Where to Eat and What to Do in Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas is a cross-section of everything, well, Texan: old-money, southern glamour, cowboy culture, and cosmopolitan luxury. Steeped in history but constantly evolving, the metropolis draws more than 27 million visitors every year with offerings like the eclectic music scene, diverse museums, and some of the best restaurants in the world. More newcomers move in every day to join the workforce in the thriving finance and healthcare industries and with so many local teams to cheer for, there’s truly something for everyon

Hopdoddy’s burger bars are right at home in this city where “Big Things Happen”. Whether you’re just visiting or you’ve chosen to make your home in the Big D, you’re probably wondering where to start, so why not with food?

Best Restaurants in Dallas

As COVID-19 rocked the food industry across the nation, restaurateurs in Dallas found creative ways to continue serving their patrons, whether in outdoor dining or introducing takeaway solutions. As we all adjust to a new normal and restrictions relax, here are some of the best places to dine in Dallas in 2021.

Best Burgers

• Hopdoddy Burger Bar
• Goodfriend
• Haystack Burgers
• Lee Harvey’s
• Angry Dog

Best Brunch

• Lucky’s Cafe
• Hudson House
• Beverly’s
• Bread Winners
• Meddlesome Moth

Best Chicken

• Bubba’s
• Palmer’s Hot Chicken
• Lucky’s Hot Chicken
• Cowboy Chicken
• Jonathon’s Oak Cliff

Best Steakhouses

• Drake’s Hollywood
• CBD Provisions
• Al Biernat’s
• Knife
• Pappa’s Bros.

Best Tacos and Mexican

• Pepe’s and Mito’s
• Meso Maya
• Jalisco Norte
• Taqueria La Ventana
• Revolver Taco Lounge

Best Pizza

• Serious Pizza
• Paradiso
• Zalat
• Greenville Avenue Pizza Company
• Cane Rosso

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Things to Do in Dallas, Texas

Even in a pandemic, Dallas remains a bustling hub. Many activities are already pandemic-friendly, while others have adopted social distancing and other safe practices. Here are some of the best things to do in Dallas right now.

Stroll the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Reserve a pass to see the gorgeous, ever-changing florals (and don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy on any of the lawns!) of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Boasting 66 acres, the Arboretum provides a colorful oasis in the middle of the bustling city. Whether you’re taking a little one to check out the Children’s Adventure Garden or having date night at the Cool Thursdays concert series, there’s no shortage of beautiful, outdoor fun. Find more information and book your (required) tickets here.

Tour the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center

The Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center are two separate art museums, but if you’re going to visit one, it’s definitely worth taking a few steps down the street to round out your art tour. The DMA hosts tens of thousands of art pieces in its permanent collection, which is free to the public (but advance tickets are currently required) and has internationally recognized rotating exhibits that are always worth checking out. Meanwhile, the Nasher provides a smaller, but no less breathtaking, collection of sculptures that includes both classics and more modern works, with many of them displayed in a gorgeous outdoor garden. Tickets are required with a discount for DART (public transportation) riders so get yours here!

View the City from Reunion Tower

An essential piece of the famous skyline, Reunion Tower (or, as locals call it, The Ball) offers an unbeatable 360-degree view of the city. At night, the landmark lights up, often in multicolor images and lettering reflecting the current holiday or celebrating a Dallas Cowboys win. Along with the views, check out the Tower After Hours programming to experience yoga, painting, and more in the sky! Tickets and the program calendar can be found here.

Shop at NorthPark Center

When is a mall more than a mall? When it’s filled with contemporary art, live music, designer shopping, and some of the best restaurants in town. From the lush landscaping (including an indoor turtle pond!) to the clean architecture, NorthPark Center is quite a luxurious place to spend an afternoon, even if you don’t spend a dime. When it opened in 1965, it was heralded as one of the best-designed shopping centers in the country, and it still lives up to that today. Visit NorthPark and you may just find the best shopping experience of your life (or at least a new handbag).

Pick Produce (and more) at the Dallas Farmers Market

The farmers only show up to share their bounties on the weekends, but the Market itself is open 7 days a week. Beyond the fresh goods at the Shed (the open-air pavilion), visitors can shop artisans, boutiques, home decor, and more, as well as dine at a myriad of restaurants nestled in the space. Beyond that, there’s even a coworking space if you need a change of pace from your WFH life. Whether you’re stopping by for a bite or looking to spend the whole day, be sure to check out the Farmer’s Market, rain or shine.