Insider’s Guide to DFW

Dallas-Fort Worth is often pegged for having horse riding, “y’all” saying, big hair wearing folks. But visitors are often thrown a curveball, when they find troves of suave eateries and shops that offer up more than just cowboy boots. To help jumpstart your time in the Metroplex, here’s a little local guidance to help you navigate your way around town.

DFW Drinks:

Casual Coffee // Ascension

When to go: Go for morning coffee, stay for evening wine
What to do: Sip on said coffee and wine, while trying out some great bites
Where it is: Design District, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: Word on the street is, they have great hummus

Mid-Day Mixer // Texas Truck Yard

When to go: Perfect for that afternoon pick-me-up
What to do: Enjoy a beverage at this come-as-you-are watering hole
Where it is: Lower Greenville, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: Traveling with your pup? Bring Fido along – all dogs welcome

Long Day Cool Down // Katy Trail Ice House

When to go: Make a whole day out of it, or jump start your evening under the stars
What to do: Everything’s bigger in Texas, the schooners at Ice House are proof
Where it is: Uptown, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: Line can get long at times. Try to head there early (talkin’ around noon or so), if you’re going during the day on the weekend.

Evening Tunes // Scat Jazz Lounge

When to go: Post-dinner hangout
What to do: Tap your toes all night to the lively beat of live jazz music
Where it is: Sundance Square, Fort Worth
Local Pro Tip: Look for the sign in the alley, and be sure not to skip over the elevator

Crafty Cocktails // Black Swan Saloon

When to go: Evenings you feel like a low-key libation
What to do: They’re most widely known for their infused liquors, take your pick
Where it is: Deep Ellum, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: You won’t want to miss their rarely-spoken-about back patio

DFW Eats:

What you want, delivered to your door // UberEATS

When to order: Available from 8am – 2am
What to do: Download the UberEATS app and order away
Where it is: Available in Dallas proper, see if you’re staying in the service area here
Local Pro Tip: If you’re new to UberEATS, use code EXPLOREDALEATS for $10 off your first meal

Brunchin’ Right // Brewed

When to go: Morning breakfast
What to do: No matter what you order from their menu, you’re going to be full, happy, and ready to conquer the day
Where it is: Magnolia Street, Fort Worth
Local Pro Tip: All we can say is, this is a must if you’re in Funky Town

Music Madness // The Rustic

When to go: Breakfast, lunch, dinner… there’s something for everyone
What to do: Rally the troops, listen to live tunes, and indulge in good eats
Where it is: Uptown, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: They have “adult” popsicles

Pies, Pies, Pies // Emporium Pies

When to go: That moment you need to feed your sweet tooth
What to do: Homemade pies, need we say more?
Where it is: Bishop Arts, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: The apple pie. The apple pie with ice cream. You have to

Neapolitan Nibbles // Cane Rosso

When to go: Pizza is always a good idea
What to do: Try out every type of pizza you could ever dream of
Where it is: Deep Ellum, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: On Wednesday nights, walk right on in with your own bottle of wine

Rooftop Vibes // HG Sply Co.

When to go: Evening sunset
What to do: Eat simple, clean food and sip classic cocktails, with the Dallas skyline as your backdrop
Where it is: Lower Greenville, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: The rooftop is a must-see, and offers a special menu of food

DFW To-Dos:

Tee Up // Top Golf

When to go: Feel like channeling your inner-Spieth? He’s from Texas, ya know
What to do: #Sports! Think of a driving range but add food and drinks and way more fun
Where it is: Lake Highlands, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: Long wait? Kill time with a round of putt-putt or hit the batting cages until it’s your time to shine

Outside Things // White Rock Lake

When to go: Anytime the sun is up
What to do: Walk around, bike around, paddle board around, lay around, be around this lake in the middle of Dallas
Where it is: East Dallas
Local Pro Tip: Let your adventurous side out by renting kayaks or stand-up paddle boards here

Park It // Klyde Warren Park

When to go: Time to enjoy the outdoors
What to do: The park offers fitness classes, food trucks, and so much room for activities
Where it is: Downtown, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: As long as you purchase it on the premise, you can drink wine on the lawn

Wild, Wild, West // Stock Yards

When to go: Mid-afternoon
What to do: This historic area of town will take you back in time to the days of gun-slingin’, boot wearin’, cattle movin’ cowboys
Where it is: Stock Yards, Fort Worth
Local Pro Tip: You’re welcome to walk around this part of town with open beverages – you can thank us later

Keep it Fresh // Dallas Farmers Market

When to go: When you need that extra breath of fresh air
What to do: Meet and admire local artisans in the 26,000 square foot hall
Where it is: Downtown/Deep Ellum, Dallas
Local Pro Tip: You’ll want to bring some cash along with you, for when you find that item you just can’t live without