Local Eats

Dallas boasts a dynamic dining scene with exquisite and unbeatable dining experiences, so much so that Bon Appetit magazine recently named Dallas as its 2019 Restaurant City of the Year. With so many flavors to try, we've made it easy for you to eat your way through Dallas like a local.

DISTRICT 1

Coco's Fire & Ice

Tucked in the back of the 410 Market in the Bishop Arts District, Coco's Fire & Ice is a small yet vibrant restaurant. Aptly named, Coco's serves spicy Mexican cuisine and refreshing cocktails to help you cool off.

Greek Café & Bakery

Take a step away from the district's main attractions in Bishop Arts and find yourself at this local favorite. The sweet potato Greek fries are a must, as is the sampler platter with hummus, baba ganoush and tzatziki.

Cheesesteak House

The unassuming restaurant along Davis Street is a family affair, with several generations of the Padilla family working behind the scenes. The cheesesteaks are top notch and come with a heaping serving of steak and onions, Swiss-American cheese blend and other toppings of your choice.

DISTRICT 2

Turkey Leg Paradise

Located in the Cedars/Southside neighborhood, Turkey Leg Paradise is just that – the restaurant offers turkey legs with every flavoring from Cajun and Honey Chipotle to Sriracha BBQ and Garlic Parmesan. Even if you're not into turkey legs, the restaurant has other options like Po' Boys and chicken wings.

Jimmy's Food Store

The Italian restaurant has been a go-to spot for authentic Italian wines, sandwiches and sweets. Additionally, Jimmy's Food Store offers educational wine tastings on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 4p.m. – and it's free!

Sandwich Hag

Sandwich Hag specializes in Bánh Mi - a Vietnamese sandwich, using the freshest ingredients and preparing everything from scratch. Enjoy four choices of meats (the Vietnamese Pork Sausage is a favorite!) along with a variety of Vietnamese specialty drinks like the iced coffee or Boba tea.

DISTRICT 3

South Dallas Café

This South Dallas restaurant has been serving delicious soul food for over 20 years. Bring your stretchy pants, as this café serves big portions and a rotating menu of meat selections every day, as well as classic Southern-style sides.

Delta Charlie's Bar and Grill

Structured like an upscale flight, Delta Charlie's Bar and Grill offers a beautiful view of the city along with delicious meals and desserts. Enjoy the "pre-flight" snacks, before indulging in one of they're juicy steaks or American dinner classics like meatloaf or chicken fried steak.

Sankofa Kitchen

Family owned and operated for over 20 years, Sankofa Kitchen has been serving up fresh eats and vegan-friendly food for locals and visitors alike. Order the Impossible Burger, a vegan take on the popular-impossible burger, or go for their healthy and flavorful smoothies.

DISTRICT 4

Recipe Oak Cliff

Recipe Oak Cliff specializes in plant-based, healthy vegan plates, with options like tacos, zoodles and hummus. Stop by for a pick-me-up smoothie or juice made with all organic fruits and veggies.

Rudy's Chicken

Rudy's Chicken is a Dallas staple and serves fried chicken and Southern-styled sides seven days a week. Come ready to wait – as the line is always long, but the food is worth the wait!

Record's BBQ

Record's BBQ is a drive-in barbecue shop and has been servicing Dallas since the 1960s. Popular dishes include the loaded baked potato (think jalapenos, pulled pork, cheese and more of the works!), as well as their massive turkey legs.

DISTRICT 5

El Palote Panderia

Offering true Mexican cuisine, stop by this Southern Dallas taco shop to build your own taco plate served with your choice of meat or its weekend-only famous tamales. Bonus: the restaurant has a lot of vegan options and is well known for their delicious creations.

Los Molcajetes

The restaurant's modern establishment sets the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine. A weekend visit practically requires you order the menudo or pozole (both are weekend-only offerings) or for something lighter, try one of the del mar (seafood) options.

John's Seafood

Go for the catfish at this East Dallas hidden gem. It's easy on the wallet too, with lunch specials under $10.

DISTRICT 6

Tacos Mariachi

This casual popular restaurant offers in bold flavors and inventive taco creations. Order any of the daily specials like the Vicki Oh! Taco - a portebello mushroom taco with house-made chorizo, or come on Thursdays for the La Prensa Taco - a grilled chicken taco topped with jalapeno garlic aioli.

Cindy's NY Deli & Restaurant

If you're looking for New York deli-styled food without the fuss of NYC, Cindy's has you covered. The restaurant offers authentic New York Reuben sandwiches, fresh breads, stews and a great selection of comfort foods. Bonus: Cindy's also has all-day breakfast!

Koryo Kalbi Korean BBQ

Bring your friends and family to Koryo, as this restaurant menu features shareable plates, as well as options for diners to grill the barbecue for a full hands-on dining experience.

DISTRICT 7

Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood

Two Podners is a cafeteria-styled restaurant that serves tasty meals all year round. Try the ribs or order the Pittsburg, TX hotlinks. Plus, with its proximity to Fair Park, you are steps away from various museums and attractions.

Elaine's Jamaican Kitchen

Located in Southern Dallas, Elaine's is a great spot to try authentic flavors. The vibrant restaurant serves classic Jamaican dishes like fried plantains, jerk chicken, oxtails and more.

Southside Steaks & Cakes

DISTRICT 8

D'Ventures Restaurant

D'Ventures cozy atmosphere and friendly service make guests feel right at home at this popular restaurant. Diners can enjoy carefully prepared soul food (the fried catfish and ribs are popular dishes), as well as live entertainment. Pro tip: Make sure to save room for their famous orange cake.

Sweet Georgia Brown

This South Dallas joint serves barbecue and soul food cafeteria-style, so come hungry because the portions are huge! Pro tip – there's usually always a line (and worth the wait) so get here early.

Lindy's Restaurant

Featuring all your favorite Southern-classic dishes, Lindy's is a popular spot among the locals. Not only is the food yummy, but the restaurant offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.

DISTRICT 9

Hello Dumpling

Located in East Dallas, Hello Dumpling is a modern Asian cafe serving a variety of noodles, dumplings and Boba teas. Local favorites include the Pork with Napa Cabbage Dumplings and the Braised Beef Noodle Soup.

One90 Smokes Meats

Come hungry as One90 Smoked Meats offers big portions of every BBQ meat you could imagine, such as brisket, chicken breasts, ribs, duck and more. Plus, with its signature sides, especially the chili mac n' cheese, this restaurant will surely satisfy your appetite. i.

Maya's Modern Meditterranean

Located in Casa Linda Plaza, Maya's is a cute and casual eatery with healthy and fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Pro tip: Order the hummus or try any of the pita bread specials!

DISTRICT 10

Zato Thai Cuisine

Dallasites love Zato for its rich and traditional Thai cuisine and sushi prepared expertly by chefs. Plus, the contemporary ambience and sleek sushi bar make it a hot spot for date nights or Friday night fun.

Cedar & Vine Community Kitchen & Cocktails

Enjoy your favorite comfort foods like a Hot Chicken Sandwich, Fish & Chips, Pork Chops and more at this East Dallas establishment. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner with plenty of delicious options to fuel your appetite.

Lalibela

A local Ethiopian eatery, Lalibela offers traditional dishes in a family-style setting. Feast on the Taste of Lalibela or the Vegetarian Combo to share with the table.

DISTRICT 11

The Hideaway Bar & Grill

Described as the "Southern version of Cheers," The Hideaway has everything you could want in a sports bar. With multiple bar games (think pool and darts), American classic dishes (the Hideaway wings and brisket tacos are the best!) and several beers on tap, The Hideaway Bar is a perfect local hangout for any big sports game.

Chop House Gyro

Located near the Galleria Dallas mall, Chop House Gyro serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine featuring Gyro Bowls and Shawarma Rolls as menu highlights.

Royal China

Opening its doors in 1974, Royal China has continued to be a staple to Dallasites. Arguably the best Chinese food in town, the menu features traditional specialties as well as modern creations.

DISTRICT 12

LEKKA

LEKKA is part bar, restaurant and retail store all perfectly wrapped as an urban oasis. Enjoy Mediterranean salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts, while sipping on one of the many extensive wines offered. As a bonus, LEKKA has live music on the weekends and always has unique furniture, candles and art for sale.

Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine

Craving Thai food? Look no further than Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine, where every menu item is full of flavor and made with the freshest ingredients. Hop over during lunch time to take advantage of the $11-and-under lunch specials.

Lalo's Fine Mexican Cuisine

Authentic Mexican dishes is what you'll find at Lalo's. Enjoy all your favorite dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, or carne asada, and pair with one of their signature margaritas.

DISTRICT 13

Anthony's Eatalian

Family-owned and operated, Anthony's Eatalian serves comfort Italian and seafood in a laidback, intimate environment. Try the meatballs, which are made in-house daily, or savor their authentic Brooklyn-styled pizza.

Café Navarro

A lot of North Dallas locals call this their go-to Tex-Mex stop and rightfully so – everything from the complimentary chips and salsa and margaritas to the generously portioned entrees are a win. Check out their daily specials menu to make ordering easy.

Ginger Thai Cuisine

The papaya salad and herbal chicken are popular dishes at this North Dallas spot. The restaurant closes between lunch and dinner services, so plan accordingly before heading out. Bonus: there's a second location in East Dallas!

DISTRICT 14

Toller Patio

Just like the name suggest, Toller Patio has a massive patio that features numerous games, TVs and dog-friendly activities. If that's not enough, the restaurant has multiple refreshing cocktails on tap, some of the best dips and appetizers (try the cheese fries!), as well as live entertainment daily.

E Bar Tex-Mex

The small but mighty spot along Haskell Avenue is almost always busy – find a spot along the bar to enjoy Tex-Mex classics like nachos, tacos and enchiladas. Our favorite? The E-Bar queso, a cheesy concoction of ground beef, guacamole and sour cream.

Fiction Coffee

Its flagship location (there's a second near the American Airlines Center) is inside a cozy brick building at the corner of Ross Ave. and Hall St. This spot loves the holidays, so expect some festive décor toward the end of each calendar year.