How to Spend a Perfect Day in Oak Lawn
In the heart of the Oak Lawn neighborhood, along a stretch of Cedar Springs Road between Oak Lawn and Douglas Avenues, the largest LGBTQ entertainment and business district in the region proudly flies its rainbow colors as a sign that everyone’s welcome here. Lovingly referred to as the “gayborhood” by locals, the Oak Lawn area bustles with activity every day of the week, with Dallasites and visitors mingling over shared experiences. You'll find it all here whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an icy cold beer on a balcony, or a rousing drag show. Read on for top picks from morning to late night and build a perfect itinerary to fit any interest or budget.
Breakfast/Brunch
Start your day right with a latte or caramel macchiato at Crickles and Co, a cozy cafe where you can build your Oak Lawn wish list. You could also do the same over hearty (and cheap!) breakfast tacos at Tacos y Mas. If you’re in Dallas over a weekend, kickstart things with a wildly hilarious drag brunch at Hamburger Mary’s or Mr. Misster.
Shopping
Walk off breakfast and work up an appetite for lunch with a little retail therapy at some of Oak Lawn’s most popular boutiques. Find some vintage treasures, from clothing to housewares, at Out of the Closet, a thrift store offering free HIV testing with 96% of proceeds from sales benefiting AIDS Healthcare Foundation. For club gear, fashion underwear, and swimsuits, ES Collection, Skivvies, Outlines Men’s Wear, and Package Menswear offer the latest and greatest styles.
Lunch
When your stomach begins to growl again, don’t fight the urge to indulge. Grab a sandwich, loaded cheese fries, and a flight of rainbow-colored shots at Roy G’s (which gets its name from the ROYGBIV acronym that sequences the colors seen in a rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). Snag a seat on the patio to devour a classic burger and shake at one of the neighborhood’s oldest restaurants, Hunky’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers. Or enjoy all things poultry at Street’s Fine Chicken, whether you’re craving your chicken French Fried or Roasted and Toasted.
Day Drinking
You’re on vacation! And that’s your free pass to day drink while soaking up some Texas sun (or retreating to the shade). JR’s Bar & Grill offers the absolute best vantage point for people-watching from its second-floor wrap-around balcony as a pop-hits soundtrack plays in the background.
Look Your Best for a Night Out
Before you experience Oak Lawn’s famous nightlife, book a little pampering session at one of the neighborhood’s many salons. Get your hair styled at Atelier Barber Company or Salon Aura, have your nails done at The Nail Spa or Onyx Nail Bar, relax with a massage at Healthy U or Le Spa by Warwick Melrose, or glow up with an airbrush tan at The Tan Bar.
Dinner
Fuel up for a night of dancing with leisurely sit-down dinners. Thai Lotus Kitchen has been serving spicy curries and delectable noodle dishes for decades. Sip on a margarita, and then pick a favorite dish or two to explore the many options at Mario's Mexican and Salvadorian Restaurant. Or opt for the fanciest dinner on the strip at the recently debuted The Landmark Prime Rib inside the historic Warwick Melrose Hotel, also the best place to stay for easy access to everything the neighborhood has to offer—with ultimate luxury as a significant bonus.
Nightlife
Bars and nightclubs line the street, and there’s something for everyone. Oak Lawn has become one of the city’s top dancing destinations, thanks to the iconic country-western dance floor at The Round-Up Saloon (show up for free dance lessons, too) and the mega-club, Station 4 (S4), across the street. Upstairs at S4, The Rose Room comes to life late with drag queens lip-syncing their hearts out in the best drag showroom in Texas. For a more laid back music-and-drinking experience, check out Alexandre’s or lesbian bar Sue Ellen’s, where you can hear live music several nights a week. Dallas Woody’s shows classic and new music videos with multiple patios and balconies where you can enjoy your cocktails.
Late-night Eats
After a long day out on the town, treat yourself to one final treat with a late-night snack on your way home—or before you head back to a bar before last call. Taqueria La Ventana stays open past midnight on the weekends, while Italia Express and Zio Al’s Pizza & Pasta each stay open until at least 3:00 a.m. every night of the week.
