I was born and raised in Dallas, but even after 26 years of calling this city home I still feel like there are tons of places and restaurants that I have never experienced. While I love Dallas, I am not married to the idea of being here forever so I am on a quest to see as much of this city now so that if I leave I never have to say “Oh I always wanted to try that.” With this attitude I have started a “Dallas Bucket List” and plan to do my best to cross each item off the list. Here are a few things that are on the list that I have either crossed off or plan to soon. Enjoy my guide to Dallas and please feel free to share your favorite corners of the city.
Concerts at the arboretum/Chihuly Nights
The Dallas Arboretum has outdoor concerts on Tuesday and Thursdays with different bands playing each night. It’s rather ideal because you can bring a picnic, a bottle of wine (or two), spread your picnic blanket out and enjoy live music and your view of White Rock Lake. This is one of my favorite things to do and is wildly popular in Dallas. If you are a member, the tickets are half off. Definitely go this summer because the Chilhuly exhibit is outstanding!! It really will take your breath away. If you don’t want to deal with packing a meal you can buy dinner tickets and feel like a VIP over in the reserved white table cloth area. A must do if you ask me!
Til Midnight at the Nasher
I have not been yet but here is why I want to go- it’s the third Friday of the month and the garden is open to the public fo’ free! First, a band comes on and plays and then they show a movie- doesn’t that sound so romantic? July 20th they are playing the Artist and August 17th they are playing Midnight in Paris. Sadly I’ll miss the 20th due to travel but I will be there with bells on for the 17th and will then report back.
Late Nights at the Dallas Museum of Art
While we are on the subject of art, why not mention late nights at the DMA. The museum stays open till midnight on the third Friday of the month for Dallasites to explore the galleries and enjoy music, movies and tours. Last month they played State Fair, one of my favorite classic movies. Unfortunately, I could not attend because of a prior engagement. But I have gone to the museum on other Fridays and it is so much fun for this art lover!
Crooked Tree Coffeehouse
This coffeehouse offers tons of charm and coziness and is located in an old house in Uptown. If you want to break away from Starbucks, try the Crooked Tree Coffeehouse. If there is a show at night, you’ll want to show up early in order to get a seat! Another coffee shop on the list is the Pearl Cup.
Eno’s
There isn’t one thing that I don’t love about Eno’s over in the Bishop Arts District. The atmosphere is cozy, the food is good and wine is great. I am all into how I feel at a restaurant…do I feel comfortable, could I sit here for hours just enjoying myself, would I want to come back? These are all questions I ask myself and the answers are all positive when it comes to Eno’s. If you have never been to the Bishop Arts District I recommend going ASAP. You will think you are in a Southern town due to the picturesque store fronts and streets. Also try Bolsa- they have great sangria and a fantastic brunch- $10 bottomless mimosas last I checked.
Angry Dog
They. Have. The. Best. Burger. If you love burgers and fries (like this girl) you will like Angry Dog in Deep Ellum. They have received tons of awards for their awesomeness. Also try Twisted Root in Deep Ellum (or in East Dallas or in Roanoke…they are spreading roots), their burg is good and the ranch is phenom.
The Pearl
This bar is a hidden gem that has live Jazz and Blues in Downtown Dallas. The building is filled with history and always offers a good, entertaining night. There is rumor they have close due to parking, gun incidents and neighborhood thugs (sounds appealing now, right?) but I hear they are moving. Check out their site for updates. In the meantime, go to the Balcony Club in Lakewood for some good Jazz. I don’t think there are as many “neighborhood thugs” in Lakewood.
Elotes Cup of Corn at the Farmer Market
It is so good. Your taste buds will thank you. Elotes is corn in a cup with great toppings on it. It’s the perfect snack to have while you buy fresh produce. Be sure to support our local farmers in the East building. Bring cash and only go on the weekends because otherwise the cup of corn is not there (I had to learn the hard way.)
More places that I plan to return to because the first visit was so memorable:
Taverna for brunch
Sangria for sangria (obviously)
Stonleigh P (warning they don’t have ketchup)
Stan’s Blue Note
Painting with a Twist
BarBelmont (best view of Downtown)
Hard8 BBQ
St Ann’s (cool building and)
Vino 100 (tons of wine under $25 a bottle)
Barcadia
Katy Trail Ice House
Gingerman
Keller’s Drive In
Burger House
The Great Outdoors (sandwiches)
The Porch
Fireside Pies (one of my absolute favorites)
Capital Pub
S & D Oyster
A few places I have heard good things about and want to try:
The Joule Hotel Bar (it’s the only high rooftop bar in Dallas I hear)
Meadow’s Museum
Amsterdam Bar
Lee Harvey’s
The Cedar Social
The Library Bar at the Melrose Hotel
Top Golf
Grapevine Vineyards
City Tavern
Aw Shucks
Ride the trolly (haven’t been on it since I was little)
Go see what the Las Colinas canals have to offer (haven’t been since I was little)
The Libertine
Gilly’s
