Tex-mex$$lakewoodTue 16:00-21:00, Wed-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
Mariano Martinez invented the frozen margarita machine on May 11, 1971 at his original East Dallas restaurant. Located in Lakewood. Priced at $$.
Order: The frozen margarita, made from the tradition of the 1971 original machine invention.
Tip: The history of the margarita machine is on the wall. The original machine is now in the Smithsonian, but the recipe continues here.
New American$$$bishop-artsWed-Thu 17:00-21:00, Fri 17:00-21:30, Sat 10:00-21:30, Sun 10:00-14:00
Chef Matt Balke's Bishop Arts New American, where weekend brunch draws the neighbourhood and dinner runs a more serious menu Wednesday through Sunday.
Order: Blue corn pancakes at brunch. The Southern-inflected small plates at dinner.
Tip: The blue corn pancake mix is sold at H-E-B if you want to make them at home. Dinner is easier to book than brunch.
Halal Mediterranean$lower-greenvilleMon-Sun 11:00-04:00
A Greenville Avenue halal counter open until 4am every night, inspired by New York street food. Located in Lower Greenville. Open mon-sun 11am-4am.
Order: Shawarma plate. Halal rice bowl with beef and chicken.
Tip: Open every night until 4am. The crowds after midnight are lively; midweek evenings are calmer.
Halal Mediterranean$$knox-hendersonMon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-20:30
A fully halal Knox Street Lebanese institution that has anchored the Knox-Henderson dining corridor for years, serving mezze and grilled meats in a room.
Order: Mezze spread with hummus and fattoush. Shawarma plate.
Tip: Order three cold mezze dishes to share before the mains; the overall meal works out to better value than ordering entrees alone.
Oaxacan Mexican$$deep-ellumThu-Fri 16:00-02:00, Sat-Sun 14:00-02:00
A Deep Ellum mezcal bar and Oaxacan kitchen open until 2am Thursday through Sunday. Order the oaxacan tacos with slow-cooked meats. mezcal cocktails.
Order: Oaxacan tacos with slow-cooked meats. Mezcal cocktails.
Tip: The patio is the best seat in warm weather. Start with mezcal and build from there; the cocktail programme is one of the best in the neighbourhood.
Texas Bbq$$uptownDaily, hours vary, check website
The Dallas outpost of the Richardson family BBQ, opened in 2025 in the Devonshire neighbourhood near Inwood Village. Kitchen leans texas bbq.
Order: Brisket. Burnt ends on Fridays. House-made sausage.
Tip: Go on a weekday if you want burnt ends without a long wait. The Friday queue starts forming before 11:30am.