Backed by the bold slogan “big things happen here,” it’s appropriate that Dallas, Texas, is developing some serious culinary cred. Though it’s already home to Southwest Airlines’ HQ and recently scored national attention for the lift of the Wright Amendment, Dallas and its ever-evolving food culture deserve some much-needed time in the spotlight. Sure, the food city’s still beaming with its mash-up of Tex-Mex, BBQ and Southern-fueled eateries, but it’s also on the chase of cutting-edge concepts. From new inventive restaurants and craft breweries sprouting up at record pace to its up-and-coming chefs garnering time in the TV stardom and, even, the birth of the first-ever “restaurant incubator,” this big city’s food scene is one you need to capitalize on immediately. Here are the top five reasons to travel to the Dallas.
It’s home to the restaurant incubator.
It started in late 2012. A band of investors, including restaurateur Phil Romano, dreamed up the ambitious dining “theme park” concept of Trinity Groves. Rather than backing one chef’s “great idea,” they decided that the ultra-innovative dining district would act as the nation’s first-ever “restaurant incubator,” where any chef could pitch an indie concept; if approved, the investors would back the project, with the hope of franchise expansion.
The first restaurant to debut? Babb Bros. BBQ and Blues. Our favorites? The Texas beer-centric pub LUCK, the Latin-Chinese hybrid Chino Chinatown and the impeccably artistic chocolate shop Kate Weiser.
It’s booming with up-and-coming chefs.
Superstar chef Stephan Pyles has been setting the pace of Texas’ ever-emerging culinary frontier since the ‘80s. He’s successfully called upon Dallas and its surrounding suburbs to debut 14 high-profile restaurants, including the hyper-local-focused Stampede 66. Then, there’s creative genius John Tesar and his revolutionary bacon tasting at Knife that’ll leave you wishing you lived off of his pork program 100 percent of the time. Chef Uno Immanivong has received endless praise for her appearance on ABC’s The Taste, where she rubbed elbows with Anthony Bourdain. Let’s not forget about foodie favorites Omar Flores (a James Beard Award semifinalist) and his restaurant Casa Rubia (of Trinity Groves) and Jon Stevens and his Stock & Barrel.
It’s experiencing a high-caliber cocktail movement.
Those on the hunt for a proper stiff drink should acquaint their taste buds first with seven-month-old Blind Butcher in the Lower Greenville ‘hood. Snarky tattooed barkeeps keep the thoughtfully crafted cocktails pouring strong—and Texas-sized—refined with local and regional spirits and quality additives. The Old Fashioned-Manhattan combo is a favorite, which stands talls against the house pairing: hand-cranked sausages (sample the duck foie gras with a punchy side of chutney). Additional new-wave cocktail stops include Cedars Social (showcasing an elaborate, funky list ranging from Pre-Prohibition to modern-day tributes; try the Suicide Door) and Gemma (try the 209—crafted with San Francisco-distilled gin, which is infused with beets—or the classic, well-crafted Negroni).
Its craft beer culture is on the rise.
If you’re looking for a first-hand Texas beer education, grab a bar stool at LUCK and taste your way through its 40 taps. Pouring only Texas beer, the year-old restaurant reveals that it’s lucky enough to have several breweries in the immediate vicinity (Peticolas, Community and Four Corners, along with recently opened Texas Ale Project, soon-to-open Noble Rey Brewing and “too many to count” in a 75-mile radius). Can’t miss these craft beer-focused bars either: The Old Monk (been serving Belgian beer before Belgian beer was “cool”; more than 100 beers in stock), Meddlesome Moth (up to 130 rotating beer options; beer nerd’s paradise) and Strangeways (named after The Smiths’ song; 40 well-curated drafts).
It features an inspiring nightlife scene.
“Going to Dallas? You better like to eat and drink.” That’s what a Southwest Airlines’ employee said as we boarded our plane to the hungry Texas city. His sentiment couldn’t have been more true, and what we found even more attractive was that Dallas is home to a handful of eye-catching, walkable neighborhoods—each with its own identity and food and bar scene. Our favorites?
- The funky Deep Ellum—This arts and cultural district of old East Dallas, a hotbed for jazz in the 1920s, continues to thrive on endless live acts and suitable music venues. Start the night at Twilite Lounge (solid craft beer list) and conclude, hours later, at The Free Man Cajun Cafe & Lounge (blues tend to foot the live music bill here). Always save room for Tanoshii Ramen and Glazed Donut Works.
- Bishop Arts District—With over 60 indie boutiques, restaurants and bars available at our fingertips in this heart of North Oak Cliff, we found the following to be unforgettable: Emporium Pies (get the deep-dish apple); Eno’s Pizza Tavern; Dude, Sweet Chocolate; and Bishop Cider Co. (give the Cat Scratch Fever a whirl).
- Lower Greenville—Where all the alternative 20-somethings go out late-night. Trending spots include Blind Butcher, HG Sply Co. and Truck Yard (a rotating food truck court offering a taste of Austin in Dallas).
Pack your forks and come hungry—Dallas is waiting for you. Eat, drink, share, repeat. Have a food city tip for PA Eats? Send us a line here.
- Photography: Alexandra Whitney Photography
