Juicy steaks, BBQ ribs and of course, chili – there's no shortage of choice when it comes to eating out in Dallas, so long as you like your supper big and meaty. Big D is also a good place to try Tex-Mex cuisine – neighboring New Mexico claims to have invented it but Texans say it was then. Either way, don't leave without tasting some.
The restaurants below have been grouped into three different price categories:
Expensive (over US$50)
Moderate (US$30 to US$50)
Cheap (up to US$30)
These prices are for dinner for two people, excluding tax, alcohol or tips. In general, there is a sales tax of 8.25% added to restaurant bills. However, in reality, this tax varies and some restaurants only add the tax to either food or drink. Tipping of between 15 and 20% is expected and in some restaurants this may be added to the bill.
Expensive
Abacus
Cuisine: Asian-influenced American cuisineArguably one of Dallas' most sophisticated restaurants, Abacus doesn't come cheap but what you get tastes seriously good. Food is cooked in an open kitchen and the menu is heavy on meat, although there are some excellent pasta and fish options. The best part though, is the cleverly edited (and very extensive) wine list.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 559 3111.
Website: http://www.kentrathbun.com/abacus/dallas
Fearing’s
Cuisine: AmericanLocated inside the Ritz Carlton hotel, Fearing's is Dallas at its most Dynasty – and is usually awash with oil barons and cowboys who have made a killing. As a result, the food is souped-up Americana – think buffalo in place of beef and the best fried chicken on the planet. Check out the El Diablo bar next door too.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 922 4848.
Website: http://www.fearingsrestaurant.com
Flora Street Cafe
Cuisine: South-westernRun by local chef Stephan Pyles, Flora Street serves a modern take on Texan food alongside classic south-western dishes. Located inside a chic glass and wood cube-style building, highlights include the butternut squash salad and the lobster tamale pie. For those who want to try everything, there's a tasting menu. Don't forget to try one or some of the cocktails either.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 580 7000.
Website: http://www.florastreet.com
Moderate
HG Sply Co.
Cuisine: PaleoThe menu might be based on the ultra-fashionable Paleo diet but there's nothing dull about the food at HG Sply Co. Think lots of nuts, seeds, meat and vegetables – but transformed into tasty dishes such as quinoa burgers, pulled pork tacos and a filling grains and greens salad. The décor is quirkily cool to boot.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 469 334 0896
Website: http://www.hgsplyco.com
La Duni
Cuisine: Latin AmericanTrying to ignore the front table and glass case filled with lavish sweets is impossible, but save those for last. First, savour the grilled Argentinian-style Picanha steak with chimichurri mojo or the Brazilian-style roasted chicken. Wash it down with a mint-infused mojito – they're the best in town.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 520 7300.
Website: http://www.laduni.com
Primo's Tex-Mex Grille
Cuisine: Tex MexOne of the best places in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for Tex-Mex food; the tasty fare and the lovely lakeside location make it worth the 40 mile drive from Dallas. Highlights include the avocado enchiladas and the corn tortilla soup – although there are burgers and steaks for the meat-minded.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 972 226 8100.
Website: http://www.primosdallas.com
Cheap
Maple & Motor
Cuisine: AmericanA real old-fashioned burger joint, Maple & Motor specializes in fully loaded burgers – think a fat patty topped with cheese, bacon, grilled onions, jalapeno and a fried egg to boot. You won't be able to get your mouth round it but it will taste oh-so good. The nursery-style sides include tater tots and onion rings, while the drink of choice is ice cold beer.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 522 4400.
Website: http://www.mapleandmotor.com
Rodeo Goat
Cuisine: AmericanCheap and cheerful but, as they say in Texas, darn tasty. Rodeo Goat is a quirkily named burger joint that makes its own organic beef patties from scratch and serves them up with a variety of calorific accompaniments – think freshly-made fries and 'Texas caviar' (pickled black-eye peas salad).
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 741 4628.
Website: http://www.rodeogoat.com
Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse
Cuisine: BBQThe first Sonny Bryan's opened in 1910 and the menu hasn't changed much since – although that's all to the good. Expect every sort of BBQ meat imaginable, along with classic sides such as ranch beans and potato salad all served up ranch style. Puddings include old-fashioned sweet treats such as cheesecake.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 744 1610.
Website: http://www.sonnybryans.com
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