American Bar$$deep-ellumTue-Fri 16:00-02:00, Sat-Sun 14:00-02:00, Mon closed
Gothic architecture, dark interiors, Eastern European comfort food, and cocktails until 2am in the most moody room in Deep Ellum. Priced at $$.
Order: Hungarian comfort food bites. A classic cocktail or one of the house originals.
Tip: The bar opens at 4pm on weekdays; arrive early for a quieter start. Weekends fill by 9pm.
American$bishop-artsMon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
A specialty pie shop in a 1930s Victorian bungalow in Bishop Arts, with handmade pies that change seasonally. Kitchen leans american desserts and pie.
Order: The seasonal pie of the month. The Drunken Nut on the permanent menu.
Tip: Whole pies can be ordered in advance. The patio is worth waiting for on warm evenings.
Indian Vegetarian$lakewoodTue-Fri 11:30-14:00 and 17:30-21:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-15:00 and 17:30-21:00
Dallas's longest-running vegetarian restaurant, set inside a Hare Krishna temple in East Dallas. Located in Lakewood. Kitchen leans indian vegetarian.
Order: Daily Indian vegetarian buffet: fresh dals, sabzis, house-made chutneys, rice.
Tip: The garden is the most peaceful meal in Dallas. The buffet changes daily. Call ahead if you want to know what is being made that day.
Spanish Tapas$$$knox-hendersonMon-Thu 17:00-00:00, Fri 16:00-00:00, Sat 12:00-00:00, Sun 12:00-23:00
Spanish tapas and one of the most extensive Spanish wine lists in the US in a casual Knox-Henderson patio bar. Priced at $$$. At 5016 Miller Ave.
Order: Pan con tomate with jamón. A poured sherry or one of the Spanish house wines.
Tip: The patio fills early on Fridays. Order the cold dishes and a bottle of Txakoli to start; the hot dishes come out quickly.
French Brasserie$$$uptownDaily from 07:00 (all-day brasserie)
All-day French brasserie at Preston Center, open from breakfast through dinner with a 1,200-sqft covered patio and a casual format that makes the serious.
Order: Croque-monsieur at lunch. The Paris-Brest dessert.
Tip: The all-day format means you can treat this as a cafe in the morning, a lunch spot.
Vietnamese$$$lakewoodTue-Thu 17:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00, Sun 17:00-21:00, Mon closed
Michelin-recommended Mot Hai Ba on Lewis Street blends modern French technique with Vietnamese soul in a casual East Dallas room. Located in Lakewood.
Order: Seasonal pho; spring rolls with heirloom vegetables
Tip: Tuesday through Thursday is the easiest booking window. The seasonal menu changes frequently; the pho preparation is always the dish to watch.