Carrollton Hotspots: Unveiling Top Local Dining Secrets
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
Minnie
This is a Dallas hidden gem 😍. It’s a super cute Alice in Wonderland inspired brunch spot with amazing food. I see why the lines out the door, like every plate we ordered was so good. Our favorites: avocado toast, salmon benedict, and their tacos. They have freshly squeezed juices and a full cocktail bar. The espresso martini and mango passion mimosa are a must! But honestly you can’t go wrong with any of their drinks. It’s definitely one of my favorite brunch spots especially when the service, food, and drinks all hit the marks.
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.
See also
Dining in Little Elm: Trending Spots, Foodie Favorites, and Local Insights Near Dallas
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! ✨
Dallas fun fam
At Nico’s grill & bar, adults can enjoy delicious Mexican food while kids play on the enclosed playground! This family-friendly restaurant is an excellent choice for parent of young kids who have a hard time sitting still. Weekend brunch features an omelette bar, fresh waffles, plus specials on mimosas and Bloody Marys.
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?
Dallas fun fam
🌟 Where to get warm churros with ice cream in DFW: Scoop N’ Buns 🌟 Why we love it: ❤️ Scoop N’ Buns serves up delicious ice cream specialties at their super cool location! ❤️ They’re known for their warm air-fried churros with ice cream (SO GOOD) and glazed donut ice cream sandwiches. 🤤 ❤️ You can also try their Filipino dessert, Halo Halo! This rainbow colored dessert includes shaved ice, fruits, ube halaya, jellies, and more. Definitely worth a try if you want to try something new and different! ❤️ Kids will love playing on the nintendo while they wait for their freshly air fried churros. ❤️ It’s beautiful and so fun.
Discover the Best Local Restaurants in Carrollton
If you're hunting for the ultimate dining experiences near Dallas, look no further than Carrollton. This charming suburb is brimming with trendy spots that cater to foodies eager to uncover hidden culinary gems. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxed brunch or a sophisticated dinner complete with cocktails, Carrollton offers an array of options that will leave your taste buds tantalized.
The Food Scene in Downtown Carrollton
Downtown Carrollton is the epicenter of local restaurants, offering a mix of new hotspots and longtime favorites. A standout here is Babe’s Chicken Dinner House. Known for its family-style service and mouth-watering fried chicken, it's a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience comfort food at its finest. For a trendy night out, try Twisted Root Burger Co.. Their gourmet burgers and eclectic decor attract a vibrant crowd, making it a perfect spot for both casual dinners and fun nights out.
Unmissable Brunch Spots
Weekend brunches in Carrollton are more than just meals—they're an event. Jam + Toast is a local favorite featuring classic American breakfast dishes with a twist. Think fluffy pancakes, farm-fresh omelets, and their famous avocado toast. For those seeking international flavors, Rodeo Goat offers a Tex-Mex inspired brunch buffet. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails for a truly unforgettable experience.
Dine with Local Flair
If it's unique local insights and hidden gems you're after, Zenna Thai & Japanese Restaurant should be on your radar. Serving an extensive menu that masterfully blends Thai and Japanese cuisines, Zenna offers a relaxed ambiance with a hint of exotic flair. For an immersive dining experience, ask the locals about their less-known sushi rolls and specialty dishes. Another hotspot, Cane Rosso, offers artisan pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, using recipes passed down through generations.
Sophisticated Dinner Options
When night falls, Carrollton transforms into a haven for sophisticated dining. EG Steak, a Brazilian steakhouse, is perfect for a romantic evening or celebratory feast. Their rodízio-style service means an endless stream of grilled meats, ensuring you'll leave fully satisfied. For a touch of Mediterranean elegance, Ziziki’s offers authentic Greek dishes like lamb souvlaki and spanakopita, paired with fine wines from their extensive list.
Chic Cocktails and Craft Beers
No dining experience is complete without a visit to Carrollton's local bars and cocktail lounges. The Tavern is an upscale bar known for their meticulously crafted cocktails and wide selection of craft beers. This spot provides local insights into Carrollton's burgeoning nightlife scene. Another gem is Sidecar Social, where you can enjoy innovative drinks, live music, and even retro arcade games. And for those who appreciate a classic setting, The Old Crow is renowned for its inviting atmosphere and expertly mixed cocktails, making it a staple for locals in the know.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to explore new dining experiences, Carrollton's local restaurants offer something for everyone. Seek out these vibrant locales and you'll quickly see why this suburb near Dallas is a must-visit culinary destination.
