Discover Hidden Gem Restaurants in Lakewood
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?
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.
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.
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! ✨
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!
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.
See also
Discover Top Dining Experiences in East Dallas: Foodie Favorites and Trending Spots
Discover Lakewood's Best Local Restaurants: A Foodie's Paradise near Dallas
Nestled near the vibrant city of Dallas, Lakewood boasts an eclectic and delightful dining scene that will satisfy any food enthusiast. Whether you're a local or just visiting, dive into the area's hidden gems and uncover the best local restaurants offering unique dining experiences. Thanks to platforms like Kikihub, where locals share their anonymous insights, you can gain authentic tips on where to dine in Lakewood.
Unmissable Brunch Spots in Lakewood
When it comes to brunch, Lakewood is the place to be. One of the trending spots that locals rave about is The Rustic Pearl. Known for its farm-to-table approach, this charming eatery serves up delicious avocado toast, perfectly cooked eggs, and freshly pressed juices. Another popular spot is Sundays at Honey’s, a cozy café that offers an array of sweet and savory brunch options, including their famous cinnamon roll pancakes and gourmet coffee selections.
For those seeking a more health-conscious brunch, Nature's Nook offers organic smoothie bowls, gluten-free pastries, and vegan breakfast burritos. The casual ambiance and friendly service make it a local favorite. And don't miss the chance to try the local secret: mimosas made with fresh-squeezed orange juice and locally sourced sparkling wine.
Delectable Dinner Experiences
As the sun sets, Lakewood's dining scene transforms into a culinary haven with diverse options for dinner. For an upscale dining experience, head to Lakeside Bistro. Known for its fusion cuisine, the restaurant offers an impressive menu featuring dishes like truffle pasta, miso-glazed sea bass, and a stellar wine list. The ambiance is elegant yet comfortable, making it perfect for date nights or special occasions.
If you're in the mood for something more laid-back, The Smoky Barrel is a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts. Locals appreciate the authentic Texas barbecue, with mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all smoked to perfection. Pair your meal with a craft beer from their extensive local selection for a true Texan experience.
For those who prefer international cuisine, Bella Italia serves traditional Italian dishes that transport you straight to Rome. From wood-fired pizzas to handmade pastas, every bite reflects the rich culinary heritage. Local insights suggest trying their signature lobster ravioli, which has become a crowd favorite.
Craft Cocktails and Happy Hours
Lakewood’s nightlife is just as vibrant as its dining scene, especially when it comes to craft cocktails and happy hours. The Blue Lounge is a chic bar that specializes in artisanal cocktails with a twist. Their mixologists are known for creating unique concoctions like the lavender-infused gin and tonic or the spicy margarita with jalapeño-infused tequila. Happy hour deals from 5-7 PM make it a popular choice for after-work relaxation.
For a more laid-back vibe, Brickhouse Tavern offers a range of local brews and handcrafted cocktails in a warm, rustic setting. Their bartenders are skilled in mixing traditional drinks with modern flair. Locals often recommend the house old-fashioned, made with a secret blend of bitters – a true local secret.
Insider Tips and Local Insights
Gaining local insights through platforms like Kikihub can make your dining experiences even more memorable. For example, locals suggest visiting Chef Leo's Pop-Up, a semi-secret supper club that offers a rotating menu based on seasonal ingredients. Guests are invited to a different location each week, making it an exciting culinary adventure.
Another local secret is The Greenhouse, an urban hydroponic farm that supplies fresh produce to various restaurants in Lakewood. A quick tour of this sustainable farm can provide a unique glimpse into the farm-to-table process and deepen your appreciation for the dishes served at some of your favorite local spots.
Lastly, don’t miss Urban Artisan Market, where local chefs and artisans come together to sell their creations. This market is the perfect place to discover new flavors, pick up some gourmet snacks, and even engage with the chefs themselves, gaining valuable foodie tips and tricks along the way.
Embracing Lakewood’s Culinary Diversity
Lakewood's dining scene is a reflection of its diverse and vibrant community. From stylish hotspots to hidden gems, every restaurant tells a story of creativity and passion. With the help of authentic local insights from Kikihub, exploring Lakewood's best local restaurants becomes a delightful journey filled with unforgettable dining experiences.
So, whether you're in the mood for brunch, dinner, or a refreshing cocktail, Lakewood near Dallas offers a myriad of options to satisfy your culinary cravings. Dive into this foodie's paradise and discover why locals can't stop raving about their favorite dining spots.
