Where to get lunch near the convention center in Dallas
You don't even need a car to get to any of these lunch spots.
Your morning sessions just let out and a good place of food is calling your way – but where to go? Finding food near the Dallas convention center is easy and just a short walk or shared ride away.
Hotel Restaurants
No need to look further than your own hotel's lobby for some prime lunch options during your stay in Dallas. If you're staying at the Statler, Primo's, Sfereco and Overeasy are a good place to start, while the Sheraton Dallas has Open Palette and a grab-and-go market to choose from. Find Centric Bar & Grille inside the Dallas Marriott Downtown or Centennial inside the Hyatt Regency Dallas. There are many more, so be sure to check your hotel's dining options and hours before making plans!
The Restaurants at Lamar
Some of the closest lunch options to the convention center are just steps away at The Restaurants on Lamar, a collection of restaurants just outside the Omni Dallas Hotel and mere feet away from the center's front doors.
The Exchange Hall at AT&T Discovery District
A food hall in the AT&T Discovery District opened in Summer 2021, bringing many more dining options to the Downtown Area. Start at The Exchange Hall, a modern food hall with more than a dozen eateries. It's great for eating with a group since everyone can venture into their favorite flavors without making anyone else follow in their footsteps. Pregame your options with our guide to The Exchange Hall. Best part? It's just a short walk from the convention center!
West End
Often referred to as the birthplace of Dallas, the West End neighborhood of Downtown Dallas has seen several transformations through the years that keep bringing locals and visitors to the area. And there's plenty to choose from for lunch, too – grab a burger at Burger IM, that at Family Thais or Tex-Mex at RJs. After lunch, walk it off with a stroll – you'll see some fantastic museums, parks and historic stops along the way.
Cedars/Southside District
Just south of the convention you'll find the Cedars District, an area known for great live music venues and plenty of food options. Barbeque fans will enjoy Off the Bone BBQ, a Black-owned restaurant that serves fantastic ribs and brisket while bánh mi fans will want to line up at Sandwich Hag, a woman-owned sandwich shop that has seen critical acclaim.
The Dallas Farmer's Market
Opened seven days a week, the Dallas Farmer's Market offers an array of food vendors for lunch. Grab street tacos at La Ventana, Mediterranean dishes at Larmi, seafood at Rex's Seafood and Market, among many other choices. While you're there, shop around for local gifts to take back home!
...And more local favorites
Because we could never call out every single restaurant in the Downtown region, and because the area is highly walkable (it covers just under two square miles), it might be more helpful to call out some local favorites. Consider these spots ones you wouldn't be able to find at home and offer a fresh taste of Dallas flavors.
- Twisted Trompo offers Tex-Mex classics with can't beat prices.
- Harwood Tavern offers a pick-two or pick-three lunch special that's easy on the wallet.
- For a late lunch, The Crafty Irishman gets our pick. The happy hour specials include a healthy list of food specials, including $5 Irish nachos, starting at 3 pm.
- Pair lunch with a glass of wine at Partenope, an Italian restaurant near Main Street Garden.
- Get a taste of Jalisco, Mx. at Chimalma Taco Bar, just a half-mile from the convention center.
- Get a hearty bowl of pho at Sapa House and cool off afterward with a Thai tea. Come by later for happy hour – it starts at 3 pm!
