases indie bands and up-and-coming artists. For a more regular fix, numerous venues host weekly live performances, allowing you to enjoy trending music events without traveling far.
Iconic Music Hotspots in Deep Ellum
If you're wondering where to catch a stellar show, venues like Trees, The Bomb Factory, and Club Dada should be on your radar. Trees, renowned for its incredible acoustics, has hosted legends like Nirvana, while The Bomb Factory boasts a larger space ideal for major concerts. Club Dada offers an intimate setting perfect for connecting with emerging artists. Each of these hotspots offers something unique, be it a classic rock concert or an evocative jazz night, ensuring every music enthusiast finds their beat.
Hidden Gem Venues for an Unforgettable Night
Beyond the well-known venues, Deep Ellum has an array of hidden gems that offer a more intimate musical experience. Small bars like Adair's Saloon provide a cozy atmosphere where local talent frequently takes the stage. Establishments like Armoury DE and Off The Record feature both live music and DJ sets, perfect for those who appreciate variety. Don’t miss out on catching local secrets and low-key performances at these lesser-known spots.
Engage with Local Artists and Musicians
One of the joys of Deep Ellum is the opportunity to interact with local artists who call this neighborhood home. From street performers to those playing in low-lit bars, the area is teeming with musicians eager to share their stories and talents. By engaging in the Kikihub anonymous chats, you can gain insider knowledge and recommendations about where these artists are performing next. This platform also allows you to discover real opinions and hidden secrets about the best places to enjoy live music on any given night.
An Ever-Evolving Music Scene
Deep Ellum is not static; its music scene is continually evolving, adapting to new trends and tastes. Regular visitors and locals alike appreciate its commitment to innovation while preserving its rich musical heritage. Keep an ear to the ground for new venue openings, artist residencies, and pop-up concerts that make Deep Ellum a dynamic place for nightlife and entertainment. Staying updated with the latest trends and events in this area will ensure you always have an exciting musical adventure in store.
Final Note: Make the Most of Your Visit
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Deep Ellum's music offerings are bound to captivate your senses. Dive deep into local music, enjoy trending music events, explore music hotspots, and let the rhythms of Deep Ellum provide an enriching experience unmatched by any other neighborhood in Dallas. Don't forget to use platforms like Kikihub to unearth local insights and ensure your nights are filled with the best entertainment the area has to offer.
