DALLAS
I'm a Dallas girl, born and bred. I know this city like it's my own. Well, I guess that makes sense because it actually was for a long, long time.
If you're visiting, check out some of these great places.
EAT
ODDFELLOWS: This is probably the best brunch place in Dallas. Don't miss the beignets. We get them as a starter. The huevos rancheros are muy delicioso.
316 W 7th St, Dallas, TX 75208 | (214) 944-5958
BOLSA: This restaurant has no freezer or deep-fryer in an effort to cook fresh. And they do. This place is a favorite among, well, everyone. It's good, it's got a great atmosphere... and well, I can promise you'll like the food. It's a home run. (Just be prepared to grab a drink and wait by the bar for a table.)
614 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208 | (214) 367-9367
SPRING CREEK BBQ: This is where my family ate on Sundays. Every Sunday. You'll smell a bit like BBQ when you leave, but it's a small price to pay for classic Texas barbecue. The beef brisket, sausage & turkey are all great... but I can't go without getting one of their baked potatoes- "all the way!" You can also add bbq to it for an extra special treat. Free "hot, fresh bread" is passed around by the staff out of giant baskets and Blue Bell ice cream is brought around to each table on Sundays.
2827 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX 75237 | (972) 296-1211
BABE'S: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits... and all the other cliche things that you could think of for a real Southern spread. This place is great. Bring your fat pants.
200 S Main St, Cedar Hill, TX 75104 | (469) 272-4500
BUBBA'S: The sister to Babe's Fried Chicken. This institution sits in Park Cities across from SMU's campus. Drive through or sit in the diner-like interiors. Not only is the fried chicken excellent, but the cinnamon rolls and breakfast fare is a force to be reckoned with.
6617 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, TX 75205 | (214) 373-6527
HATTIE'S: On the same (clogged) vein of Southern cuisine, Hattie's bring an air of refinement to the genre. Find this favorite in the Bishop Arts area- along with many, many other great places.
418 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX 75208 | (214) 942-7400
CHUY'S: This is the ONLY food place that I miss in London. The chicken chile relleno with boom-boom sauce makes my world go round. Get that an a Chuy-rita for a meal that will not only make you really happy... but will help you gain 3 lbs. by the time you stand back up.
4544 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75205 | (214) 559-2489
MI COCINA: This chain is a Dallas legend. While all locations serve the same great food, the Highland Park Village and West Village locations are the best for tourists. Where else can you eat great Mexican food and see so many trophy wives all in one place?
77 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205 | (214) 521-6426
3699 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204 | (469) 533-5663
ZIZIKI'S: The chicken souvlaki here turned me on to Greek food and the Mediterranean diet. Their ice-cream baklava dessert got me back on Texas-eating. Both should be ordered... as well as the coffee. I think there put cinnamon in the coffee grinds while brewing. Mmm.
4514 Travis St #122, Dallas, TX 75205 | (214) 521-2233
ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE: I've spent some of my favorite mornings over the strawberry waffle from here. It's a great place, serving good food... .and the coffee is great, too! Expect a wait on the weekends. It's popular.
2900 Lemmon Ave E #200, Dallas, TX 75204 | (214) 528-7215
DEL'S CHARCOAL BURGERS: This is my absolute favorite spot for burgers and homemade root beer. The prices are a little out-dated- so you'll feel like you really might be eating in the early 90's. (Read my full review here.)
110 S McKinney St, Richardson, TX 75081 | (972) 235-9191
CASA LINDA BAKERY: I have got every birthday cake of my life at this bakery- and my wedding cake. it's amazing, and well priced. It's not exactly in the nicest part of town, but who cares? True love doesn't judge status or what part of town you're from. You look for deeper things- like the best buttercream you've ever tasted.
10819 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218 | (214) 321-0355
CANE ROSSO: Apparently, this is "the best pizza in Dallas." I can't tell you, because we went it was a two hour wait. (Apparently, it was BYOB night.) Check out this place in Deep Ellum and let me know if you agree with the crowds & the hype.
2612 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226 | (214) 741-1188
JAVIER'S: For traditional Mexican and a complete view of the Dallas scene, Javier's is your place. This is a bit of an institution... and they know it. The waiters have a slick routine and the prices aren't cheap. All that said, it's atmosphere is a Dallas classic.
4912 Cole Ave, Dallas, TX 75205 | (214) 521-4211
LA DUNI: Oh man, this place is great. Serving Latin American food... and deliciously fresh cocktails. The guilt-free pechugo de pollo con broccoli is my go-to order. The legendary quatros leches cake is the rest of Dallas'. The gorgeous and elaborate coffee menu will undoubtedly impress you.
4620 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75205 | (214) 520-7300
FIRESIDE PIES: I love this place for a dinner out with my friends. I also love their Triple 'Roni pizza- topped with truffle oil. It's a good, good place. Plan to split salads + pizza with the table.
2820 N Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206 | (214) 370-3916
COALVINES: Another great pizza place in Dallas- it sits across from the Crescent. I love the bolognaise pizza. So unique... and so huge. It makes me happy. They also boast a really nice wine selection.
2404 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75201 | (214) 855-4999
TRUCK YARD: Where food trucks come together and create an awesome atmosphere. Best saved for meal in amazing weather. Food trucks rotate daily, so the grub will swap up. It's a fun, fun place.
5624 Sears St, Dallas, TX 75206 | (469) 500-0139
SPRINKLES CUPCAKE ATM: Yes, Dallas has one of the few legendary cupcake ATMS. We feel very cool about it... but don't ask me why you pay more for the ATM ones?
Plaza At Preston Center 8413 Preston Center Plaza, 4020 Villanova St, Dallas, TX 75225 | (214) 363-4050
SPRINKLES ICE CREAM: We also have one of these... and we love it, too. If you go, it's hard not to get the classic red velvet cupcake with red velvet ice cream. If you can tear yourself away, the pumpkin or banana cupcakes go realllly well with their vanilla ice cream.
Plaza At Preston Center 8413 Preston Center Plaza, 4020 Villanova St, Dallas, TX 75225 | (214) 363-4050
DO
CHURCH AT THE VILLAGE: If you're a Christian, you need to hear Matt Chandler speak in person. Go to the Village Church to hear the gospel preached in a way that could change your life. And if you're not a Christian, this could be the guy to lay it out for you in a way that's hard to refuse. Check it out. I dare you.
2101 Justin Rd, Flower Mound, TX 75028 | (972) 537-1100
NEIMAN'S DOWNTOWN: It's a bit of an institution. Go to the Zodiac Room for lunch to try the beloved popovers and strawberry butter.
1618 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201 | (214) 741-6911
SHOPPING: Dallas doesn't have lakes or natural wonders to enjoy, but hey- we do have shopping! Check out Highland Park Village (think designer clothes, blond hair, big boobs), NorthPark Mall (yummy mummies + posh kids), or Knox Henderson (trust-fund spenders rebelling from their Ethan Allen heritage with the likes of Jonathan Adler & Crate + Barrell.)
CHINESE FOOT MASSAGES: This is, without a doubt, the favorite activity to do when girls hang out in Dallas. Well, at least for me & my friends. For $40, you can get a KILLER one hour massage on your feet and body. You'll be in big reclining chairs in a small room with you & your best friends... and it's just, well, a blast. We like Foot Joy in Richardson.
DRINKS AT THE MANSION: Go to see and be seen. On a warm night, head out to the patio with one of the signature Cherry Cobbler Cocktails to really fit into the Dallas scene.
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219 | (214) 443-4747
STAY
THE CRESCENT: If you can afford it, stay here and book a day at the spa. It's a special place in Dallas.
400 Crescent Ct, Dallas, TX 75201 | (214) 871-3200
THE MANSION: Actually wait, if you can afford it, stay here instead. Or at least go for dinner at the famous restaurant in the hotel. Also, the terrace bar is pretty great. Apparently, their Cherry Cobbler (a drink) is life changing.
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219 | (214) 443-4747
HOTEL ZAZA: If you're in the mood for the uptown scene, ZaZa is the place to go. With themed suites and a killer pool, it's a favorite hangout for locals.
2332 Leonard St, Dallas, TX 75201 | (214) 468-8399
THE ADOLPHUS: This hotel offers more a classical feel with cherry furniture and patterned bedspreads that beckon back to the grandeur of Laura Ashley's finer moments. If you want to dine in the Adolphus' famed French Room, you'll be in for an (expensive) treat. Or you can opt for their midday tea.
1321 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202 | (214) 742-8200