There’s a lot of pressure for this Dallas post as I was born and raised in the area and lived there for about 23 years if you don’t count the 4 I spent in Waco, TX during college.  I haven’t lived there for a few years and a lot has changed but based on what I know and what I’ve experienced, I’ve added some of my favorite past times in the Dallas area and included some new restaurants that I’m looking forward to checking out!

To Do

Sporting events are a hot ticket in Dallas as we like to think of our city as having the trifecta of cool sports teams: Texas Rangers Baseball, Dallas Mavericks basketball, Dallas Cowboys Football and for those interested in hockey, the Dallas Stars.

Summer Concert Series –  Theres quite a few around town, Lake Lewisville, The Harbor in Rockwall, Dallas Symphony Orchestra Concert Series, Dallas Arboretum Cool Thursday Concert series,  the Dallas Zoo’s Safari Nights concert series, and  Barefoot at the Belmont.

Sailboat ride with Scott on Lake Ray Hubbard

Top Golf  for happy hour and a little skeetball, golf style

Dealy Plaza where JFK was shot and the Sixth Floor Museum. The museum doesn’t focus on the conspiracy theories but more the facts of the events that happened on that fateful day.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science is not just for kids!

Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture center, both located downtown on Ross

Hop across the street to the Klyde Warren park where there is live music every Thursday night or grab some TexMex from the local food trucks for lunch!

Eat in the bishops art district. A personal fave: Veracruz Cafe or check out 303 Grill which  happens to be in the very house my great grandmother raised my grandma and her siblings in.

Check out or see a show in the winspear opera house! It’s beautiful and tornado safe as I once learned….

Take a tour of downtown Dallas on a Segway!

See Reunion tower at night and better yet, go up to see a view of the Dallas skyline. Skip the Wolfgang puck restaurant as it’s disappointing.

Go to Pioneer Plaza for some photo ops with the running bronze bull statues

For a thrill, visit Six Flags over Texas or Hurricane Harbor.

During the fall, you can visit the Texas State Fair just outside of downtown right where the Cotton Bowl is located. Snap a pic of the infamous, Big Tex!

To Eat

You basically have two options, Steak and TexMex and you can’t go wrong with either!

My favorite Steakhouses

Bob’s Steakhouse – Ok, so it’s not actually m y favorite but you will likely see some celeb sightings here.

Al Biernat’s – great for steak and seafood

Hibiscus – Delish and located on Knox-Henderson which is popular for night-life.

Papas Bros. Steak House – My family’s favorite steakhouse

For TexMex

Chuy’s – This is a chain but I love their queso and veggie enchiladas

Javier’s for gourmet Mexican…it’s a real treat! Try the Filete Cantinflas for a bit of heaven.

Try Avila’s Mexican Restaurant

Mi Cocina in the West Village is a popular patio spot – get the sunset fajitas and the mambo taxi! Then do a little shopping at the boutiques.

Maraca’s Cocina Mexicana in Deep Ellum

Torchy’s Tacos – I have not been here but it came recommended for tacos. Located in the SMU area.

Others

Fireside Pies – YUM! My favorite is the bruschetta, the fireside cheese salad, and balsamic roasted chicken pizza. Their sangria is also delish!

I get one of my favorite burgers at Twisted Root…it’s actually a veggie burger with a side of sweet potato fries, but I hear the buffalo burger rocks!

Try the Truck Yard for a more hipster atmosphere and enjoy the beer gardens, the food trucks and a tree house bar.

Meddlesome Moth – Located in the Trinity Design district which is a hot spot as of late. This gastropub serves Belgian beers and the food is delish as well!

The Lot restaurant and beer garden in the Lakewood area near White Rock lake and the Arboretum was recommended to me, though I have not been.

All Good Café in Deep Ellum

For sushi, my faves are Sushi Zushi or Blue Fish – MUST get the ahi tuna tower at either restaurants!

Or for something different, Dee Lincoln’s Restaurant and Bubble Bar

Farm to table concepts (I haven not yet tried but am looking forward to tasting!)

Sundown at Granada on Greenville

HG SPLY Co on Greenville

Good 2 Go Taco

Company Cafe

Day trips from Dallas

In Ft. Worth you can’t miss  Joe T Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant (cash only) and then visit Billy Bob’s Texas for some live country music and a bull ride. OR check out the Ft. Worth Stock Yards for a true Texas experience. Don’t forget your cowboy hat and boots (seriously)!

Ft. Worth’s Sundance Square is also a fun place to buy some boots, sit out on a patio or hit up the honky tonks.

Cheers, y’all!