Dine At One Of These 20 Dallas Staples For A Fantastic Meal
These established culinary institutions have stood the test of time (some a very long time)
These established culinary institutions have stood the test of time (some a very long time)
As much fun as it is to jump on the latest trend and head to Dallas’ “hot new restaurant” du jour, never forget the long list of establishments that have made the dining scene in North Texas one of the best in the nation. Whether they’ve been around for more than 100 years or merely one well-received decade, these fine food purveyors have developed a devoted following among locals and never fail to impress visitors looking for a memorable experience. Though we could never include every iconic restaurant in Dallas, keep scrolling for an alphabetical listing of 20 can’t-miss favorites.
Bob’s Steak & Chop House - Oak Lawn; Lamar Street
After debuting his steakhouse concept in 1993, Bob Sambol introduced Dallas to the “giant carrot,” a massive glazed veggie that appears on nearly every plate to this day.
Must-order: Prime New York Strip
Bread Winners Café & Bakery - Uptown; NorthPark Center; Inwood Village
Ever since they plated their first eggs benedict and french toast in 1994, Bread Winners still has lines out the door on weekends with people hungry (and thirsty) for brunch.
Must-order: Warm Caramel Pecan Roll
Dairy-Ette - East Dallas
Old-school drive-in Dairy-Ette has been slinging great burgers, fries, shakes, malts, and homemade root beer since 1956, which you can enjoy in your car or their tiny dining room.
Must-order: Double Meat Chili Burger with Onion Rings
EatZi’s Market & Bakery - Oak Lawn; Lovers Lane; Preston Royal
Created by Phil Romano (the restaurateur behind Macaroni Grill and numerous other hits), this European-style market offers chef-crafted meals-to go that rival many sit-down restaurants.
Must-order: Chicken Pot Pie
Fearing’s Restaurant - Uptown
The “Father of Southwestern Cuisine” and restaurant namesake, Dean Fearing brings a bit of fun and whimsy to the fine-dining experience inside The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas.
Must-order: Dean’s Tortilla Soup
Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs - Fair Park; various food truck locations
Long a staple available only during the State Fair of Texas, the famous-since-1942 Fletcher’s Corny Dog can now be found in its food trucks parked across the city. Slather it in mustard — ketchup is just weird.
Must-order: Original Corny Dog
The French Room - Downtown
Located inside The Adolphus Hotel, a gorgeous historic property in the heart of downtown that once welcomed Queen Elizabeth II, The French Room remains a classic Dallas fine-dining experience, currently only offering afternoon tea service since Covid. Dress the part and indulge.
Must-order: Caviar with Housemade Potato Crisps
Fuel City - Downtown
Get cheap tacos served 24 hours a day from a pickup window and sit outside at a picnic table while watching the Longhorn cattle graze just beyond the parking lot.
Must-order: Picadillo Taco
Greenville Avenue Pizza Company - Lowest Greenville; Lake Highlands
The pizza slayers at this Lowest Greenville Avenue joint have been crafting pies since 2007 and satisfying hungry late-night guests with their thin-crust creations.
Must-order: The Butcher’s Revenge Pizza
Mama’s Daughter’s Diner - Design District
For over 65 years, patrons have flocked to the Design District for hearty breakfasts and generously portioned lunches. However, you’ll want to save room for pie (or get it to-go).
Must-order: The Texas-Sized Breakfast with Chicken Fried Steak
Mariano’s Hacienda - Lake Highlands
Mariano Martinez invented the frozen margarita machine back in 1971 and even has one located in the Smithsonian, but you’ll want to load up on food here, too. And don’t forget to check in on the Margarita Mile!
Must-order: Mesquite-Grilled Combo Fajitas (and an Original Margarita, of course)
Meddlesome Moth - Design District
Settle in at this gastropub for an exquisite beer experience (the servers can pair one with pretty much anything you order). A fantastic brunch draws crowds, too.
Must-order: Crispy Chicken Skins
Parigi - Oak Lawn
The menu changes twice monthly at this French-style bistro and patio café, so visit every couple of weeks for a totally new experience.
Must-order: The Chocolate Glob
Pecan Lodge - Deep Ellum
Expect to wait in line at this 10-year-old BBQ joint that quickly achieved icon status when people discovered their melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats.
Must-order: The “Hot Mess”
Royal China - Preston Royal
Buck Shu-Chang Kao started this beloved Chinese restaurant back in 1974 and his family carries on numerous traditions, including their famous handmade dumplings and hand-pulled noodles.
Must-order: The Dumpling Sampler
The Rustic - Uptown
Head through the dining room to the giant backyard filled with picnic tables for the truest experience at The Rustic, often with live music to accompany your noshing and sipping. The Rustic is also another stop on our Margarita Mile!
Must-order: The Drunk Chick
Snuffer’s - Greenville Avenue
Famous for its Cheddar Fries loaded with bacon, chives, and jalapeños (created in 1978), Snuffer’s appeals with its burgers, chicken strips, and ice-cold beer, too.
Must-order: Dr Pepper BBQ Burger and Cheddar Fries
TJ’s Seafood Market - Oak Lawn; Preston Royal
Seafood in Dallas doesn’t get much fresher than this restaurant and market where chefs take daily catches and other delights from under the sea and turn them into delectable dishes galore.
Must-order: Hot Connecticut Lobster Roll
Urbano Café - Old East Dallas
Drive too fast and you might miss this beloved neighborhood bistro serving American and Italian fare with friendly, attentive service, but you’ll be smart to set it in your GPS and enjoy the culinary adventure.
Must-order: Mushroom Risotto
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