Downtown Dallas Secrets: Top Local Recommendations
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
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 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
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! ✨
See also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
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.
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! 🍸
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in West Dallas: Local Insights, Events, and Anonymous Discussions
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.
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.
See alsoNetworking Events & Socializing in West Dallas: Trending Community Gatherings & Local Insights
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.
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
According to many, Terilli's is one of Dallas best Italian restaurants, and as it comes with a lovely roof terrace, also one of the city's best rooftop restaurants. Located in the heart of Lower Greenville, Terilli’s serves fantastic Italian cuisine and drinks ranging from ice-cold Martinis, classic cocktails, an impressive selection of beers along with a long and very good wine list. The rooftop terrace is decorated with both dining tables and lounge sofas and also has heaters and cosy fire-pits for the chilly nights.
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.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
STIRR Dallas is a modern American rooftop bar and restaurant, located in the vibrant Deep Ellum. Here you find a bright and stylish rooftop terrace that, despite only being two floors up, offers great views over the Dallas skyline. Open daily and nightly, the rooftop bar serves a large and tasty selection of contemporary American dishes, along with a wide selection of seasonal, fun and creative signature cocktails. Expect a vibrant and friendly ambience, turning up a notch with live music during weekend nights.
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.
See alsoCocktails in West Dallas: Top Local Cocktail Bars, Trending Rooftop Bars, and Nightlife Insights on Kikihub
Dallas Love List
🦋THE ONLY BUTTERFLY GARDEN IN DALLAS We know it’s hot outside, but don’t worry this 2-story butterfly house complex is indoors!✨ Butterfly House + Garden is a non-profit organization featuring butterflies from all over the world as well as garden trains and replica historic buildings, the snake & reptile shack, the 1936 historic World’s Fair Centennial House, an outdoor children’s playscape featuring a rock climbing wall, a rope bridge, sandbox, ponds and fountains!🍃🦋 Open daily 10AM - 5PM
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.
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.
