Mexican Taqueria$$lake-highlandsTue-Sat 07:30-21:00
A chef-driven Lake Highlands taqueria that doubles as one of the best breakfast spots in Dallas. Priced at $$. Kitchen leans mexican taqueria.
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.
Texas Bbq$$planoWed-Fri 10:00-14:00, 1st Saturday of each month 10:00-14:00
A suburban BBQ legend open just three days a week. Akaushi Wagyu brisket and Duroc pork, a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a Texas Monthly Top 50 ranking.
Order: Akaushi Wagyu brisket. The Toddfather sandwich. Crack cake for dessert.
Tip: Pre-orders of whole meats are available by Tuesday at 5pm. Show up at 10am and expect to queue. BYOB.
Spanish Tapas$$$knox-hendersonMon-Thu 17:00-00:00, Fri 16:00-00:00, Sat 12:00-00:00, Sun 12:00-23:00
A relaxed Knox-Henderson tapas bar with a Spanish wine list of over 400 bottles and a patio that fills on warm evenings. Kitchen leans spanish tapas.
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.
American All-day$$bishop-artsMon-Sat 07:00-22:00, Sun 07:00-21:00
The Bishop Arts all-day cafe that holds its ground regardless of what opens around it. Kitchen leans american all-day. Open mon-sat 7am-10pm, sun 7am-9pm.
Order: Chicken and waffles. The coffee programme is serious enough to visit before the brunch rush.
Tip: Brunch runs 7am-4pm daily. Arrive before 10am to skip the weekend queue for the chicken and waffles.
Oaxacan Mexican$$deep-ellumThu-Fri 16:00-02:00, Sat-Sun 14:00-02:00
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.
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.
American Bar$$deep-ellumTue-Fri 16:00-02:00, Sat-Sun 14:00-02:00, Mon closed
A Deep Ellum bar with dark Gothic architecture, a Hungarian-inflected food menu, and cocktails that run from classic to house-specific until 2am.
Order: Hungarian comfort food snacks alongside the eclectic cocktail menu. Gothic atmosphere included.
Tip: Cash-friendly. The upstairs area is quieter for conversation. Go early in the week for the calmest service.