Downtown Dallas Secrets: Top Local Recommendations
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🎆🎉
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.
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.
See also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
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. 🌽🔥
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! 🌮
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in West Dallas: Local Insights, Events, and Anonymous Discussions
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.
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! 💕
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.
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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.
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.
Discovering Hidden Gems in Downtown Dallas
Are you looking for an authentic experience in Downtown Dallas? Gain local insights and uncover some of the best local recommendations through Kikihub, your go-to platform for real, unfiltered opinions and secrets shared by the community.
Food and Drink Hotspots You Can't Miss
One must-visit foodie haven is Pecan Lodge, renowned for its savory smoked meats and mouth-watering BBQ options. Located in the heart of Deep Ellum, locals swear by their signature beef ribs and mac 'n cheese. Avoid the long lines by heading over mid-afternoon on weekdays.
For a more upscale dining experience, Elm Street Cask & Kitchen champions sophisticated comfort food paired with an extensive whiskey menu. The locals particularly rave about the truffle fries and buffalo chicken mac 'n cheese. Frequented by those in-the-know, it's the perfect spot for a quieter, yet luxurious night out.
Explore Historical Sites and Cultural Attractions
No exploration of Downtown Dallas is complete without a visit to Dealey Plaza, the historic landmark known for the JFK assassination. While it's a common tourist spot, local insiders suggest visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more contemplative experience.
The Dallas Museum of Art offers both residents and visitors a chance to dive into a wide array of art collections spanning ancient to contemporary works. Locals often visit on Wednesday evenings when admission is free, allowing for an enriching cultural outing without the expense.
Unique Shops and Boutiques
For those with a penchant for retail therapy, check out The Wild Detectives in Oak Cliff, a cozy bookstore-cafe where you can peruse an eclectic selection of books while sipping on local craft beers or artisan coffee. Alternately, Bishop Arts District is a treasure trove of indie shops and boutiques where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing.
Within walking distance from the main downtown area, Deep Ellum stands out with its vibrant street art and diverse shopping options. Pop into the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market on Saturdays for handmade goods and listen to live indie bands. It’s a favorite among locals for its chill vibe and artistic flair.
Live Entertainment and Nightlife
For an eclectic night out, locals highly recommend Twilite Lounge, a New Orleans-inspired bar with live jazz and an extensive cocktail menu. Situated on Elm Street, it boasts a cozy courtyard that's perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Meanwhile, if you’re seeking a concert experience, look no further than The Bomb Factory. This iconic venue in Deep Ellum hosts a range of shows from big-name bands to indie rock stars. Insiders suggest grabbing balcony seats for an optimal view and acoustics.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Nature lovers should not overlook Klyde Warren Park, a vibrant urban green space built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Besides jogging trails and dog parks, the park features food trucks, yoga classes, and music performances. Grab a spot near the Children’s Park for some of the best people-watching opportunities.
Belo Garden, another local favorite, offers a pocket of tranquility amidst the bustling city. With its water features and lush landscaping, the park provides a serene setting ideal for a midday break or an evening stroll.
Trending Topics in the Local Scene
Wondering what’s buzzing right now in Downtown Dallas? On Kikihub, you'll find locals talking about the rise of rooftop bars like Waterproof atop The Statler. Known for its panoramic views and inventive cocktails, it’s becoming the go-to spot for both residents and visitors looking to mix and mingle.
Another hot topic is the growing public art installations popping up around the city, particularly the AT&T Discovery District. This new area seamlessly blends tech, art, and community vibes with interactive exhibits and digital displays that are perfect for both Instagram shots and meaningful engagement.
