Updated: August 7, 2021
Keep an eye out for any changes to the posting date, that means I have found another gem that you need to try. If you have a place you love let me know, I’m always willing to venture to new places.
Dallas Restaurants
Mua Sushi – Best sushi in the Irving/Coppell area. It has been my go to sushi for the last year. COVID has created changes in management several times but so far they have stayed consistent in their portions and taste.
Sid’s Rainbow Grill – little cafe in downtown Carrollton with typical diner food. The menu is not large but what we have tried is scrumptious. Great burgers, fries, and onion rings. We have visited a couple times now and there is always a crowd in the place. I highly suggest you stop in if you are in the neighborhood and not dieting. After lunch wander across the square to the Nature’s Gallery to see the cool rocks and petrified wood, a whole shops worth.
Pappa’s Bar-B-Q on Northwest Hwy– We stopped in for lunch and had an amazing meal for less than $30.00. I ordered the smoked chicken and pulled pork plate which also comes with two sides. It was juicy and not too smokey; flavored just right for me. I will be back for sure!
Taco H – Best $7 burrito…..carnitas are the ticket in the Super burrito; of course you need to get the sour cream and guacamole. The menu is now a secret part of Baja Mex Grill. You need to ask the waiter if you can order off the old menu to get the carnitas burrito and it is only available at lunch.
Carribean Cuba – yucca fries or Yucca Frita are a must, Ropa Vieja, fried fish, Cubano sandwich, medianoche (smaller sandwich on egg bread), Platonos Fritos or tostones and REAL coffee. Haven’t had a bad meal yet.
Andalous – cafeteria style Mediterranean restaurant. Love this place and have tried almost everything they have to offer and have not once been disappointed. I love the hummus, cauliflower, and the lamb or chicken kabobs.
India 101 – Indian food buffet that has a wide variety of styles. Try the Buffett for dinner.
Old West Cafe – best sausage gravy, they make their own sausage. Not for the faint of heart or good for the diet. Plan on going hog wild and you will love it.
Burger Joints
- Kenny’s Burger Joint – Big, Juicy and many different kinds of toppings to try. Next time I go, I want the simple burger and a milk shake. They make amazing fries and the onion rings look like something out of the Jurassic age.
- Twisted Root Burger Company – Don’t leave without trying the ranch pickles
- Fred’s Texas Cafe in Fort Worth
- Hilton Burger – if you are staying at a Hilton and you have the opportunity try it!
- Maple & Motor – a little far from our home but if you are in the neighborhood it is definitely worth a stop.
- Keller’s Drive-In – drive through for burgers and beer it is a Dallas classic. You flash your lights for service!
Whiskey Cake – roasted chicken and Brussels sprouts is a well done dinner. The goat cheese fondue is a fabulous appetizer along with the Arrosto Misto which has fire roasted baby carrots. I don’t typically eat cooked carrots but I will order this dish over and over again. course Of course, Don’t forget to order the whisky cake, you have to try it, it is divine.
Del Frisco’s Grille – One of my two favorite steakhouses in the Dallas area. If you are a bread pudding fan, theirs can not be beat.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is my go to steakhouse in Dallas. I has a wine list with more entries than half the small towns in Texas have occupants. Try the heirloom tomato salad…it sounds plain but believe me it is is not.
Bruno’s Ristorante – hidden gem on the banks of the Valley Ranch canals. Great food in a beautiful atmosphere; white table cloths and all.
Michael’s Italian Kitchen – COVID Victim, however they were owned by Brunos which survived. my favorite chicken florentine dish is not on the Bruno’s menu but the cannoli’s are and a must try.
3 Best experiences
- Scardellos – cheese and wine tasting event. This is a great evening that is something different. Perfect for date night but make sure you buy your tickets in advance, they typically sell out the events a few weeks in advance.
- Salum – We tried this place during restaurant week and fell in love. The atmosphere is dining at it’s finest and the food was spectacular.
- Smoke – the BBQ board is a must have at least once. Our first experience was the best.
Super H – This supermarket in Carrollton was a great find. Someone once told me that you will find the best and freshest produce at an Asian market and they didn’t lie. The really spectacular part of this market is the food court at the back of the produce section. We typically head for the gyoza and the bibimbap bowls but I highly suggest you try what looks good. The entire strip mall is full of great restaurants. We are working our way through them all.
Jimmy’s Italian Market – Wander through this place and take your time. There is so much to look at if you long for “real” Italian food. Buy the sausage to take home and explore the meats and cheeses at the deli counter. The other must do is order an Italian beef or muffuletta sandwich to eat in the small dining room behind the deli counter area.
Empress of China – Great for your Chinese food fix. All of the dishes are made with white meat chicken which I think is a plus. COVID created a management change however, they have now added a few Thai dishes that are not half bad.
Brick House – Fried zucchini appetizer is the best fried zucchini I’ve ever had. I’m a fried food junky so that’s saying a lot. Watch out for the rubber bands on the menu boards, they can turn into deadly weapons.
Deliman’s Grill – Corner spot with a wide range of items to choose from. There are wings, burgers, Mexican dishes, etc…Definitely worth it when you need your casual option with great food.
Meat U Anywhere – Pop in for lunch. Try the brisket, ribs, sausage or anything else your heart desires. You pay by the pound which is an experience in and of itself for transplants to Texas. Friday’s they have beef ribs which is on our to do list.
Pecan Lodge – An event. Get there early for lunch and plan on waiting in line unless you are going to order “The Trough” or I hear at least 5lbs of meat. If you are prepared to wait in line it’s really not that bad of a wait. However, they only serve until they are Sold Out. The BBQ is great and worth the wait and you absolutely must try the beef rib, it is spectacular. Hot Tip: the restaurant is not to far from a DART stop.
Fuel City – tacos after a concert or an event at Fair Park. If you are in the area you should try the food. We love the tacos and the corn (Elotes) from the pushcart.
Chef Point – The ‘Bloody Best’ Bloody Mary was required for our first visit, it is a drink and brunch/lunch all in one. Paul ordered the Oxtail and each person in our group loved the items they ordered, so we will be back to try more. Sunday features a Comfort Food menu that begs to be sampled.