A Guide to Dallas Area Restaurants
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Key to Restaurant Prices:
$$—Very Inexpensive, average cost of dinner less than $15
$$$— Inexpensive, average cost of dinner from $15 to $24
$$$$—Moderate, average cost of dinner from $25 to $49
$$$$$—Expensive, average cost of dinner from $50 to $70
$$$$$$—Very Expensive, average cost of dinner more than $71 |
American – Southwestern
Tolbert’s Restaurant
423 South Main Street
Grapevine
(817) 421-4888
www.TolbertsRestaurant.com
“Tons of history and amazing chili.” Voted one of America’s top
10 chilis, the Bowl of Red at Tolbert’s Restaurant is a classic bowl of Texas
red, bean-free, super-thick with beef chunks. You’ll also find char-grilled
steaks and burgers, signature salads, tortilla soup and many other Southwestern and
home-grown specialties. $$
Love and War in Texas
2505 E. Grapevine Mills Circle
Grapevine
(972) 724-5557
www.LoveAndWarInTexas.com
An epic name for an epic restaurant promoting Texas, Texans, Texas food and Texas
heritage. Start with a big ‘ole barn. Add some steak, draft beer and boot-stompin’ live
music on Friday and Saturday nights and you’ll understand why this is one
of the city’s most popular spots for a Texas-sized good time, y’all.
$$$
Houston’s
8300 Preston Road
Dallas
(214) 691-8991
www.Hillstone.com
A chain that doesn’t feel like one, this reliable national franchise clicks
thanks to a pretty darn good menu of all-American comfort items (including a notoriously
addicting spinach dip) and a modern metropolitan ambiance that brings in mingling
singles after work; despite debate on the cost – inexpensive vs. overpriced – most
report solid quality here. $$$$
Blue Mesa
7700 W. Northwest Pkwy.North
Park Dallas
(214) 378-8686
www.BlueMesaGrill.com
A taste of Santa Fe comes to Texas via this popular mini-chain drawing plenty of
crowds for affordable, palate-pleasing Southwestern dishes, addictive sweet potato
chips, killer blue margaritas and a fantastic Sunday brunch buffet. The vibe
is comfortable and staff accommodating to large groups, so the only downside
is that it can be hard to get in. $$$
Lola
2917 Fairmount St.
Uptown Dallas
(214) 855-0700
www.Lola4Dinner.com
Romantics, out-of-towners and business execs all adore this quaint old house Uptown
where outstanding New American cuisine is presented in exquisite prix fixe menus
and matched with wines from an incredible, reasonably priced list; add in high-level
service, and it’s the perfect spot for a special evening. P.S. the separate
chef’s tasting room with a 10-course menu is one of the city’s great
fine-dining experiences. $$$$$
Asian/Sushi
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
225 North
Park CenterDallas
(214) 265-8669
www.PFChangs.com
Expect major hustle-bustle at this noisy Chinese chain where the sanitized, mass-produced
menus aren’t really authentic yet do appeal to most palates (when in doubt,
the lettuce wraps rule). No one minds the spotty service and ersatz Sino decor
since they have the formula down – starting with nothing-fancy prices and
an overall fun vibe. $$$$
Pei Wei Asian Diner
3001 Knox Street
Knox-Henderson
(214) 219-0000
www.PeiWei.com
There’s always a crowd at this Pan-Asian chain (a downscale little cousin
of P.F. Chang’s), where the chow is tasty, the menu limited and the service
primarily cafeteria-style. A few sigh boring, but kids like it, the food seems
healthy and, not incidentally, the prices are really good. $$$
Burgers/Hotdogs
Twisted Root Burger Co.
2615 Commerce St.
Deep
Ellum
www.TwistedRootBurgerCo.com
Three chefs, sick of eating frozen and factory-fabricated burgers, decided to quit
their jobs to open a real burger joint and make everything from scratch. Hand-rolled
meat patties, hand-cut Idaho and sweet potatoes, homemade ice-cream, homemade
pickles and homemade Root Beer...even homemade ketchup, mustard and BBQ sauce!
$$
Mama’s Daughters’ Diner
2610 Royal Lane
Dallas
(972) 241-8646
www.MamasDiner.com
Down-home cookin’ just like mama makes keeps this chain of old-fashioned
diners packed with patrons praising the rib-sticking breakfasts and homemade pies,
not to mention the good value for the money. $$
Continental/French
 Main Street Bistro & Bakery
316 S. Main Street
Grapevine
(817) 424-4333
www.theMainBakery.com
Set in historic Downtown Grapevine, this intimate sidewalk cafe is good for salad
and sandwiches, with a casual French bakery component that smells of fresh baked
bread and has beautiful pastries. $$$
La Madelein
900 William D. Tate Ave. (Hwy. 114)
Grapevine
(817) 251-0255
www.LaMadeleine.com
Reasonably priced, somewhat Americanized French fare turns up at this bistro/bakery
chain with a big, something-for-everyone selection that’s ordered cafeteria-style
and available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$$
Delicatessens
Weinberger’s Delicatessen
601 S. Main St.
Grapevine
(817) 416-5577
Originating in Chicago back in 1952, Weinberger’s Deli is a family owned
business with a menu boasting over 150 sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Many sandwiches are old favorites like the Reuben, the Italian Beef, Chicago Style
Hot Dog, the Cheese Steak and the Wick. $$
Greek/Mediterranean
Ziziki’s Restaurant & Bar
4514 Travis St.
Knox- Henderson
(214) 521-2233
www.Zizikis.com
It’s a consensus: excellent Greek cuisine blesses
guests with an always-reliable, upbeat environment that’s
great for a big group. The warm, friendly staffers provide
attentive service. $$$$
Italian
Patrizio
25 Highland Park Village
Park Cities
(214) 522-7878
www.Patrizios.net
Amazing pasta at surprisingly reasonable prices, and in portions that could almost
serve two people, draws crowds to this Italian trio, the original a favorite
spot in Highland Park Village and younger siblings in Cedar Hill, Park Cities
and Plano that present solid value; each is popular at both lunch and dinner,
so be prepared for a wait (and sometimes slow service), and if you find them
too noisy inside, sit out on their fabulous patios. $$$$
Maggiano’s Little Italy
8687 N. Central Expwy.
NorthPark
(214) 360-0707
www.Maggianos.com
You almost expect to see Sinatra walk in behind you at this 1940s-esque, checkered-tablecloth
chain where monster portions of red-sauce Italiana are dished out in enjoyably
hectic surroundings. Some dub it a mixed bag, citing a mass-production, quantity-trumps-quality
approach, but fans tout this crowd-pleaser as a big night out for not a lot of
money. $$$$
Ferré Italian Villa
215 E. 4th Street
Fort Worth
(817) 332-0033
www.FerreRestaurant.com
Ferré was conceived as a cutting-edge contemporary and stylish Italian-Tuscan
restaurant. The atmosphere is sophisticated but unpretentious, with a strong emphasis
on knowledgeable, attentive service and outstanding Italian cuisine. Located in
downtown Fort Worth adjacent to Sundance Square, Ferré provides great Tuscan
cuisine and sets standards for quality and service. $$$$
Middle Eastern
Café Istanbul
5450 West Lover’s Lane
Dallas
(214) 902-0919
www.cafe-istanbul.net
Seductive flavors tickle the tongue at this authentic Turkish favorite on West
Lovers Lane where a warm welcome from the staff increases the appeal; those craving
quiet may want to watch out for weekends when belly dancers enhance the already
lively atmosphere. $$$$
 Mexican/Spanish/Latin American
Cristina’s
2707 E. Southlake Blvd. (Nolan Drive)
Grapevine
(817) 488-2095
www.CristinasMex.com
Just one will do it toast tequila lovers sipping the biggest margaritas you ever
saw at this reliable chain with an extensive menu of well-made dishes from Central
Mexico brought out by attentive servers. All locations thrive on inexpensive
prices and a casual atmosphere brightened with sun-themed Latin art. $$$
La Duni Latin Café
4264 Oak Lawn Ave.
Oak Lawn
(214) 520-6888
www.LaDuni.com
Supporters swoon over chef-owners Espartaco and Dunia Borga’s cosmopolitan
Pan-Latin cuisine, fabulous coffee drinks and magnificent desserts (don’t
leave without a piece of the quatro leches cake) at this lively Oak Lawn cafe;
regulars report it’s a solid bet for budget challenged foodies. $$$$
Cantina Laredo
4020 William D. Tate Ave.
Grapevine
(817) 358-0505
www.CantinaLaredo.com
Creative Mexican fare with an upscale décor elevates these reliable outposts
a step above the typical chain experience. Guests are always treated to guacamole
made tableside. $$$
Javier’s
4912 Cole Ave.
Knox-Henderson
(214) 521-4211
www.Javiers.net
An old Dallas hangout for over 30 years, this established temple of haute Mexican
cuisine on the edge of Knox-Henderson presents top-notch margaritas and wonderfully
authentic fare to a clubby, loud-voiced crowd. Some wags warn it’s pricey
and overrated, but the zigzag maze of dark well-decorated dining rooms and cigar
bar filled with old-timers and their trophies mean it’s hard to beat for
drinks, apps and people-watching. P.S. have a reservation or plan to wait. $$$$
Pizza
Pastazio’s
3028 N. Hall St.
Uptown
(214) 969-5959
www.Pastazios.com
It’s all about the pizza at these separately owned Addison and Uptown counter-service
eateries where boosters boast the huge, thin-crust slices taste like they came
right off the streets of Manhattan. Prices are inexpensive and delivery is a plus,
so some say the biggest drawback is that they’re not open late after the
bars close. $$
Seafood
Café Pacific
24 Highland Park Village
Dallas
(214) 562-0332
www.CafePacificDallas.com
Rub elbows with old money matrons and a who’s who of society types at this
tony Highland Park Village eatery ensconced in clubby quarters with polished marble
floors and a classic 1920s feel; top-tier seafood plates are set down by a staff
that caters to your every need, though a few critics charge it’s stuffy and
add you better be a regular if you want even average service. $$$$$
Steakhouses
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
4300 Lemmon Ave.
Dallas
(214) 528-9446
www.Bobs-SteakandChop.com
Manly high-end dining is alive and well at these clubby chophouse institutions
where yuppies on expense accounts tackle perfectly seared steaks garnished with
an enormous signature glazed carrot. All locations feature noisy environs, while
the Lemmon Avenue branch offers frequent Dallas Cowboy sightings as an added
appeasement. $$$$$
Boi Na Braza
4025 William D. Tate Ave
Grapevine
(817) 329-5514
www.BoiNaBraza.com
Those hungry for meat march over to this all-you-can-eat Grapevine churrascaria
where gaucho-clad waiters carve delicious morsels from a mind-boggling array
of skewered cuts while an extensive salad bar satisfies grazers. It’s top-shelf
all the way from the handsome wood-accented decor to cigar-friendly bar. $$$$$
Silver Fox Steakhouse
1235 William D. Tate Ave. (Hwy 114)
Grapevine
(817) 329-6995
www.SilverFoxSteakhouse.com
If you want a fancy steak dinner without being expected to dress up, these crowded
younger siblings of III Forks do the trick. With an impeccable menu, superior
service and a dark, romantic atmosphere, they offer a more modern Texas steakhouse
experience, and their value also sets them apart – side dishes are included
with the price of the meal. Closed Sundays. $$$$$
The Capital Grille
500 Crescant Ct.
Uptown
(214) 303-0500
www.theCapitalGrille.com
Everything a steakhouse ought to be, this decidedly upscale chain lures buttoned-down
power players with flavorful, artfully presented chops; the low-lit, dark-wood
digs and attentive service are ideal for a special occasion or a business dinner,
and even though the bill can be way expensive, you get what you pay for here.
$$$$$
Thai
Royal Thai
5500 Greenville Ave.
Dallas
(214) 691-3555
www.RoyalThaiTexas.com
This Greenville Avenue Thai temple is different from a lot of others – more
of an elegant sit-down-and-linger-over-dinner kind of place. We’re talking
top-notch food at an incredibly inexpensive price and well presented by a wonderful
restrained staff. $$$
The Mint
4246 Oak Lawn Ave.
Highland Park Village
(214) 219-6468
www.theMintDallas.com
An oasis tucked into an unattractive shopping center, this local treasure near
Medical City charms chowhounds with wonderful, affordable Thai and Pan-Asian
dishes plus inventive cocktails and desserts you’ll want to leave room
for. Though a few find the trendy quarters don’t offer much ambiance for
dinner, smooth service ensures a pleasant time nonetheless. $$$
 Vegetarian
Spiral Diner & Bakery
1101 Beckley Ave.
Oak Cliff
(214) 948-4747
www.SpiralDiner.com
Vegetarians, your friends from California and even carnivores all appreciate the
imaginative, delicious vegan fare and socially conscious vibe at this funky outpost
in an up-and-coming area around Ft. Worth’s Hospital District. $$
Greenz
2808 McKinney Ave.
Uptown
www.GreenzSalads.com
As the name suggests, the major attraction is salads – and inventive ones too – at
this duo of quick, healthy New Americans. They may be small and crowded, but they’re
still lunch favorites, whether on the run or at your desk, a status abetted by
the fact that any salad can be rolled into a wrap for maximum portability. $$
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