Tex-Mex

Zagat-rated and featured on The Food Network, Avila’s uses family recipes that have been handed down through generations, including a mean chicken mole and a delicious stew called a Pollo con Calabaza.

Steakhouses

Stiff drinks, prime steaks, and hand-selected seafood come together in Bob’s club-like setting to create one of Dallas’ favorite steakhouses.

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Brunch

Breadwinners isa Dallas favorite, especially for weekend brunch. Their menu has all the usual suspects like eggs Benedict, scrambles, quiche and French toast—they just do it all extremely well. Tip: The McKinney Ave. location is by far the most see-and-be-seen spot of them all.

Fine Dining

Housed in the trendy Joule hotel, Charlie Palmer is a downright treat for foodies. Pappardelle with duck meatballs? Check. Four different kinds of sautéed mushrooms? Check. And don’t forget the crispy sweetbreads starter.

Bar Food

Not your standard cheese fries, chicken strips and onion rings—everything at City Tavern is handmade in-house! Even the veggie sandwich packs punch with gourmet marinated veggies, mozzarella and basil, served on a fresh baguette!

Pizza

From the same people who brought you Nick & Sam’s comes Coal Vine’s. Cooked in their trademarked coal oven, this pizza is the real deal. Tip: There’s a new location at The Shops at Legacy in Plano (if you happen to be in that neck of the woods).

Steakhouses

Eddie V’s offers up prime beef and only the freshest of seafood prepared to perfection.

Pizza

Start with the Eno’s figs, topped with candied pecans and goat cheese. Then go for the traditional pizza, with sausage, peppers and basil.

On the Cheap

Yes, it’s a taco stand at a gas station. But don’t judge just yet. At just over $1 apiece, Fuel City has some of the most amazing tacos you’ll ever eat. We recommend the picadillo, and you simply must try the corn elote.

Haute Home Cookin’

What could be better than a fried green tomato sandwich or shrimp and grits at Hattie’s, located in Dallas’ trendy Bishop Arts District? We can’t think of anything.

Brunch

Dallas is home to three locations of La Duni, and they are all madly popular, especially for brunch. The menu features Latin-influenced dishes like the “breakfast chili releno” and migas, plus some of the city’s best Bloody Marys and Mimosas. They also specialize in baked goods like their signature tres leches cake.

On the Cheap

The BLT and Masterpiece burger are both award-winning. And everything on the Lakewood Landing menu rings in at under $10. Gotta love that.

Bar Food

Odds are, you’ve never been to a bar that serves Muenster cheese fries or a Mediterranean plate. Libertine is it. It also made our list of Best Bars in Dallas.

Burgers

Lovingly referred to as M&M, Maple & Motor is a legit, down-home burger experience. The patties are hand-formed and both sides of the bun are grilled too.

Tex-Mex

Mi Cocina is arguably the most popular Tex-Mex restaurant in Dallas. There are several locations across the city, but the West Village and Highland Park Village locations are the most popular (read: prepare to see and be seen). Home to the Mambo Taxi—their lethal version of a margarita-and-sangria swirl, Mi Cocina easily transitions from a dinner spot to a nightlife hotspot.

Tex-Mex

A true family-owned business, Mia’s has been a favorite among Dallas Cowboys and celebrities for years. The signature dish, Butch’s Original Brisket Tacos, keeps everyone coming back for more.

Haute Home Cookin’

Few things are better than Neighborhood Services’ short rib pot roast and asparagus and lemon gremolata. Trust us.

Steakhouses

Steak aficionados love Perry’s. Signature dishes include the pork chop (carved tableside) and the braised beef short ribs.

The Scene

Dallasites are flocking to Saint Ann in droves. Housed in a historic school house in downtown, the building itself is a Dallas landmark. Open every day for lunch, dinner and drinks, plus Sunday brunch. Bonus: the menu is shockingly well-priced for a Dallas hotspot.

Brunch

This Spanish-influenced tapas resto serves up a mean brunch. We love Sangria for the Juanito’s migas, hashed potatoes and the vanilla French toast.

Pizza

A Lakewood favorite, Scalini’s serves up a delicious pie with fresh-made sauce on a crust that’s not too thick and not too thin. Try the “All the Way,” add pepperoni.

Sushi

In addition to amazing sushi, Shin Sei also offers an array of yummy dishes to suit the non-sushi lovers in your group, like coconut chicken-stuffed jalapenos served with a yellow curry dipping sauce.

On the Cheap

Authentic Mexican tacos. Simply delicious, plain and simple.

The Scene

The Common Table made our list of Best Bars in Dallas, but it’s also got a pretty stellar menu—and a full menu at that. Look for gourmet apps like bruschetta crab fritters and calamari, plus fancy burgers and sandwiches that they’ve even paired with beers and wines. We love it when meals are made easy.

Brunch

Top off your bistro steak frites or oxtail and banana pepper hash with a prosecco mimosa or spicy Bloody Mary at The Grape.

Haute Home Cookin’

Venison Frito pie? Yes, please. Goat cheese tater tots? You bet. And don’t forget the chicken-fried hanger steak at Tillman’s, a Bishop Arts District favorite.

Brunch

Toulouse is the European-style sidewalk café you’ve been searching for. Try the short rib hash or omelette provençale. Top it off with an espresso for an authentic Parisian vibe.

Sushi

Yutaka serves up some of our favorite sushi in Dallas, plus other traditional Japanese fare. Chef Yutaka is known for inventive dishes, excellent presentation and of course, fresh ingredients (key when opting for sushi). Make sure to check out the adjoining sake bar to make a night of it.