Often rated the best Italian restaurant in Dallas, if you can get a reservation at Lucia it absolutely will not disappoint. This isn't a spaghetti and meatballs Italian spot - the meat-centric menu changes every 2 weeks with items that you've likely never heard of and keeps us coming back often. If you're a foodie, this is one of our all time favorites, we recommend you head here for dinner while in town. We have often found success as a walk-in with the bar seats after 8pm.
Our first date. Christine picked this one because it was not just walking distance for her, but also her favorite bar in Dallas. Growing up she and Dani always talked about wanting to open a bookstore where you could roast marshmallows in the middle. While it may not have that, it's the perfect charming combination of a bookstore, bar, coffee shop, live music venue and beer garden all in an old house. What more could you ask for? A fire pit I suppose, but it'll do.
Our second date was here for a quick and casual bite after a round of tennis. It’s also where Christine had her first meal in Dallas when she moved. It's an unassuming shack in a parking lot with a line of locals at all hours of the day and you won't regret it. A cash-only walk up counter for some of the best street tacos north of the Mexican border. Need we say more? Pro tip: don’t skip the elote cart, and it’s a separate line.
One of our favorite spots for live music and a bit of dancing featuring New Orleans style jazz bands playing high energy music that spills into the street. With live music every night and all afternoon on the weekends, you'll often find us here enjoying their cocktails and pretending we can salsa dance.
Fantastic local Craft Brewery with both a good and beer menu that will not let you down. Go for brunch or some day drinking, and don’t miss the fried chicken and French fries- best in Dallas. Indoor and outdoor seating in a chic and stylish venue hidden among warehouses off the beaten path. We think it’s dallas’ best kept secret.
Our 3rd date and first dinner. Taylor knew he had a keeper when Christine was happy to split the bone marrow appetizer. Enjoy this quaint local French bistro that is a frequent date night for us.
Unassuming and absolutely delicious local restaurant with a retro vibe after being converted from a former Dairy Queen. We've never had a bad meal here and it surprises us every time with a great selection that changes often.
If you make it a longer weekend and come down on Friday, this would be a perfect way to kick it off. You don't need to know who's playing, just buy a ticket. It's guaranteed to be a memorable and incredible performance in this intimate historic concert venue. Pair it with dinner at Nova across the street for a perfect night out in the neighborhood.
Afghani Cuisine that we just love in a pretty restaurant with a patio. Christine's fav: Eggplant Stew with Goat. Taylor's fav: Braised Lamb Shank.
A beautiful setting in an airy restaurant with giant courtyard. Southern Italian cuisine matched with a fab little cocktail bar (the Botanist) sharing the courtyard at this statement restaurant in the heart of Bishop Arts.
Craft cocktails in a moody vintage inspired space with all the houseplants Christine wishes she had, sharing a courtyard with the airy Paradiso restaurant next door.
Pre or Post dinner drinks are always enjoyed here. The snacks are great, the cocktails are even better, and the live music on weekends is always a treat.
Whether for brunch or lunch, a trip to our neighborhood wouldn't be complete without a meal at our favorite eatery. The owners are the best, the vibes are great, the food is clean and healthy and delicious and you feel like family when you're here. It's our favorite for a reason. Go here for brunch or a healthy daytime meal and do yourself a favor - try the vegan sausage. Christine's fav: The Nourish Bowl with a runny egg, or the Breakfast Tacos with Vegan Sausage. Taylor's fav: Yogurt Parfait with a Fresh Beet Juice and side of Vegan Sausage.
Taylor thinks pies are unhealthy and unnecessary but even he can't deny these pies are out of this world. Get yourself a slice, they're open until 11pm and the menu changes seasonally with twists on the classics that you didn't know you needed. The best tho: Chicken Pot Pie, only available on Pie Day, March 14. Christine marks it on her calendar every year and Taylor rolls his eyes and then steals a bite.
Many a Tuesday have been spent here that we have foggy memories of while we play Loteria (Mexican Bingo) and scarf down delicious tacos. These are Tex-Mex style and oh-so-good. Even if you aren't around for a boozy bingo Tuesday night, the vibe is always fun and casual and there's a huge backyard.
A great Barcelona-style tapas bar. We love the paella, boiled octopus, sangria, garlic shrimp - enjoy it inside or out on the patio.
Delicious New American meets Tex Mex eatery. Check it out for dinner or brunch!
Droolworthy authentic Mexican street tacos. Unexpected twist: Get the slider.
Some of the best diner-style vegan & vegetarian food out there - especially the cupcakes and ice cream. Often wins the award for best nachos in Dallas - and yes, they're vegan nachos - and no, it's not the "best vegan nachos" category, it's all nachos.
Bring home a taste of oak cliff from this local chocolate shop. We have some at home at all times. The truffles are fantastic but the dark chocolate pistachio coconut sea salt bark is our obsession. Try a horchata too!
Fantastic authentic Mexican food with La Lucha masks and posters on every inch of the walls. If you want Mexican food, Jefferson Ave is the place to be. Christine’s fav: Pozole soup. Taylor’s fav: Menudo
It’s walking distance from our house and we can hear the elephants from our porch.
The museum does an incredible job breaking down the JFK assassination and is worthy of 2 hours to really take you through the day and the events leading up to and after it.
It's free! Go enjoy a day downtown walking through the Arts Plaza and surrounding Museums
If you're staying downtown or going to the Dallas Art Museum, this is an urban park built on a bridge to connect the 2 sides of downtown and is suspended over the highway running beneath it. You can often catch us doing free yoga in the park on Saturday mornings. It's also the model park for what they are building 3 blocks from our home over the highway near us - it's still a few years from completion, but we can't wait!
If you’re staying in downtown this plaza is worth a visit and is located in the heart of the Dallas Historic District
For anyone making their first trip down and looking for something to do either Friday or Saturday night, the Fort Worth Stockyards offers a Cowboy experience you won't find anywhere in Dallas. Afternoons feature the daily cattle drive around 4pm, or make a night of it and stick around for some classic country music and Two Steppin' at Billy Bobs for a night you're sure to remember and can only find in Texas.