Dallas: Where to Eat, Stay and Play

Lost on where to eat, stay and play in Dallas? I’ve got you covered with all of the top tips, to have you wrangle this surprisingly modern city.

WHERE TO STAY IN DALLAS

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and Dallas mirrors this saying. The modern metropolis covers close to 1000 square metres.

I’ve broken down the areas to stay in, based off why you’re visiting Dallas. You’ll find a hotel recommendation for every budget.

Downtown

Whether it is your first time in Dallas, or you’ve been before, Downtown covers all bases for entertainment, sightseeing, shopping and food.

Omni Dallas Hotel – $$$ – Connected to the Dallas Convention Center, and close to shops and restaurants, The Omni is the star of Downtown’s show.

The Joule Dallas – $$$ – A landmark 1920’s building, known as the cultural epicentre of Downtown. If boutique luxury is on your list, you’ve met your match.

Stay Alfred on Jackson Street – $$ – The best value you will find in Downtown, and a great experience to match.

Uptown

North of Downtown and bordered by Klyde Warren Park, you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants and nightlife surrounding you.

The Ritz – Carlton Dallas – $$$$ – The details define the experience at this grand Uptown property.

Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown – $$$ – An inspiring, boutique experience in the heart of Uptown.

Hyatt House Dallas/Uptown – $$ – If value is top of your list, this is the place to stay in Uptown.

Deep Ellum

Dallas’ eclectic entertainment district, is filled with nightlife, live music and fabulous art.

Deep Ellum Hostel – $ – The best value you will find in central Dallas, in the heart of the most vibrant neighbourhood. A mix of dorms and private rooms.

Design District

As the name suggests, this area is focused on upscale galleries and showrooms, alongside a diverse dining scene.

Hilton Anatole – $$$ – A large resort style experience, and perfect spot to visit the Market Center.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Medical/Market Center – $$ – Walking distance to Market Hall, and arguably the best value in this district.

Dallas Fort Worth

A completely different city to Dallas, and known as, the Texas you want. This is the place to go for all things country and cowboys.

Omni Fort Worth – $$$ – Their motto: a haven in the city of cowboys and culture.

Three Danes Inn – $$ – Located in Fort Worth’s historic south side, immerse yourself in the history of this iconic building.

Arlington

Halfway between Dallas & Forth Worth, being thirty minutes to each city, is Arlington. If you’re here to see the Texas Rangers play at Globe Life Park, the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium or spending the day at Six Flags, you’ll find accommodation nearby to save you commuting.

Aloft Arlington Entertainment District – $$$ – Ideally located in the village, and close by to the Stadium, Ball Park and Six Flags.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Arlington – $$ – If you need to tick the boxes of great value, experience and location, you’ve found it here.

On a tight budget?

Aside from the Deep Ellum Hostel, if you’re on an extreme budget, you might want to check out Air Bnb to see what you can find in these areas, or choose to stay much further out in a chain hotel.

WHERE TO EAT IN DALLAS

Much like every city I have visited in Texas, mouth watering food is one of the highlights of any visit.

You know you haven’t been to Texas until you’ve filled your belly with barbecue. Once you’ve got that under your belt, there are 50 things you should really try in Dallas.

With the culinary scene growing rapidly, Dallas Eater has you covered with the top 38 restaurants, that will tantalise every tastebud.

I got through as many as I could, and these eats made my top five spots to munch.

Pecan Lodge – There is a reason this joint has smoked the competition, their 24/7 manned smokers, deliver the best barbecue you’ll find in the city.

Mia’s Tex – Mex – A Dallas institution since 1981. It’s a no frills kind of place, that happens to serve up the best brisket tacos you’ll ever have.

Town Hearth – If you love over the top, you’ve found your home here. This place is ridiculous and fabulous, all at once. Town Hearth plates up Dallas excess in spades.

Lucia – A small, chef owned Italian restaurant. Good luck getting a reservation, there are only 36 seats. Though you can try your luck on the day with one of four seats at the bar.

Off – Site Kitchen – Craving a burger? Loosen your belt buckle, settle in, and grab yourself a boozie slushie to pair.

WHERE TO PLAY IN DALLAS

You’ve most likely heard of country and cowboys, and if that is what you are after, you’re better off in Fort Worth.

The main sights to see in Dallas are, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza which examines the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, a visit to the grassy knoll, and to pose like a president in the replica Oval office at George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum.

If you’re a sports lover, you definitely want to plan in advance, to see if you can make a game on your visit.

Shopping in Dallas is a sport of its own, it is even home to the flagship Neiman Marcus. Visit Dallas gives you a comprehensive overview of where to shop, depending on your budget.

The city has a multitude of museums, green spaces and even a Six Flags to keep you entertained too.

Any old research will deliver that info in buckets for you, I like to think outside the box when I travel, and show you another side to a city.

If you can line your trip up from late September through October, you can spend a day at the countries largest fair, the Texas State Fair.

Find yourself atop Reunion Tower with a panoramic view over Dallas. You may have read online that you can get a similar view for free at Chase Tower, but it is sadly now closed to the public.

Get to know Dallas by horseback at Texas Horse Park, set deep in the heart of the Great Trinity Forest.

Take advantage of the free and historic trolley on McKinney Ave in Uptown. You could even create your own bar and food crawl by hopping on and off.

Get back to nature with a mindfulness meditation in Klyde Warren Park. Take part in one of the many events at the stunning Dallas Arboretum where you can also catch a concert on a Thursday. Cycle around White Rock Lake. The Katy Trail is another popular choice, with 3.5 miles of trail that weave through a number of the central districts.

Buy yourself some cowboy boots at Wild Bill’s Western Store, and head off for a night of line dancing at Round Up Saloon.

Fancy yourself as a Bonnie & Clyde fan? You can take part in a historical tour that uncovers their lives.

Last but not least, spend the day shopping and eating your way through Bishops Art District. Top off your day with a fun night out, filled with live music, in Deep Ellum.

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