An Oak Cliff Tex-Mex hole-in-the-wall on W Illinois Avenue, serving loyal customers since 1949. The enchiladas here are considered among the most authentic in Dallas.
Must order: Cheese enchiladas with chili gravy. The combination plate is the reason regulars drive across the city.
Tip: This is a cash-friendly neighbourhood place. Parking fills early on weekends. Worth the wait.
Address: 2853 W Illinois Ave, Dallas, TX 75233
The Dallas location of the family-run Richardson BBQ favourite, opened in 2025 near Inwood Village in the former Sonny Bryan's space. Burnt End Fridays have built a following fast.
Order: Brisket; burnt ends on Fridays; house-made sausage.
Tip: Burnt End Friday attracts queues by 11:30am. Show up at open on a weekday for the calmest experience.
A chef-driven Lake Highlands taqueria that doubles as one of the best breakfast spots in Dallas. The slow-braised taco fillings and market-sourced specials have made Resident a consistent D Magazine list presence.
Order: Breakfast tacos at opening; the slow-braised fillings that change with what the kitchen has sourced.
Tip: The breakfast taco programme starts at 7:30am. The bar extension added in the most recent renovation makes evening visits much more comfortable.
A suburban BBQ legend open just three days a week. Akaushi Wagyu brisket and Duroc pork, a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a Texas Monthly Top 50 ranking. Credit card only. Worth the pilgrimage.
Order: Akaushi Wagyu brisket. The Toddfather sandwich. Crack cake for dessert.
Tip: Pre-orders of whole meats are available by Tuesday at 5pm. Show up at 10am and expect to queue. BYOB.
A relaxed Knox-Henderson tapas bar with a Spanish wine list of over 400 bottles and a patio that fills on warm evenings. The pintxos and charcuterie spreads are built for sharing across a long evening.
Order: Pan con tomate with jamón. The Spanish wine list is one of the largest in the US.
Tip: The patio seats fill early on Fridays and Saturdays. Order the charcuterie and one of the sherries first.
The Bishop Arts all-day cafe that holds its ground regardless of what opens around it. Chicken and waffles, a well-curated coffee list, and mimosa flights in a wood-panelled room on 7th Street.
Order: Chicken and waffles. The coffee programme is serious enough to visit before the brunch rush.
Tip: Brunch runs 7am-4pm daily. Arrive before 10am to skip the weekend queue for the chicken and waffles.
A Deep Ellum institution where a serious mezcal programme and Oaxacan-style tacos feed the late-night crowd until 2am, every night the kitchen runs. Live music most weekends.
Order: Oaxacan tacos with slow-cooked meats. The mezcal and agave cocktail list.
Tip: The back patio fills on warm evenings. Order mezcal first, tacos second; the menu is designed to pace a long night.
