The Dallas Guide
A few notes
General Travel Tips
DFW is definitely the closest airport but don’t sleep on Love Field - it’s a smaller airport with fewer flights but is significantly closer to the city. Southwest especially flies into it plenty.
Getting around Dallas will be much easier with a car. It can be done by Ubers but you will rack up costs over time!
First of all, let’s talk about the heat. Late July through Mid-September are H-O-T. The only thing I can offer is that it is dry heat and not humid. But unless you’re ready to stick to the seat of every car and sweat your a** off, plan your trips in the fall or spring!
Staying in Dallas
Caveat: I usually stay with family when I’m home in Dallas so I can’t say I’ve actually ever stayed at a Dallas hotel. That said, these recommendations come from friends who have visited for weddings, business or bloggers I trust!
The Joule (Downtown) - A gorgeous luxury hotel with a beautiful hotel and in a great location
The Mansion (Uptown) - A classic hotel in the Rosewood line of hotels. This is where couples will often stay on their wedding night so think luxe but it’s also gorgeous and a luxury experience.
Hotel Zaza (Uptown) - A quirky, trendier hotel downtown but still plenty nice and with a fun restaurant downstairs.
Eating in Dallas
Tex-Mex, BBQ & Southern
Mi Cocina (Preston Hollow & others)
Iconic Dallas Tex Mex - must order with a Mambo Taxi (frozen margarita swirled with sangria). The food, admittedly is greasy and not that advanced to anyone who hasn't had Tex Mex but it's the good stuff. Enchiladas are always solid, fajitas, or a texmex combo is probably the most popular order. And queso. Always queso! The Highland Park Village location is the original.
Mesero (Preston Hollow)
This is a more elevated Tex Mex spot but the food is good and the drinks are yummy. Highly recommend the enchiladas and tres leches cake!
Rafa's (Preston Hollow)
Authentic homecooked tex-mex. Must order the sopapillas. The food is greasy but so good!
Torchy’s Tacos (Multiple)
More of a fast casual spot with multiple locations. More Mexican/austin street style tacos, easy pick up food with options for everybody! Democrat and Trailer Trash (order it “trashy:) are my favorite, plus the deserts are decadent :) Also breakfast tacos!
Pecan Lodge (Deep Ellum)
Award-winning Texas BBQ, widely regarded as the best BBQ in Dallas. For any BBQ novices this mean, you definitely need to get Brisket and then a selection of sides (some combination of baked beans, fried okra, mac & cheese etc.) and say yes to the bread.
Bubba’s (Highland Park)
Fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes - need I say more? But oh my goodness, the biscuits. This is a cute retro vibe and the food is no frills but so delicious!
Steak & Burgers
Nick & Sam’s (Uptown)
Classic Dallas Steakhouse, popular with the Mavs/Dallas famous crows; prime steaks, chips and seafood
Drake’s (Preston Hollow)
New swanky place, very old hollywood vibes, leather booths. Steak, great wine list, delicious burger, everything is very rich/creamy.
Up on Knox (Knox Henderson)
laid-back spot with raw bar, steaks, and seafood
Rodeo Goat (Design District)
Great burgers (plenty of options) and great southern items like Frito Pie, etc. Solid beer selection and good outdoor area plus some games inside
Katy Trail Ice House (Uptown)
Great outdoor eating/drinking environment. The burger here is unbelievable and order a Summer beer (but they have dozens of beer on tap). You can walk into here from the Katy Trail and dogs are allowed!
Twisted Root (Multiple)
Gourmet beef, turkey, and vegan burgers plus spiked shakes and a good beer selection. Lots of options and still a good vibe. Note the original in deep ellum is remarkably better than other locations but will be more crowded.