When in Dallas
After living in Dallas for about five years now and spending many hot summers around the city growing up, I can confidently say that Dallas is one of the most underrated cities in the US. With the amazing restaurants, bars, shops and activities this city is one that every young person should come to. Here’s a guide to a one weekend trip to Dallas, or stay even longer– everything really is bigger and better in Texas!
Where to Stay
I have loved some of the Air BnB’s I have stayed in growing up vacationing here. There’s great options in Uptown/West Village and Victory Park where you won’t need a rental car as there’s a lot of great things around these areas. If you want to stay at a hotel, here’s some of my faves.
The Lumen. This hotel is situated right across from Southern Methodist University. For those reading who are still in high school, SMU is a great option for anyone wanting a more traditional college experience while still in a big city. My best friend goes here so I can attest to this school as being so great. The Lumen is great if you want to be near the school (especially for game days on the Boulevard) or in Highland Park.
The Statler. This completely refurbished hotel is right downtown, giving you a big city feel. There’s a great pool bar on the rooftop called Waterproof that attracts lots of people each weekend and nights where you want a panoramic Dallas view.
The Four Seasons Las Colinas. This definitely is a drive away from the more cosmopolitan Dallas areas, but this is a great oasis from the big city! If you want to experience Dallas but also have a resort-type vacay (with amazing poolside drinks and service) this is a great choice.
Crescent Court. With a Nobu in the lobby, what’s not to love! A giant building including residences in Uptown, this hotel has great shopping and dining right in the hotel! There’s so much to love about the location but add in gorgeous decor and rooms and this makes my absolute favorite pick in the city.
Where to Eat
Dallas has some of the best Tex-mex in the country! Here’s some of my absolute favorite places.
Taken at Eataly
Jalisco Norte. This Mexican staple has great food and drinks. I love their taco options and ambiance. The loud fun music makes this a great start to a night out!
Taqueria la Ventana. With multiple locations (my favorite being the downtown one), they serve super cheap yet insanely flavorful tacos. I love the chicken taco.
Velvet Taco. While you won’t find a traditional Mexican flavor on the menu, Velvet Taco is for the adventurous eater. Try a chicken and waffle or a shrimp and grits taco with their tater tots. My favorite is the chicken tikka taco filled with melt in your mouth chicken and rice. They also added some great cheap drinks to their menu recently! I love the Paloma.
Mi Cocina. Locations are all around the city, but head to Highland Park Village and you won’t be disappointed. Be sure not to fill up on the delicious warm chips and salsa they bring out to try a Mambotaxi and the fajitas. Go upstairs to Monkey Bar to finish off the night with lively Dallas locals!
Honor Bar. This upscale American restaurant may have a small menu, but be sure that whatever you order will be great. Locals love to come here and spend hours with friends on the patio. Start with the deviled eggs and get the Ding’s Crispy Sandwich if you want the best fried chicken sandwich you will ever taste.
Honor Bar
Sixty Vines. I love coming here with a crowd of people with different tastes. No one will leave unhappy from this restaurant. Their large (yet not too big like the Cheesecake Factory) menu will leave you with great options to try. They also have sixty wines on tap, hence the name!
R+D Kitchen. You could get sushi or a burger here and both are going to be unforgettable. The dip duo appetizer is my favorite and I usually opt for the sushi or the kale salad.
Pressed Juicery. This California based company has great juices and even better ice cream they call “freeze.” It’s a guilt-free dessert since it’s made from their healthy juice!
Paradiso. Enter into the most beautiful restaurant you’ve ever seen and indulge in some of the best pizza you have ever eaten. Their brunch is amazing and the atmosphere is astounding. Come on the weekend for a DJ making this spot even more fun!
Spots
Bishop Arts. There’s tons of shops and restaurants here. On the weekends, you can find lots of live music opportunities. Come dressed for photos as there are a lot of cool murals painted on the buildings! I like coming on a weekend and spending the day finding cool things inside shops.
Highland Park Village. I came here at least once a day to grab coffee before school or do homework. I still spend a lot of time eating, drinking, studying and shopping here! Every designer you could imagine is in this luxury outdoor oasis. Go window shopping (or treat yourself!) with the many storefronts like Chanel, Hermès, Dior, Love Shack Fancy, or find some new clothes to get your grind on in Bandier.
Taken at High Park Village
North Park Mall. This is one of the best malls in this country and even though I am biased, come here and see why. There’s a store for everyone here! From Louis Vuitton and Yvette Saint Laurent to a Disney store and Dreamscape (a cool immersive movie experience) you can easily spend the day here. There are great restaurant and food court options, but I suggest going into Eataly for pizza or pasta and shopping the aisles of the famous NYC based Italian market.
West Village. Having worked at a boutique here, I am a West Village lover. There’s a Soul Cycle, Sephora, movie theater, Taco Diner (a more casual sister restaurant to Mi Cocina which also has a location here), so what’s not to love! MRKT is my favorite new store year, housing many different retailers under one roof. There’s a lot of affordable jewelry and clothing but some unique crafty items as well!
Dallas Farmer’s Market. Every weekend it’s a tradition for my dad and I to come here on Saturday mornings and get all our food goods for the week. They have a ton of vendors outside that sell things from jewelry to cookies to stationary. Every weekend there’s new, fun sellers! The food here is amazing. Go inside for lots of quick restaurant ideas or try some of the breakfast tacos outside!
Deep Ellum. With great artwork and restaurants, come hungry and dressed to impress at this cool area. I love walking around and getting a little item from lots of the different restaurants. I love Terry Black’s or Pecan Lodge for real Texas BBQ. There’s lots of cool thrift stores around here too!
Taken at Klyde Warren Park
The Ideal Weekend
Friday. When you arrive at Dallas Love Field airport (a nonnegotiable as Dallas Fort Worth Airport is a drive from any of the best destinations and is a very large, extremely confusing place to be), you know you’re in for a great trip. There’s even a movie called Love Field so what’s not to LOVE! The easy in and out access is why I love this place so much. Head to your hotel or AirBnb and go grab some breakfast tacos to get your day started! Next, go over to North Park and spend some time browsing all the great stores before picking up some great togo Italian goods and wine. Make your own ~boujee~ cheese board while getting ready to check out Taqueria la Ventana. Next, walk (or bird scooter) over to Happiest Hour for great drinks and a super fun atmosphere. This is a huge indoor and outdoor bar so you’re bound to have a good time here! Still want more going out? Head to Theory or Concrete Cowboy in Uptown to finish off the night with bumping music timed to flashing lights. Get some late night snacks from Whataburger, Shake Shack, or In and Out: the holy trifecta.
Saturday. Rise and shine! Head to the Farmer’s Market to shop the vendors and get some coffee before getting ready for brunch in Bishop Arts. I am partial to Paradiso, but there’s so many great options if the wait is too long. Take lots of pics and make sure to grab a piece of pie from Emporium Pies for later! Late afternoon, go over to Highland Park Village and shop around before going to sit out on the patio of Honor Bar or Cafe Pacific for some good Saturday happy hour vibes. The stores close early here, but they are still fun to window shop if you head here too late in the day. After the sun sets, go to 77 Degrees. This rooftop bar has a purple lit ambiance and a view of downtown. They have a DJ on the weekends and is a really fun time! Want a more lowkey night? There’s a ton of bars right nearby 77 on Henderson where you are bound to find a spot you like. The Old Monk, Enrique Tomas upstairs, and Knox Street Pub are some fun options.
Sundays don’t stop the fun in Dallas! An ideal Sunday can include lunch at Sixty Vines and going to the Dallas Museum of Art. It’s free and has some really cool artwork. After strolling through the many exhibits in the cool air, go outside and across the street to Klyde Warren Park. Get a drink from the Mi Cocina cart, Italian ice, or a snack from one of the amazing food trucks lined up in the park! I love lavish Sunday dinners and the options are endless. There are a ton of great upscale dining options in Dallas! There also are a number of clubs that turn up especially on Sundays. Bottled Blonde located in Deep Ellum is a Sunday must.
This is just one sample weekend itinerary of many. I love this city so much and think everyone should give Dallas a chance! You won’t regret it.
By Katherine York, University of Florida ‘22