A Design District lunch institution that closes when the meat runs out. The smoked pork chop has built a cult following since the restaurant opened, standing apart from a brisket-dominated market.
Must order: Smoked pork chop, a cut most Dallas BBQ joints skip. Beef brisket by the half-pound.
Tip: Lunch-only, closes by 3pm or earlier. The pork chop sells out before noon on Saturdays.
Address: 2234 Irving Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
Chef Matt Balke's Bishop Arts neighbourhood restaurant in the former Bolsa space. The blue corn pancake with cajeta became so well-known the mix is now sold at H-E-B. Dinner brings a New American menu with Southern roots.
Order: Blue corn pancakes with cajeta drizzle; weekend brunch tasting menu.
Tip: Weekend brunch is the draw. Dinner is quieter and easier to book. The blue corn pancakes are on both menus.
The all-day French brasserie from Culinary Director Bruno Davaillon and co-founder Stephan Courseau, opened in Preston Center in June 2025. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and a 1,200-sqft covered patio.
Order: Steak frites; croque-monsieur at lunch; Paris-Brest dessert that Culinary Director Bruno Davaillon carries from his former Michelin-starred kitchen.
Tip: The patio is the destination on warm evenings. Weekday lunch is relaxed; weekends fill from noon.
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.
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.
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.
