Let’s be realistic. The second I start planning a trip somewhere I am immediately looking for food, checking Food Network reruns for the ooey-gooiest cheesiest items I can shove in my mouth. These are some of my favorite must eat Dallas restaurants.
As the fourth most populous metro area in the U.S., planning what to eat during a trip to Dallas can be overwhelming! There are so many choices. We steer you in the right direction with a few of our must eat in Dallas spots. We hit on everything from Southern food to bbq to healthy choices.
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Airport Food: Better in Texas!
I know, I know you’re shaking your head at me saying “Seriously, she’s leading off with airport food? Time to click elsewhere!”. But wait! I swear Dallas Love Field has some great food. Home to Sky Cannon by Stephan Pyles you can eat food by a great Dallas chef without ever leaving the airport. Chef Pyles has won a AAA Five Diamond Award as well as a James Beard Award for Best Chef. Everything on the menu is great but I would highly recommend the Shrimp and Grits. Enjoy them at the bar with a Texas whiskey while you wait for your flight.
Read more: Explore some of our favorite things to do in Dallas.
Family Style Restaurant in Greater Dallas
Traveling for business frequently I always ask accounts for their recommendations for food. One account said to me “You have to go to Babe’s Chicken Dinner House!”. There was one nearby so I headed right over for lunch.
Let me set the scene for you. It’s me, solo. They sit me at a long picnic style table. At Babe’s you specify what meat you’d like (Hickory Smoked Chicken, Fried Chicken, Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken Finger, Catfish, Ribs at some locations) and the sides (biscuits, salad, beans, mashed potatoes, corn) come family style. I ordered Hickory Smoked Chicken and it became very clear when my food arrived that it was my first visit to Babe’s.
In addition to my plate which had three GIANT pieces of chicken, they brought out all the sides individually. So there I was by myself with one plate and five sides in front of me. Awkward. The taste though- WOW! Babe’s has become one of my very favorites although I don’t go there by myself anymore. There is takeout available which I highly recommend if you are solo and want to try it. Babe’s is a small family operated chain with 9 locations in the DFW area. We have driven 6 hours round trip for a Dallas day trip and to eat at Babe’s.
No Menu Needed in Ft. Worth
Joe T. Garcia’s is everything that is right about Texas dining. Casual, on the patio, and filled with great margaritas. I have been here with friends, clients, and coworkers. It’s always a great choice and a delicious one. They are a James Beard Award winning restaurant.
Don’t like a lot of choice’s? Great Joe T’s is your spot. For dinner service you won’t get a menu because there are two choices- cheese enchiladas or fajitas which come in chicken or beef. Either choice is a solid one! Not jazzed about either of those items? Come at lunch and order from a larger menu.. Joe T’s is the perfect spot to sit and catch up with friends on the patio on a gorgeous Texas evening. It is also located close to the Stockyards and Billy Bob’s – The World’s Largest Honky Tonk so you can cover a lot of ground.
Life Changing Burgers and Cheese Fries
Here’s the deal. I found Rodeo Goat by accident. It had been a long day and the Dallas location is across from the Doubletree that I like to stay at for work. Too lazy to drive anywhere and deal with traffic and parking I dragged myself across the street. It was life changing. Not only is Rodeo Goat delicious but they’re creative and run great specials. Plus, their beer game is on point. I have referred friend after friend here. My husband and his paramedic coworkers hit it up and loved it when they were in town for a conference. I’ve taken my boss here, my bosses boss here. So far no one has been disappointed.
There are now several locations in the greater Dallas area including Dallas, Ft Worth and Plano. I have a deep love for their Chaca Oaxaca burger which combines several of my foodie crushes (chorizo, avocado and fried eggs). My husband thinks the Hot Bastard is amazing (habanero cheddar, fresno peppers, and fresno aioli). Everyone should try the Steaming Pile which can only be described as tater tots at their absolute peak. You don’t have to be a carnivore to eat here either. All burgers can be switched out for an Impossible Burger or a Vegan Black Bean patty.
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Healthy Food Option in Dallas
As a traveler with some food sensitivities and restrictions, eating out can be a little tiring. Some days I just want to grab food and go back to my hotel room but I want it to be healthy. This is where Snap Kitchen comes into my Dallas area food recommendations. Snap Kitchen sells portioned nutritionally balanced food. It comes in containers that you can heat and eat. I’ll often buy my lunch, dinner and breakfast for the next day there. Most locations in Dallas are inside of Whole Foods making parking free and convenient.
Favorites of mine include their Red & Green Salad, the Crispy Salmon, and their Deconstructed Spring Roll. In recent years Snap Kitchen has started online meal box delivery. I would highly recommend them.
Where do you eat in Dallas? I’d love for you to chime in in the comments below with your favorites!
Looking for more Dallas area vacation ideas? We’ve got you covered.
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Adrienne says
Eating is the most exciting part of any trip! Did I say that out loud? Ok, good I just typed it in here in the comments section. 😉 Couldn’t agree more – great post for those of us traveling to TX this spring.
Vivian says
Food is first for my husband and me too, no matter where we’re going. We live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, though, so this list is great for us on date nights.
Zequek Estrada says
I might be going to visit my sister in Texas and Joe T Garcia’s sounds like it has delicious food. I love trying out restaurants while in new areas. Trying new food is an adventure.