My Favorite Neighborhoods in Dallas

Dallas is a very large city, and while distances can look small on a map, there’s quite a bit of driving required to see a lot of the city. If you’re coming here for work or a short trip, or simply looking for a new neighborhood to explore one Saturday, here’s a list of some of my favorite neighborhoods, and why I like each of them, including my top recommendations for what to do, see, and eat there.

Historic Downtown Dallas

The historic district of downtown Dallas is pretty walkable and there are several great hotels and restaurants I would recommend staying at or visiting for food and drinks.

Do/See/Shop

The Thompson Dallas is one of my favorite places to visit, hands-down. The Thompson brand is always a favorite, and they always deliver with stunning rooftop bars. Definitely check out the shopping and gorgeous flower shop in the first floor lobby of the Thompson at the National here in Dallas.

Plus, the Thompson has several rooftops. First there’s Catbird at on the 9th floor with a gorgeous art deco interior, insta-worthy food and drinks, and a great rooftop setting for those who don’t like to be up too high. I’d head here for evening drinks and people watching on the newly-updated patio, or stay head inside for swanky drinks in an ultra-classy retro setting.

Kessaku at the top of the Thompson, however, is by far my favorite place to drink in Dallas. I take every visitor I have to the rooftop “speakeasy.”. Not only is their limited Sushi and desert menu delightful, but when you check in for your reservation in the lobby you are handed a small glass of bubbles to enjoy while the express elevator whisks you up to the 50th floor. Then the adventure begins, you must bypass Monarch restaurant (and I do mean skip it, we found the food menu disappointing, though the tables by the windows are tempting for their romantic views) walk up the stairs to the top of the building and enter into the Kessaku lounge where you will be enveloped in rich velvets and low lighting. The 360* views of Dallas take the spotlight as your backdrop. While you are dining, you are encouraged to take a walk around the perimeter of the building in the comfort of a glass walled hallway. You’ll be in one of the tallest buildings in downtown, see planes lining up for both DFW and DAL airports, and look down upon Reunion Tower, AT&T square Thanks-Giving park, and what feels like an endless Texas horizon.

Plus if you’re staying at The Thompson or in the historic downtown district, try brunch at Little Daisy. It is one of the newer restaurants next to Catbird on the 9th floor. This modern Parisian outlet offers a delicious food and beverage menu in an IG-ready setting. I had too much fun while there last time and neglected to take any photos–but here’s more on their IG.

I’m not usually so into hotels, but Downtown Dallas is ripe with great hotels that deliver on both beautiful rooms as well as great food, drinks, and even shopping. The Adolphus is visually stunning–inside and out. It has some classic elements like a tea room and Beaux Arts architecture, but also modern and even playful areas like the social lobby bar and the funky Rodeo Bar. I love getting drinks at the French Room Bar and the Adolphus rooftop pool, while small, is a wonderful place to spend a few hours after getting a spa treatment at their chic in-house spa.

They’re often doing fun pop-ups here, so it is worth checking out the events schedule.

More to do/see/shop downtown

Other than posting up at a rooftop pool or hotel bar, there are a few more fun things I like to do while Downtown Dallas.

Walk the streets and admire the architecture, here’s a suggested route from Visit Dallas
Visit Pegasus City Brewing for drinks and games
Spend an hour riding the full route of the adorable vintage restored M-Line Trolley (you pay what you would like to donate)
For just a little while longer, shop at the iconic Neiman Marcus downtown
Hang out in AT&T Plaza or stroll down Akard Street to view the Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive statues
I haven’t been yet, but visiting Ginger’s in the Main Street District is also high on my list for “downtown Dallas.”
And it isn’t exactly right downtown, but I always enjoy strolling the Dallas Farmer’s Market on the weekends, and shops nearby

Bishop Arts District

The Bishops Art District is my favorite neighborhood just a 10-15 minute drive southeast of Downtown Dallas. There are amazing little shops, restaurants, a jazz bar, and many fun mural walls worth visiting for the IG photos. Plus, my favorite restaurant and patio of all of Dallas is here: Paradiso.

Things to Do/See/Shop in Bishop Arts

There are also some really great activities perfect for couples, individuals, and even large groups in Bishop Arts:

Make your own Gin at Lucky Gin Bar (for groups up to 15)
Get your nails done at the adorable Le Fruit
Take a pottery throwing class at Pottery for the People
Do a food and walking tour
See live Jazz at Reveler’s Hall (plus they have great food and drinks)
Stroll the streets and stop to shop at:
- The “made by Texas women” shop Mosaic Makers Collective
- Fun and quirky Urban Owl
Get matching permanent jewelry at Mod & Jo
Party late nights at Ladylove Lounge & Sound

Eat in Bishop Arts

So I mentioned above Bishop Arts is home to my favorite Italian restaurant in DFW, Paradiso, but there are a few more options. Be sure to make reservations and avoid wait times–these places are popular!

Brunch, lunch or dinner on the dog-friendly patio at Paradiso Dallas, an American/Italian restaurant with beautiful decor inside and out, and they have a dog-friendly patio
Experience authentic Turkish food in a gorgeous remodeled mansion at The Mayor’s House by Selda
Grab late night drinks at Mediterranean Casablanca or the gorgeous Bar Eden Lounge
Enjoy healthier, seasonal dishes at Michelin-mentioned Written by the Seasons
Dig into fantastic donuts at The Salty (don’t miss their great mural in the parking lot)
Enjoy two of my favorite things at Taco y Vino

Deep Ellum

Located just a few minutes east of the historic downtown district, Deep Ellum is a bit on the “rougher” side of Dallas meaning, the streets get pretty rowdy at night, there are many places to get a tattoo, and there are some great clubs here. But Deep Ellum has a broad, incredible jazz history and so much to do, eat, see, and explore. Plus, two of my favorite BBQ restaurants in Dallas are here–Pecan Lodge and Terry Black’s BBQ.

Do/see/shop Deep Ellum

The vibrant neighborhood of Deep Ellum has plenty to keep you busy day and night. Some of the most fun activities we’ve done include:

Pedego Dallas e-bike Taco tour of Dallas (scroll midway down the page to find info about this tour), it is a blast and we learned so much about Dallas!
Shop at: Uncommon James, Patagonia, Jade & Clover, and Add Vintage
Try some of the local brews and play yard games at Deep Ellum Brewing Co
Enjoy the dueling pianos at Louie Louie’s
Devour some deep fried food and possibly catch live jazz at Bucky Moonshine’s — a true experience!
Catch a live concert at The Factory
See standup at the Dallas Comedy Club
Party all night with live music and DJ’s at The Nines

Where to Eat in Deep Ellum

We love to eat BBQ in Deep Ellum! Terry Black’s is my favorite BBQ in all of Texas, and worth a visit!
Plus there’s also Pecan Lodge which is one of Dallas’ most award-winning joints with a great patio and live music

Other Dallas Neighborhoods & Mentions

This area will continue to grow and evolve, but for the moment, here are some of my other favorite places to visit around Dallas, listed from north to south.

University Park/Highland Park

Shop for designer brands at the beautiful outdoor Highland Park Village
Shop indoors at the luxury mall NorthPark Center and don’t forget to grab lunch, dinner, or a picnic to go from Eataly
Take a French detour and visit one of the iconic Dallas Rise Soufflé

White Rock

Get out in nature at the Dallas Arboretum for a morning or afternoon with seasonal displays and activities–be sure to check their calendar
Take a sunset cruise around White Rock Lake on The Spirit of Dallas and enjoy a tranquil sail around one of the many manmade Texas lakes

Knox/Henderson

Spend an afternoon shopping, drinking and eating at the Restoration Hardware Rooftop Restaurant
Get drinks or a fun lunch on the Patio at Chelsea Corner then wander through the home decor shops nearby
Wander through some of the best vintage clothing and decor at Martini Consignment and Consignment Heaven
Book an incredible Japanese dinner at Tei Tei Robata Bar
Park and start the Katy Trail from this side to walk into downtown

Oak Lawn and Uptown

The best steakhouse in all of Dallas (according to me) is Al Biernat’s — there are locations in Oak Lawn and North Dallas and both are worth a visit
Get tasty baked goods to go at San Martin Bakery or stay for brunch
Pretend that you’ve sailed off to Capri for lunch and build your own spritz at insta-ready Lyla
No trip to Dallas is complete without a trip to the Katy Trail Ice House (get there early or wait in long lines on sunny weekends) for people/game watching and lots of happy people drinking on patios with their dogs
Visit Uchi for delightful sushi and great daily happy hour from 4-6 pm
Drop by Eatzi’s Market and Bakery for pre-made meals, amazing fresh-baked bread and treats, and a great selection of wine to eat back home or at the park

Victory Park/Arts District

Looking for some art appreciation? The Dallas Museum of Art is free–but reserving your time slot is recommended
Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science during the day–or in April through October visit after hours during “On Tap,” with live music, food trucks, and drinks for 21+ every Thursday night from 6-10 pm
Visit one of my favorite rooftops for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at The Henry
Enjoy a creative take on southern food and drinks at Yardbird then head across the street to Klyde Warren
Take a stroll through Klyde Warren Park — an iconic park right above the freeway with frequent pop-ups, concerts, and happenings

The Design District

Want to learn something new together? Take a themed cooking class at The Cookery Dallas — book from their schedule or schedule a private event in the Design District

Outside of Dallas: The Fort Worth Stockyards

If you’re looking to escape the big city and enjoy the most country DFW vibes, then look no further than the Fort Worth Stockyards. They’re about a 45-minute drive east of Dallas, but if you’re looking to visit the world’s largest honky tonk, take your drinks with you on the streets, and shop at some of the best western and boot shops in all of DFW, you may want to consider Fort Worth and the Stockyards.

Here are some of my favorite things around the Stockyards. We’ve yet to watch the bulls “run” the street (the cattle drive takes place daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. along East Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District). It’s more of a cattle stroll than a stampede so very family friendly and fun to see the longhorns up close. If you don’t make it for the rodeo or the cattle drive, you can always take a photo with a docile Texas Longhorn along East Exchange Avenue.

Outside of Dallas: Magnolia Market & The Silos

OK, so if you and the girls are into Fixer Upper or Chip and Joanna, why not take a little 1.5 hour drive down to Waco to spend half a day exploring the Magnolia empire? Half a day is really all you need, so Magnolia can be an easy partial-day trip from DFW. To note–none of the Magnolia shops or restaurants are open on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

I like to get up early and get down to Waco, have breakfast at Magnolia Table, then head to the Silos and Market for shopping and cupcakes for the drive home, have lunch at 1928, then do a tour of Fixer Upper homes (if I’m with a real enthusiast) or just head back home mid-afternoon.