Discover Uptown's Best-Kept Dining Secrets
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
See also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
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!
Local Dining Secrets in Uptown Near Dallas
Uptown near Dallas is a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of restaurants and dining experiences. Whether you're a foodie looking for the latest trending spot or someone who loves indulging in delicious brunches and dinners, Uptown offers something for everyone. Let's take a look at some locally acclaimed eateries and what makes them stand out according to local insights garnered from Kikihub's anonymous chats.
Exclusive Brunch Spots
Brunch in Uptown Dallas is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Inside tips reveal that Yolk Uptown is the go-to place for brunch lovers. Try their famous Benedict Caprese, a delicious twist on the classic Eggs Benedict with mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto. Another spot locals flock to is State & Allen Lounge. Known for their bottomless mimosas and expansive brunch menu, it's a popular choice for a relaxed weekend meal.
Trending Dinner Destinations
For a memorable dinner experience, The Capital Grille is highly recommended. This upscale steakhouse offers a fine dining experience with an extensive wine list. Make sure to try their signature Porcini Rubbed Delmonico Steak paired with a glass of their finest red wine. Another dining gem is Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, known for its famous Perry’s Famous Pork Chop and fantastic service.
Craft Cocktails and Happy Hours
If you're looking to unwind with expertly crafted cocktails, The Tipsy Alchemist should be on your radar. Locals rave about the creativity and flair bartenders bring to each drink. Try their Smoked Old Fashioned for a unique sensory experience. Looking for happy hour specials? Uchi Dallas offers some of the best deals in town, with discounts on cocktails and sushi rolls that you won't want to miss.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those who enjoy discovering hidden gems, Momo’s Pasta is a delightful find. Tucked away from the main streets, this cozy restaurant offers authentic Italian dishes that transport you straight to Italy. Don’t miss their Gnocchi Gorgonzola. Another local favorite is Medina Oven & Bar, which offers a blend of Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine. Their Lamb Tagine is a dish that comes highly recommended by regulars.
Local Insights and Real Opinions
Thanks to Kikihub's platform for anonymous chats, locals can share inside knowledge and real opinions about their dining experiences in Uptown Dallas. This has proven invaluable for those new to the area or just visiting. A notable mention from the community is R&D Kitchen. Locals appreciate their consistent quality and the relaxed yet upscale ambiance. Don’t miss their famous Asian Marinated Steak with a Side of Tabouleh.
Another hot tip drawn from local insights is checking out the food truck scene, particularly near Klyde Warren Park. According to Kikihub users, the taco truck Tacos y Vinos offers some of the best street tacos in Uptown. For dessert, Henry’s Majestic serves delightful sweets like their Chocolate Hazelnut Tart that keep customers coming back.
