I am SO excited to finally share this Ultimate Guide to Dallas! This is something I have been wanting to do for a while now and I am so happy to have a dedicated post to all things Dallas! Some of you may remember when I first started this blog I shared my favorite places to happy hour… I always wanted to create an ultimate guide to Dallas and while it took a few years to get it going, I hope you find it was worth the wait!
I want this guide to be something you can reference anytime whether you’re looking for a place to go eat, a new coffee spot to try or just something new to do in Dallas! I’m listing out my favorite spots for dinner, brunch, lunch, drinks, coffee and dessert along with places to stay in Dallas, things to do and where to shop and work out!
To help celebrate this Ultimate Guide to Dallas I will also be launching a new DALLAS SERIES where I’ll be sharing a new Dallas-focused blog post every other Thursday! I’ll be diving a little deeper into why I love some of these spots and any tips I have! Whether it be my recommendations for a fun girls night, a new spot to staycation or what my ideal day in Dallas looks like, I’ll be sharing something Dallas-related every other week! Summer is almost here so what better time to share the best places to eat, drink and hang out?!
Without further ado, here is my Ultimate Guide to Dallas…
The Ultimate Guide to Dallas
COFFEE
The number of cute coffee shops in Dallas continues to grow meaning you have plenty of options to grab a latte and work or meet up with friends over an iced coffee. Here are a few of my current favorites!
La La Land Kind Cafe– cutest new coffee spot in Lower Greenville… the best part is they mentor and employ disadvantaged foster youth who are aging out of the system! Also the avocado toast was really good…
Foxtrot-Â This is the newest hotspot coffee shop to hit Dallas and it’s located in Uptown! It has a spacious patio with black and white striped umbrellas and a gorgeous inside perfect for your morning coffee or a glass of wine after work. Try the elote avocado toast for a different take on a breakfast favorite!
Ascension– there are a few locations for Ascension now. This place is also great for those days you want to switch from coffee to wine without moving. 🙂
Toasted– dog-friendly coffee spot with plenty of tables and seating for those days you want to get work done! And you guessed it, they have a lot of toast options!
Commissary– this place is a little harder to get to since it’s downtown but the food and coffee is good and the blue tiled building is beautiful!
George– so this is technically in Coppell… but if you find yourself a little outside of Dallas I definitely recommend checking it out! Plenty of space inside and out to work, play and even grab a drink later in the evening.
Local Press + Brew
Boulangerie – ok so this is more for the pastries I just wanted to be sure to include it somewhere. It’s on Lower Greenville and I’ve never had a bad pastry or piece of bread there. Definitely recommend!
Houndstooth– Houndstooth has a few Dallas locations now and they’re all so cute!
Magnolia’s– love this little spot tucked away in the Harwood District.
DRINKS
Dallas has so many great places to grab a drink year round and you can’t go wrong with any of these below! Some are great for grabbing a bucket of beer and listening to live music (I love the Truck Yard), a few are perfect for a wine-filled girls night (like Leela’s Wine Bar) or for those nights you want to close the place down, there’s options for that too…
Truck Yard– one of my favorite spots in Dallas! Ita and I have been here so many times over the years and never get tired of it. You have to try the Philly cheesesteak while you’re there… so good!
Leela’s Wine Bar– I’m dying to go to this newer wine bar on Lower Greenville! It’s so adorable and looks perfect for a girls night or grabbing a drink before dinner!
Happiest Hour– this place is huge and is great for watching games or going out at night. The rooftop is huge and has a beautiful view of Dallas!
Katy Trail Ice House– a staple Dallas spot to have a drink whether you’re just finishing a run on the trail or headed out for the night!
Stirr– this Deep Ellum spot can get pretty busy but also has a beautiful view of Dallas!
HG Sply– ok, another rooftop… it’s hard to beat HG Sply’s rooftop and they have so many good cocktails like their HG Mule or Frozen Mule!
Waterproof – The Statler Rooftop– wait, last rooftop I swear (who doesn’t love a good rooftop?!)… the relatively new Statler Hotel has a gorgeous rooftop pool and bar staring right into downtown Dallas. The views are beautiful!
Tiny Victories– this is a smaller but very popular spot near Bishop Arts for great cocktails and service.
Monkey Bar (Mi Cocina)– go all the way up the stairs at Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village. Cozy secluded bar perfect for a girls night. Especially love it during the holidays when you’re surrounded by the Christmas light covered trees!
Midnight Rambler– this underground spot inside The Joule is great for grabbing a late night cocktail!
Parliament– every time I’ve gone here I’ve had great drinks and love how dark and cozy it is!
Alice– love the decor here!
Dots– huge open outdoor space in Deep Ellum that’s great for hanging out day or night!
DINNER
Sometimes it feels like a new restaurant is opening in Dallas every week… there are SO many amazing places to eat in Dallas but I didn’t want to go too overboard with the list so I’m including some of my favorites, a few new spots and some classics.
Town Hearth– I love the lively ambiance and the service is outstanding. Also how gorgeous are all of those chandeliers?! Great dinner spot whether it’s for date night or with friends!
The Charles– this little restaurant is stunning inside and I loved everything I had there… incredible service and great romantic spot!
Lucia– you HAVE to make a reservation here (literally it is tiny and books a month in advance…). It’s a great dinner experience! *You can always try sitting at the bar or a table outside without a reservation!
Sprezza – delicious Italian spot!
Nobu – located inside The Crescent hotel is this fancy sushi spot! Pricey but delicious!
Uchi – this is another great sushi spot!
Shinsei– I love everything I’ve ever had here but you have to get the Katina’s Crispy Rice!
Rise No1– such a cute place and great for special occasions! I haven’t had dinner here but have gone for a dessert soufflé!
Dolce Riviera– gorgeous Italian restaurant with a huge outdoor patio that makes you feel like you’re in Italy!
Beverley’s– newer spot I haven’t tried but I’ve heard good things!
Nonna– authentic Italian!
Fachini– gorgeous place in Highland Park Village and they have a 100 layer lasagna…
Sassetta– more casual Italian spot in the Design District but still great for dinner! Love ordering a few different things to share!
Bistro 31– this is a classic Dallas spot in Highland Park Village that serves great food but is also nice for drinks with the girls!
LUNCH
Pecan Lodge– arguably the best barbecue in Dallas… it usually sells out early on the weekends. Worth the wait in line and you can go to Emporium Pies next door afterwards!
Bird Bakery – love their chicken salad sandwich and can’t help but order miniature cupcakes every time I go! A great spot in Highland Park Village for lunch outside.
Bartaco– newer taco spot in Dallas that has lots of affordable taco options and good margaritas!
Serve– healthy options like açaà bowls and avocado toast!
R+D Kitchen– nicer spot that is so good… love the tuna salad sandwich and sushi. Just a heads up this place is NOT family-friendly. Tried to come here with Mila and they don’t have highchairs…
True Food Kitchen– we love this healthy lunch spot that serves so many fresh options!
Taco Heads– cutest interior and yummy tacos!
Shake Shack– I go here too often… the SmokeShack and cheese fries are just too good.
Mirador– this modern and upscale restaurant is a must try at some point even if you just have a cocktail. It’s above Forty Five Ten and has beautiful views of downtown. Definitely a fancy spot you’ll want to sip rosé for hours at!
El Bolero– this Design District Mexican restaurant is so bright and colorful! They have $2 tacos every Tuesday too!
Wheelhouse– this modern take on a gastropub has a little of everything and is a great spot to grab lunch!
The Porch– another Dallas staple in the Knox/Henderson neighborhood. You can’t go wrong here!
BRUNCH
I’m pretty sure brunch is the most important meal in Dallas. It’s one where you never know where the day will lead you… off on an adventure or sometimes back to bed for an afternoon nap. These are all great spots to try for your next brunch!
The Rustic– highly recommend The Rustic because their family style brunch is amazing! Love how you get to have a little bit of everything and you can’t beat the laid back environment. Love sitting out on the picnic tables and listening to live music there too!
The Henry– this recently opened spot has been a hit so far no matter what meal you’re coming in for but I especially love it for brunch! The rooftop bar and patio is also great for happy hour!
Pie Tap– get the cinnamon rolls… also $2 mimosas and $3 frosé… and the Irish Nitro is delicious. Loved the prosciutto pizza!
Mercat Bistro– this classic Dallas restaurant makes you feel like you’re in France. I love this spot for any meal but especially outside for brunch because you don’t feel like you’re in Dallas! Can’t go wrong with the Croque Madame or Quiche Lorraine.
Sixty Vines– I first started going to the Plano location but am so glad they opened one at The Crescent! Wine on tap and a good brunch menu? Be sure to check this place out for happy hour too for wine and $5 bites!
Oddfellow’s– a staple in Bishop Arts for brunch. Try the buffalo Mac n cheese!
Bread Winners– another Dallas staple with a few locations. Tons to choose from and I love that they bring out samples of different muffins and cakes when you sit down!
Hattie’s– this Southern brunch spot has more of an upscale feel with white table cloths.
Henry’s Majestic– several brunch cocktails to choose from and they even have a mimosa bar to make your own!
Harlowe MXM– Deep Ellum brunch spot with a yummy brunch menu.
DESSERT!
No surprise this list is pretty long because I have such a sweet tooth… I never say no to dessert and have been called a chocoholic a time or two in my life. There are countless unique spots in Dallas for sweets and these are a few you need to check out!
Emporium Pies – I adore this old house in Bishop Arts! Get the Cloud Nine. It’s so good… trust me.
Frost Gelato
Val’s Cheesecakes– two locations and Val is so nice!
Sprinkles – great go-to for a cupcake and you can’t beat the cupcake ATM for a late night craving!
Sablon – basically a coffee/dessert lounge in West Village with a huge menu of super sweet desserts.
Botolino Gelato– some of the best gelato I’ve ever had! The White Coffee flavor is something special!
Milk & Cream– donuts and ice cream… it’s pretty sweet!
Cake Bar– such a cute spot in Trinity Groves!
Kate Weisser– this is next door to Cake Bar and her chocolates are works of art!
Melt– recently opened in Bishop Arts! Cup of Texas and Salt Lick are so yummy!
THINGS TO DO
While I consider going out to eat something “to do” in Dallas, here are a few other non food-related things you can do around the city!
Klyde Warren Park– there is always something going on at Klyde Warren Park! It’s a great spot for a picnic, to take your dog to the dog park, grab a bite at one of the food trucks or play a game in the lawn.
Perot Museum– such an amazing place great for kids and adults!
Trolley– ride around Dallas for free!
White Rock Lake– you can walk a few miles around the lake or hop on a kayak to enjoy the water!
Dallas Farmers Market – I love going to the Farmers Market and the Dallas one is so good! So many unique spots inside and out!
Spinster Records -Â this old record store is near a few other cute shops! We play records in our house all the time so it’s nice to visit every now and then to get something new! They have in-store performances sometimes too.
Dallas Arboretum– the Arboretum is gorgeous and they have something new every season. We have an annual pass!
Live Music -Â so many places in Dallas for live music. You can see a big band at the American Airlines Center or AT&T Stadium or discover smaller bands at so many different clubs!
WHERE TO STAY
Dallas is lucky to have so many gorgeous hotels to choose from. I’ve had the opportunity to stay at several and they really are all special! Here are a few I’d recommend for a staycation or trip to Dallas!
Hotel Crescent Court– stunning hotel steps away from great restaurants. Click to read my staycation there!
The Adolphus– recently renovated and the interior is stunning. Great rooftop pool too! Click to read my staycation there!
The Joule– gorgeous hotel in Downtown Dallas. Great restaurants inside like Americano and the bar Midnight Rambler is underneath it!
The W– great location if you’re going to a Mavericks game or attending a concert at American Airlines Center! Also close to great restaurants and bars.
Four Seasons – while FS Dallas is technically in Las Colinas, this hotel is a beautiful spot for a staycation. Amazing service and beautiful pool to lounge at all day!
The Stoneleigh– Ita and I have stayed here a few times and always enjoy it! Not very big but great location!
The Statler– located downtown and the rooftop views can’t be missed!
Hotelette– this gorgeous 3 bedroom home in Bishop Arts would be perfect to rent out for a girls weekend or a big family!
Hotel ZaZa– a popular boutique hotel for bachelorette parties and pool parties!
Lorenzo Hotel– this hotel is a little different but full of art and unexpected decor. Located in the Cedars part of downtown Dallas.
WHERE TO SHOP
While I do the majority of shopping online these days, I still like to go in a store every once in a while and I’m no stranger to Northpark or the Galleria… whether you live here or are visiting, these are all great spots to do a little retail therapy!
Northpark Mall– where I do most of my shopping… it has everything from affordable options like H&M to luxury designers like Gucci. I love the middle area of restaurants and big lawn for Mila to run around in after we shop! 🙂
Galleria– great mall with beautiful ice rink in the middle. It’s gorgeous during the holidays with a big Christmas tree in the middle!
Highland Park Village– I mainly do window shopping here since everything is designer but it’s a great spot to walk around then grab coffee or lunch!
West Village– another cute outdoor shopping area with boutiques and a movie theater!
The Shops at Park Lane– this outdoor shopping area is across the highway from Northpark Mall and has affordable stories like Homegoods, Old Navy, Forever 21, etc. as well as a few lunch spots and a Whole Foods!
Forty Five Ten– if you want to indulge in some serious designer fashion you have to visit Forty Five Ten then go upstairs for a cocktail at Mirador!
Neiman Marcus Flagship– the Neiman Marcus flagship store is a must-visit in Dallas and so special around the holidays!
Favor The Kind– love this boho store off Henderson!
All Good Things Paper – such a cute spot in Bishop Arts to pick up little knick knacks for the house, a cute card or piece of jewelry!
Planet Blue– they always have the cutest clothes!
FITNESS
I don’t exactly frequent fitness classes but I have tried a few and these are some of the most popular in Dallas!
SoulCycle– always kicks my butt. I love how high energy the classes are!
Barry’s Bootcamp– heard Barry’s will KICK YOUR BUTT!
SHOP THE OUTFITS FROM THIS POST
Which place are you most excited to try first?! And if you’ve tried them all, which spots are your favorite?!
I’ll be updating this guide over time as we all know something new is always popping up in Dallas! And if you’re passionate about a restaurant or hotspot that isn’t currently on the list, comment below and tell me why you love it!
Be sure to bookmark this page or pin it to Pinterest to easily access anytime you’re looking for something to do in Dallas and share with any friends that may be visiting! You can also subscribe below so you’ll receive an email when a new Dallas post comes out! If there’s something in particular you want me to write about, comment that below!
I hope you found this Ultimate Guide to Dallas helpful and I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Thanks for reading!
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Photos by: Angie Garcia
The section on local eateries has made me hungry! I can’t wait to try some of these eateries. Do you have any personal favourites from this list?
This guide to Dallas is amazing! I had no clue there were so many hidden jewels across the city. Thank you for putting this up; it’ll be my go-to guide when touring Dallas.
I am looking forward to seeing more blogs from you, especially on issues like as Best Outdoor Kitchen Dallas