Dallas Dining Secrets: Insider Picks Downtown
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!
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
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?
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.
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
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.
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! ✨
See also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
Discover the Best Local Restaurants in Downtown Dallas
Welcome to Downtown Dallas, a vibrant epicenter filled with an array of dining experiences that cater to food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Whether you're on the lookout for trending eateries, a perfect brunch spot, or an evening of fine dining, Downtown Dallas has it all. Thanks to Kikihub's local anonymous chats, we’ve gathered some well-kept secrets and genuine opinions to guide you through the culinary landscape.
Hidden Gems for Foodie Adventure
One of the best-kept secrets in Downtown Dallas is Suzie’s BBQ & Smokehouse. Located off Main Street, Suzie’s may not boast an extravagant exterior, but the food speaks volumes. Their slow-smoked brisket and ribs have local foodies raving, offering a perfect blend of smoky flavor and tenderness. The locals in Kikihub swear by the "Texas Trio" platter - a meat lover's dream with brisket, ribs, and sausage.
For an intimate and upscale dining experience, head to Bloom & Vine. Known for its farm-to-table philosophy, this restaurant garners praise for its ever-changing seasonal menu, which includes dishes like truffle mushroom risotto and lavender-infused lamb chops. Don't miss their organic garden-inspired cocktails, a true testament to their innovative approach.
The Perfect Brunch Spots
Brunch is a beloved tradition in Downtown Dallas, and Morning Glory Café offers a perfect mix of casual and indulgent. Situated in a cozy nook off Commerce Street, this café is a local favorite for its avocado benedict and fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with homemade berry compote. Their matcha lattes and freshly squeezed juices are must-tries, creating the perfect start to your day.
Another notable spot is Red Velvet Bistro. This trendy eatery offers an expansive brunch menu that includes classic favorites and innovative creations like lemon ricotta pancakes. Visit during weekends for their exclusive brunch buffet, loaded with freshly baked pastries, a bacon bar, and bottomless mimosas that keep patrons coming back for more.
Exciting Dinner Destinations
When the sun sets, Downtown Dallas transforms into a dining haven. The Iron Fork is a local favorite that you might not find in mainstream guides. Known for its hearty steak dishes and a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, it is perfect for celebrating milestones or enjoying a sumptuous meal. Try their signature ribeye, paired with one of their handpicked wines from the extensive cellar. Locals recommend reserving a table inside their wine vault for a unique dining experience.
For those who are fond of seafood, Neptune’s Cove is the place to be. Tucked away on a quiet street, this restaurant offers the freshest catch and exquisite dishes like lobster bisque, grilled oysters, and a seafood paella that bursts with flavor. Kikihub users often share local insight about off-the-menu items like their secret-sauce shrimp that’s sure to impress.
Craft Cocktails and Chic Atmospheres
Downtown Dallas is also famous for its vibrant nightlife and exquisite cocktail bars. Bar Stellar is an iconic spot, located on the rooftop of one of the trendiest buildings. With panoramic views of the Dallas skyline, this bar offers an extensive list of craft cocktails, from classic martinis to bespoke creations like the Cucumber Basil Smash. Highly recommended by locals is their happy hour, which offers a taste of luxury at reasonable prices.
If speakeasies are more your style, check out The Hidden Pearl. Tucked behind an unmarked door, this secluded bar has the feel of an exclusive nightclub and features a menu of creatively named cocktails and small bites. Many Kikihub locals mention the "Black Magic Margarita" and the "Whiskey Wisp" as standout drinks that capture the essence of Downtown Dallas's ever-evolving spirits scene.
Local Insights and Foodie Finds
For those who love culinary exploration, Downtown Dallas never falls short of offering new experiences. El Mercado de Dallas is an undercover foodie haven. This weekend market bursts with local flavor - from gourmet food trucks serving fusion tacos to stalls showcasing artisanal breads and cheeses. It serves as a communal space for both locals and visitors to enjoy a diverse food palette.
Another insider tip is The Historic Farmers Market, where local chefs often shop for the freshest ingredients. You’ll find several pop-up eateries inside the market, providing an array of flavors and dishes, from Asian street food to Southern comfort bites. It's also a great place to mingle with other foodies and pick up some culinary tips straight from the source.
With its rich history and cosmopolitan flair, Downtown Dallas offers an abundance of dining opportunities, ranging from secret hideaways to renowned establishments. Unlocking these local secrets can make your dining experience all the more extraordinary.
