As the leading wholesale marketplace in North America, Dallas Market Center hosts nearly 200,000 visitors from across the country and around the world every year. Not only do we exceed expectations through our open-daily showrooms and legendary gift, home and apparel markets, but we guide our guests to the best experiences in Dallas.
Read on for our top Dallas restaurants and attractions, and enjoy your visit to the Big D!
Top Dallas Restaurants
18th & Vine
It might seem contradictory to serve Kansas City-style barbecue in Dallas, but pitmaster Matt Dallman and award-winning Chef Scott Gottlich have confidence in their part-traditional, part-unexpected menu. Enjoy dishes like BBQ Ham Carbonara and Burnt Ends Queso or a classic 2 ‘Cue Combo Plate in a beautiful Southern setting.
4100 Maple Ave.
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 443-8335
$$
Herrera’s
Classic Tex-Mex is an essential part of the Dallas diet. Fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas, queso, salsa and guacamole round out this very important food group. For quintessential Tex-Mex, visit Herrera’s for all of the above and more, tasting just as deliciosa now as it did back in 1971.
3311 Sylvan Ave.
Dallas, TX 75212
(214) 954-7180
$
Knife
Appropriately billed as a Modern Steakhouse, Knife offers diners a sleek, chic experience. Author and celebrity chef John Tesar elevates both traditional and lesser-known cuts to modern delicacies while paying homage to culinary greats like Éric Ripert on his menu. Lighter fare also satisfies, including classic salads, seafood, risotto and pasta.
5300 E. Mockingbird Ln.
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 443-9339
$$$$ Reservations Recommended
LOCAL
In the bustling section of downtown known as Deep Ellum, you’ll discover more than just nightclubs. LOCAL restaurant is one of the city’s best hidden gems. Start with champagne and an expertly crafted cheese course, move on to a New American creation such as the Braised Silky Syrah Short Rib and finish with one of Chef Tracy Miller’s simply delicious desserts.
2936 Elm Street, #A
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 752-7500
$$$ Reservations Recommended
Maple & Motor
This local favorite is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser for burgers, fries, shakes and brews. Not in the mood for a Texas-style half-pounder? Try a classic BLT, grilled cheese, chicken tenders or even a fried bologna sandwich, a.k.a. “The Flat Hot Dog,” instead.
4810 Maple Ave.
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 522-4400
$
Montlake Cut
Named for a Pacific Northwest waterway, Montlake Cut offers equal parts nostalgia and class. Here, celebrated chef and owner Nick Badovinus creates dishes featuring fresh fish, mussels and oysters aplenty, alongside surprises like King Crab Fried Rice and an Ahi Poke Bowl. Carnivore in your group? They’ll love the Cheddar Burger or Steak Frites.
8220 Westchester Dr.
Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 739-8220
$$$ Reservations Recommended
Môt Hai Ba
Vietnamese for 1-2-3, Môt Hai Ba is anything but basic. With chef Peja Krstic in the kitchen, the dishes served at this small but mighty spot in Dallas’ Lakewood neighborhood are nothing short of a flavor revelation. Don’t miss the Whole Fried Fish or Green Curry Chicken, and never skip an order of anise-scented Donut Holes for dessert.
6047 Lewis St.
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 826-0968
$$$ Reservations Recommended
Sassetta
For gourmet, yet light Italian fare in a cool, fashionable setting, visit Sassetta in the Dallas Design District. Here you’ll find salads, seasonal pastas and pizzas that are not only beautiful to look at, but even better to taste.
1617 Hi Line Dr., #390
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 307-5690
$$
SĒR Steak + Spirits
You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world with the skyline view that SĒR serves up on the 27th floor of the Hilton Anatole hotel. That’s before you even slice into one of the chef’s Cowboy Rib Eyes, Bone-In Filets or K.C. Strips. After your meal, linger over a Texas Pecan Toffee Torte, a Tawny Port and some live piano music.
2201 N. Stemmons Fwy.
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 761-7479
$$$$ Reservations Recommended
Business Casual Dress Code
Sixty Vines
Order up a Pinot, Rosé or Petite Sirah and a handcrafted pie at Sixty Vines, where an eco-friendly system of wines on tap equals fresher pours with less waste. The luckiest of diners are seated both inside and outside on this wine country-inspired restaurant’s patio, complete with a retractable roof.
500 Crescent Court, #160
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 814-8463
$$
Town Hearth
For the ultimate in over-the-top Dallas dining experiences, take your “everything’s bigger” expectations to Town Hearth. At this see-and-be-seen spot, the chandeliers are as jaw dropping as the steaks and you might be served your classic cocktail next to a vintage Ducati or one of the Real Housewives of Dallas.
1617 Market Center Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 761-1617
$$$$ Reservations Recommended
Trompo
When you hear the word trompo, picture delicious meat roasting on a spit. Served in a fresh tortilla, it makes the perfect bite. After all, a taco is only as good as the meat your taquero slices into it. This award-winning restaurant knows the recipe and serves up a satisfying quick meal on #TacoTuesday, or any day the craving hits.
839 Singleton Blvd., #150
Dallas, TX 75212
(972) 809-7950
$
Uchi
Both Big D locals and visitors in-the-know flock to this Mecca of modern Japanese flavor created by chef and owner Tyson Cole. From Foie Gras Nigiri to the Wagyu Beef Hot Rock to Uchi’s signature Fried Milk dessert, every bite is bliss. Plus, the stylish bar features one of the best-kept secrets in Dallas happy hours.
2817 Maple Ave.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 855-5454
$$$ Reservations Recommended
Top Dallas Attractions
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
No matter the season, Dallas’ world-class Arboretum paints Mother Nature in her most beautiful light. The newest addition to the stunning 66-acre expanse at the edge of White Rock Lake is “A Tasteful Place,” featuring a fruit and vegetable garden with incredible views of Downtown Dallas.
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 515-6615
$15 Admission, $9-15 Parking
Community Beer Co.
Seeking some suds? Craft beer is big in Dallas, and Community Beer Co. is a microbrewery you won’t want to miss. Try the Oaked Mosaic, Razzy Wit or Passiflora White IPA, then keep an eye out for the food trucks that roll up regularly to round out the meal.
1530 Inspiration Dr., #200
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 751-7921
Texas Discovery Gardens
Can you keep a secret? Inside Dallas’ historic Fair Park, you’ll find a sparkling glass house surrounded by 7.5 acres of beautiful organic gardens. Step inside the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium at the Texas Discovery Gardens and experience a trip to colorful, fluttering, botanical heaven.
3601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75210
(214) 428-7476
$10 Admission
Dallas Farmers Market
So much more than a roadside stand, the Dallas Farmers Market combines fresh fruits and vegetables with shopping, restaurants and more. Find it all here, from farmers, ranchers, butchers and bakers to gifts, tees, tacos and ice cream.
920 S. Harwood St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 664-9110
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
This striking architectural attraction at the edge of downtown Dallas just happens to have an incredible science museum inside! Discover things you never knew about weather, animals, gemstones, space and even the Earth itself, throughout the Perot’s fascinating, interactive exhibits.
2201 N. Field St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 428-5555
$15 Adult Admission
George W. Bush Presidential Center
Take a mini-trip to Washington, D.C. right here in Dallas at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. This museum houses the former president’s archives, his library, several interactive exhibits, a replica of the Oval Office and a restaurant playfully named Café 43.
2943 SMU Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 200-4300
$19 Adult Admission
The Katy Trail
Looking to get outside and explore Dallas on two feet or four wheels? Run, walk or bike along The Katy Trail, a popular tree-lined path built on a historic railroad line, privately funded and supported by the community.
Trail begins just north of the corner of Houston St. and Lyle St.
(214) 303-1180
Dallas Museum of Art
While you’re Dallas, be sure to visit one of the largest art museums in the country. The Dallas Museum of Art features tens of thousands of works of art within 159,000 square feet of exhibition space. Of particular note is a stunning permanent installation by Dale Chihuly in the sun-splashed DMA Café.
1717 N. Harwood St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 922-1200
Free Admission
Nasher Sculpture Center
Adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art, this can’t-miss modern sculpture showcase includes a unique, tree-filled outdoor courtyard gallery. On any given day, approximately 20 large-scale sculptures from the Patsy and Raymond Nasher collection will be on display.
2001 Flora St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 242-5100
$10 Admission
The Rustic
One of Dallas’ largest indoor-outdoor venues, The Rustic represents a major draw for live music, tasty food and plenty of people watching. Performances include local and national indie bands, as well as big-name acts touring through town.
3656 Howell St.
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 730-0596
Dallas World Aquarium
Fish are just the start. At the Dallas World Aquarium, animals from sea, land and sky live year-round in a dazzling jewel box. Like a mini-rainforest in the middle of a concrete jungle, this attraction allows you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of monkeys and toucans, splashing penguins and, yes, countless species of swimmers.
1801 N. Griffin St.
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 720-2224
$20.95 Adult Admission
Photo credits, from top: Sixty Vines, LOCAL, SĒR Steak + Spirits, Logan Crable, The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, James Coreas