Robin and I lived in the Dallas area for about 5 months and I wanted to try as many unique and fun restaurants as possible while we were there. So here is a round-up of all of our favorite restaurants in Dallas. Several of these we ate at multiple times in that short time because we loved them so much!
I’ve linked to each of the restaurants Instagram so that you can check out more about them and see better pictures of the yummy food than mine lol.
This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.
Torchy’s Tacos
The first of the restaurants in Dallas I recommend is Torchy’s. The tacos here are SO good! They are NOT traditional mexican food by a long shot so don’t come here for that. However, do come here if you love good food and unique taco combinations. The Trailer Park is my personal favorite and you have to “make it trashy” to get the full effect. And definitely get the chips and queso dip to share, it was a huge hit in our group.
Favorites: trailer park taco (make it trashy), and the chips and queso.
Address: Many Locations
Velvet Taco
A slightly more expensive alternative to Torchy’s is Velvet Taco. However it is also completely delicious and worth every penny. Number 3, the tikka masala taco is my favorite! Although its a little spicy so I ask for the mild sauce. They have so many other fun off the wall tacos to try.
Favorites: Tikka Masala with mild sauce, Buffalo Chicken taco
Address: Many Locations
Legacy Hall
Legacy Hall is a giant food court for adults on steroids! They have a wine bar and about 20 different small business restaurants and dessert stalls. We went first with two friends of ours from college and tried about 9 different dishes that we all shared plus dessert! Then we went a second time and brought my brothers. Everything was delicious but my favorites were the Tikka Masala bowl and the fries from the Korean place. Oh and the rotisserie chicken was perfectly cooked and yummy too!
Not to mention they also have a few locations that are dessert specific. You can find Ice cream, crepes, and macaroons just to name a few.
Favorites: Tikka Masala Bowl, Korean Fries, Dessert Nutella Waffle
Address: 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano, TX 75024
Snappy Salads
Snappy Salads is a build your own salad place that gives a healthy and delicious alternative to many eat out places. I didn’t get a salad though, I got the chicken wrap and it was so delicious. I definitely recommend it. This restaurant is a great option if you’re wanting a more healthy option that still tastes good.
Favorites: Chipotle Chicken Wrap
Address: Many Locations
Other Helpful Dallas Posts:
- A Local’s Guide to Dallas and Fort Worth
- 5 Dallas Dessert’s to Try Before Your Die
- Day Trip to the BlueBonnets near Dallas
Twisted Root
Twisted Root is a burger place that is so unique because along with offering regular beef they also offer other beef such as Waigu (I learned that is cows that get massages). Or if you’re feeling really adventurous they offer a rotation of meats such as camel, kangaroo, ostrich and others! Robin tried the camel and actually enjoyed it. They also offer a selection of fun flavored pickles that you can try.
P.S. Their s’mores shake is delicious too and it is getting a feature in my Dessert’s of DFW Guide.
Favorites: I got a the Big-Tex Burger with a side of fried pickles, all SO GOOD.
Address: Several Locations
Hard 8 BBQ
Barbecue is a really big deal in Kansas City so of course when people said that BBQ may be better in Texas I had to see for myself. I still think that the bbq is better in KC but this place, Hard 8, is really good. You go in and pick up your meat by weight and then you pick out your sides. They offer free beans and bread to everyone along with a really good barbecue sauce.
Favorites: Hot sausage, brisket and a baked potato
Address: Several Locations
Empa Mundo – World of Empanadas
This hole in the wall place, Empa Mundo, serves traditional Argentine empanadas along with many unique twists using American cuisine. Located only 10 minutes from the DFW airport this would be a great spot to stop after a long flight before you head into downtown Dallas. Empa Mundo made Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in US for 2018 and I 100% agree. If you have never had empanadas before they are different fillings, traditionally meat and eggs or cheese, wrapped in flaky dough that is then either baked or fried.
Favorites: Criolla (traditional), Chorizo, Texas Brisket, Pumpkin
Address: 3977 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75038
The Henry
The Henry is located in the heart of downtown only about two blocks from Klyde Warren Park. It is an extremely hip and trendy place with the cutest decor. They have an amazing brunch with table side mimosa bar (or mocktails) and a rooftop bar that I hear is a great place to hang out in the evenings. The brunch has really good potion sizes and delicious food. I did feel it was a little on the pricey side but it was still worth going at least once.
Favorites: Short Rib Potstickers, Original Egg Sandwich, and Chicken Fried Chicken
Address: 2301 N Akard St. Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75201
Where to Eat In Dallas
Well guys, there you have it. These are all my favorite places that I ate at while in the Dallas area! Obviously this is not a completely exhaustive list because there is no way I could try everywhere and I fully encourage you to discover new places. Be sure to try new places and explore outside of what is comfortable.
I hope you enjoy trying all these great restaurants in Dallas and let me know if you find one you LOVE! I love trying new delicious foods to eat. Be sure to check out this Dallas Dessert Guide if you have a sweet tooth like me.
If you are looking into places to travel within the U.S. I highly recommend New York City (where I had my first “freakshake” or New Orleans (where I ate my first crawdad!). Every place has their own special foods to try. What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten while traveling?
Mine is probably escargot in France.
Girrrrrl you can’t go to hard 8 and then say KC has better bbq than Dallas. That is like one of the worst spots lol. Next time try Hutchins!!
HAHAHAHA I was told Hard 8 was great! Ok, next time I will try Hutchins. Promise!!
You have given a very clear explanation about food and where it taste good. Thanks for the information.
Of course, I’m glad it was helpful!