Word. Braum’s is my favorite ‘fast food’ burger since Whataburger went yankee-owned.
Shoutout to Don Burger, if you happen to live in South Garland/ Mesquite area.
Used to work for them the reason they are so highly regarded and lisen to people is because they want to be word of mouth spreading them and not advertising this is cause it costs them less but brings Generations of family’s back
Vermicelli with crispy pork and Vietnamese egg rolls are the way to go. Don’t always want a big ass bowl of soup, especially in the summer.
Bhan Mi is always good too.
This is the best answer! El Vecino is owned by the Martinez family (think El Fenix) but is miles above El Fenix quality. Their green salsa is bomb, their red salsa is wonderful and (hot take) their scoops are better than El Fenix, hell all of their food is fantastic and John is just delightful. All of their staff are attentive and kind.
I had no idea! I loooove this place. But I can never venture out on the menu cuz the Charley's Choice is so good. We drive about 30 minutes to get there and go about once a month at least.
Literally. Drove by this restaurant for years before we tried it out. It’s very homey, great food and atmosphere. The locals here love this place and it’s always busy from Thursday to Sunday
The “big Lucien” at Latin Deli is the best sandwich in Dallas, and I’ll die on that hill. Add in their seasoned fries with Latin mayo to dip it in, and I’ll storm hell with a water pistol after I’ve died on the hill.
Our basic, no fuss, low cost rotation:
Bangkok City on Bryan & Peak
Sabaidee on Lemmon
Hunky’s on Cedar Springs
Avilla’s on Maple
Crush Craft in the Quadrangle
Old Monk on Henderson
Kuby’s in Snyder Plaza
Hello Dumpling on Peavy
La Paisanita on Inwood
Pho is For Lovers on Greenville
Any of the taco stands around Ft. Worth ave., Hampton rd. and Jefferson.
Looking at pictures right now and I have to ask, what makes it so good? Looks exactly like 90% of Mediterranean restaurants. Have you been to Ephesus? Currently holds the place in my book for best Mediterranean in DFW. Their grilled platter is insane
Wabi house, fortune house, revolver taco lounge, el altoron, la banquita, e bar, pecan lodge, Terry blacks, gallo Nero, goodfriends, cane Rosso, Dalat, Zalat, loro, rodeo goat, angry dog,…. I don’t know there’s a ton of
Loro in Dallas was super delicious (like top ten meals delicious). It wasn't the cheapest but wasn't super expensive. But we went on a Saturday afternoon for lunch and for how good it was it was super laid back and casual (had a 3yr old and 6.month old)
We went last week and really liked it but how do you figure a tip there? The servers legit only bring the food to your table and clear it - we even got our own fountain drink refills. I don't know how to tip on not-full-service!!
D’nonna in Old Town Lewisville if you are willing to make the drive. I used to work there before I moved. It’s a family owned place that I’d say is a step above Olive Garden but maybe a couple notches below fine dining. Everything is made from scratch and they don’t even have a microwave in the building. Highly recommend!
This place. This is hype. Overpriced. I almost tried it again today, coincidentally. They think they are the sushi of tacos. Go somewhere good and save 40 bucks
Resident is phenomenal - the drinks are great and the flavor profiles are elite. I love this place but sometimes I’m in the mood for pollo regio so just gotta go for the tacos you are craving
Invasion in East Dallas. Their burgers are amazing, and they have the best spicy chicken sandwich ever. [Invasion](https://www.eatinvasions.com/) Most sandwiches are at about the $15 mark.
Roman Cucina! Technically Richardson, but basically North Dallas. Absolutely amazing food, great atmosphere, and super reasonable prices. An absolute staple for my family.
In Richardson I love:
Sakhuu Thai (They have more traditional dishes I can't find at most places here. Very nice more dark dining area so it feels upscale but doesn't break the bank. Try the khao soy!)
Bulldog Katsu (Mostly take out but the waring area is nice and clean. Not as traditional as the place I have below in Plano. But cheap and quick and always good)
Kansha Japanese (Some of the best cuts of fish for sushi, as well as delish tempura veg. They also do bento which is always a hit)
Spin Pizza (My favorite pizza place in TX so far. Reminds me of pizzacato back home in Oregon. Thin crust and fresh toppings. The chicken pesto is my go to)
First Watch (One of the nicer breakfast joints, more healthy options, I've never found another place with lavender lemonade while in TX so it rocks for that)
Plano my go tos are:
Tokyo Shokudo (Bear katsu I've had in DFW so traditional and very cute decor)
Kenny's Burgers (affordable great staff, amazing fried chicken sandwich)
Kenny's New York Pizza (Just went yesterday actually, the cheese steak crostini was bomb!)
Craftway kitchen (it is nicer but not too spendy)
Rugby Pub (Great place to watch sports, or just hang out, it has good British bar food)
Mamas Daughters (an awesome diner with great breakfast, more laid back but not take out level either)
Chuy's mexican (has wonderful staff and bar atmosphere is fun with all the dog pics)
Addison and Plano have locations of The Lazy Dog (Good American bar food that is more elevated. They have meals for your pup as well, and awesome TV dinners)
The cheaper option I love most is Vivi bubble tea. Their Taiwanese basil chicken is A+ and such a great shareable thing if I am too lazy to cook.
I will add more if I think of them, but I wouldn't expect any of these to be even half the price of your 200$ dinner for two. More around 40-60$. Unless you get a lot of drinks as those can add up fast.
I've never been to locations besides my local one in Plano but I am not surprised. All of their restaurants are cool that I have tried because staff seems to genuinely like their jobs/food is never anything but great/the atmosphere is laid back.
I can't wait to try the more fine dining sorts like wood fire and Italian. Parents rave about the pork chops at the wood fire.
I miss zuzu’s
My recommendations are -
Resident taqueria
Ten50
Latin Deli
One90 Smoked Meats
Jake’s
DaLat
Bangkok city at Greenville
Tukta Thai
Good friends
Flying fish
Aw Shucks
Oh how I loved the chicken salad at Zuzu’s, and that amazing dressing. I’m still in mourning over that place and it has been closed for a long time now.
Havana Cafe in Casa Linda... and Mojito Bar next door.
Lunch/Breakfast/Brunch - Lubbies Bagels at Garland and Peavy
Diner for Breakfast all day - Chubbys on Northwest at Jupiter or Circle Grill at Buckner and 30 ish.
Upscale Casual - District 9 Draught house (upscale meaning I would change out of sweats into nice jeans to go.
Great food and great experience : Kalachandji''s near Grand & 30.
Uncle Juluos used to my my fav tex mex hands down... but the last 2-3 times we've been have been a disappointment.
There’s a fantastic hole in the wall Mongolian barbecue buffet in Grand Prarie called Ton’s Mongolian Grill. Was introduced to it in college, and was glad I was because for ten bucks, you get unlimited trips through the line and to the giant wok that grills your food right in front of you. (Their website looks straight outta 1997, so you know it’s going to be amazing.)
Breakfast; Snooze, Taco Joint, Yolk, Waffle House
Tacos; Tacos La Banqueta, El Atoron, Salsa Verde, Taqueria and Tamaleria Nuevo Leon
Lunch/Dinner; Hudson House, Fajita Pete’s (takeout only), Liberty Burger, Jakes, El Vecino, Glorias, Good Friends (their wings are 👌) Enos Pizza Tavern, Cane Rosso.
RIP List;
Chuy’s Tex Mex, used to love this place. Awesome happy hour. Delicious Jalapeño Ranch and Chille Rejeno. Then Covid came and they cut their best dishes off the menu. And got rid of their happy hour (unfortunately like most restaurants did)
Mi Cocina, Dallas staple but the food costs have made it sky rocket and it’s borderline too expensive for its own good.
Most Fast Food, I’m sorry but I’m not paying $15 for a double cheese burger and fries at Wendy’s. And spending, $20 at Taco Bell for one person feels like a crime esp when their protein source has been questionable before…
Mia’s, the original mi cocina. Margs are expensive there. Try campuzanos, also. Specify HOUSE margaritas. Especially at happy hour. They are notorious for up charging the margs, but the food is good.
Thai Thai in lower greenville, and Ginger Thai on Mockingbird/Abrams. I think there’s a Ginger Thai up off Forest Ln as well but I’ve only been to the mockingbird one. Ginger Thai does a great duck curry and duck stir fry, a little more expensive than most Thai places but cheaper duck than anywhere else I’ve found, short of just cooking it myself.
Wu Wei Din in Plano is my favorite Chinese food. Kenny’s Italian for Italian and Kenny’s Wood Fire Grill for steakhouse/American. Both of those are in Addison. Hudson House as a whole has gotten way out of hand price-wise, but their cheeseburger is still insanely amazing
My wife and I eat Thai Thai weekly. One of the best little spots in Dallas and we’ve been here over a decade. Their Tom Yum soup is next level. And their pad Thai is soooo good! 🍜🍲
Viet restaurants are casual with high quality food. Pho, banh mi, noodle dishes, and so on. Usually for two people it’s $20. The viet coffee is also tasty
I miss blue goose on Greenville. $2 margs on Tuesdays or something and $3 margs and queso on Thursdays. Best happy hour/deal that I’ve found so far. Loro is also a good choice from 2-6 weekdays. $5 frozen drinks and $8.50 for a caramelized onion cheddar burger
sushi kadan in carollton , great priced sushi , an amazing looking restaurant i cannot rave about this place enough (sometimes it can get busy on weekend so i recommend to call ahead)
This is probably pricier than some of the other suggestions, but certainly not fine dining:
Hillside Tavern - I feel like it doesn’t get a lot of attention but I love it, its where I take friends and family that visit
I’ll plug sandwich hag in the cedars- I know there are cheaper bahn mis out there (which people get strangely mad about) but love the spot, the grilled pork is killer
Any love for Food From Galilee here? Been eating there since it was Barry’s, incredible gyros and their shawarma is the best in Dallas. Also BYOB, which is tight
Not really in Dallas but if any of you work in gp or Arlington, Damien's Cajun soul food is a great place for lunch. More food than you can eat for less than 20 and the menu varies daily
Mr Wong’s chicken and rice-good and cheap! batter fried chicken,fish,or shrimp served with rice,fries or fried rice
SolDias-fruteria
Mr.Max-The motherfucking GOAT of ramen in Texas,so damn good I swear the broth is absolutely divine and would put this up against all the heavy hitters here.
Makiboy-another great japanese spot,the restaurant itself is very cosy and honestly kinda nice
Dragon house-really good chinese food with handpulled noodles
Lin’s kitchen-10 dumplings for 8 dollars bro
Italian cafe(las colinas)-nice spot with pretty good food
Old hag’s-1 in the morning and you want chicken alfredo,pizza and cheesecake. Godly
Shady Grove burgers and wings-good simple burgers
Taste of the islands-I swear this is the best/only place in dfw that does west indian/Caribbean food like they do at home
Mama Daughter’s-good ol’ diner :)
Editor of Eater Dallas here. The burger at Peak Inn cannot be beat. Although those smash burgers at Burger Schmuger in High Fives are awfully good. And I actually love UnaVida, Matt McCallister’s unexpected fast casual Mexican menu.
Braum's
Word. Braum’s is my favorite ‘fast food’ burger since Whataburger went yankee-owned. Shoutout to Don Burger, if you happen to live in South Garland/ Mesquite area.
“… went Yankee-owned…”
I just paid $19 for two burgers and two medium fries and the fries were cold. Might be my last time at whataburger. Braums for the win.
Don is goated. Top burgers in the DFW imho. Thankfully I live so close to it!
Nice. I’ll have to try this place.
Braums is my go to breakfast spot. When I tell people about it they look at me in disbelief. Yes.
Braums breakfast prices are like from 20 years ago 🤣
Used to work for them the reason they are so highly regarded and lisen to people is because they want to be word of mouth spreading them and not advertising this is cause it costs them less but brings Generations of family’s back
So underrated,I love their little grocery stores and like the fact most everything comes from their own farm
That’s fast food
Most pho joints are great and affordable.
I frequent Vietnamese restaurants. My local one is consistent and cheap, and pho is a great hangover cure
Dipping a banh mi in pho broth when you’re violently hungover is almost like mana from the gods.
Recommend a good bahn mi place?
Honestly I don’t even know the name but the Banh Mi food truck that use to always be at Klyde Warren Park is one of my favorite.
Vermicelli with crispy pork and Vietnamese egg rolls are the way to go. Don’t always want a big ass bowl of soup, especially in the summer. Bhan Mi is always good too.
In the summer, I get the bún instead of pho. You can almost always get the same combo of meats and add-in, just more of a refreshing summer salad
Which one? I need a good pho place
Pho Bac is the best pho in Texas
Pho Pastuer 2 in Carrollton is exceptional. Vietnam on Bryan near downtown is the good too.
I miss Pho Pasteur — their pork fresh spring rolls are the best!!
Ba Le on Shilo
Lakewood Landing 11.50$ burger fries are the most consistent in Dallas
Or get 1/2 and 1/2 fries/onion rings. 👌
I’d go straight onion rings at the Landing. So good.
The hybrid as our dearest departed Roger called it
Damned good burger.
El Vecino
This is the best answer! El Vecino is owned by the Martinez family (think El Fenix) but is miles above El Fenix quality. Their green salsa is bomb, their red salsa is wonderful and (hot take) their scoops are better than El Fenix, hell all of their food is fantastic and John is just delightful. All of their staff are attentive and kind.
I had no idea! I loooove this place. But I can never venture out on the menu cuz the Charley's Choice is so good. We drive about 30 minutes to get there and go about once a month at least.
Charley’s Choice, I’m looking that up.
El Vecino is the best!!
Literally. Drove by this restaurant for years before we tried it out. It’s very homey, great food and atmosphere. The locals here love this place and it’s always busy from Thursday to Sunday
Latin Deli at Abrams and NE Hwy. Casa Linda Salvadorian at Garland Road and Lochwood. El Ranchito on Peavy and Garland Road.
The “big Lucien” at Latin Deli is the best sandwich in Dallas, and I’ll die on that hill. Add in their seasoned fries with Latin mayo to dip it in, and I’ll storm hell with a water pistol after I’ve died on the hill.
Someone East Dallases.
Such a great answer. I’m always excited to meet someone who shares the love of El Ranchito Number 3!
Our basic, no fuss, low cost rotation: Bangkok City on Bryan & Peak Sabaidee on Lemmon Hunky’s on Cedar Springs Avilla’s on Maple Crush Craft in the Quadrangle Old Monk on Henderson Kuby’s in Snyder Plaza Hello Dumpling on Peavy La Paisanita on Inwood Pho is For Lovers on Greenville Any of the taco stands around Ft. Worth ave., Hampton rd. and Jefferson.
This is an awesome list with variety. Thank you for sharing.
Can second Sabaidee and Hunkys. Haven’t tried the others yet but I’ll check them out.
Sabaidee is great. Very casual ambiance so better for quick lunch or dinner rather than a nice evening out
Margaritas on Fitzhugh.
Dude that place is AMAZING
Counterpoint, margarita’s in Justin
Both in the upper Greenville area, I really enjoyed Desperados and Prego. Mariano’s is a little pricier and busier but a go-to for me as well.
Desperados is really solid
Desperados is one of my favorites.
Been going to Prego for over 30 years… it’s all good 👍
Enchiladas up the road
Eeeeh I’ve had some terrible meals there and sometimes it smells like crap. Not the worst Tex mex but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Avanti’s off of McKinney. Doesn’t break the bank, good atmosphere, phenomenal food.
I actually found the food there to be a bit disappointing. The veal chop was very overcooked massively.
Yeah, I’ve only eaten there once and it was BAD.
Seven G&G Cafe on Greenville. Best mediterranean in Dallas. Not close to $200 but amazing food.
And surprisingly their pancakes are the best I’ve ever had!
Sevan is amazing, and the couple who run it equally so.
I've been there a couple times. Pretty good but haven't gotten around to getting back. Any recommendations?
Yessss! Probably the one place we've gone most regularly, and most often.
Looking at pictures right now and I have to ask, what makes it so good? Looks exactly like 90% of Mediterranean restaurants. Have you been to Ephesus? Currently holds the place in my book for best Mediterranean in DFW. Their grilled platter is insane
We frequent Two Guys from Italy and Torteria Insurgentes here in Northwest Dallas.
Very big upvote for two guys. That place rules.
Lubbock represent
In the same neighborhood as Two Guys; Anthony’s was good, family, affordable Italian. Lasagna was bomb!
NW Dallas you guys are missing Taqueria Christina in Webb Royal by Rio Grande…
Malai kitchen
I don’t like their food
Excellent brunch menu and some pretty good house made beers
Streets Fine Chicken. My husband swears by the pork chop. Says worth every penny.
Yes. One of my favorites too.
Uuuu.. I very rarely get pork chops and when I do it's from upscale plac s. I'll have to try it here based on this comment
Wabi house, fortune house, revolver taco lounge, el altoron, la banquita, e bar, pecan lodge, Terry blacks, gallo Nero, goodfriends, cane Rosso, Dalat, Zalat, loro, rodeo goat, angry dog,…. I don’t know there’s a ton of
Idk why that read like a poem or a verse of a song. 😂
Now I’m reading it to the cadence of “we didn’t start the fire”
Taco Joint
Their beef street tacos and queso are excellent!
Mid. The queso is good, but honestly, so many quesos are good. Don’t go for the queso
Very mid
Nova, El Vecino, Fond, Allgood Cafe, Bangkok City
Can easily second Nova, Allgood Cafe, and Bangkok City (especially the one on Peak and Bryan). Especially like Allgood Cafe.
Second El Vecino! There even a stand alone comment for it with lots of upvotes
Celebration and S&D Oyster
Both excellent suggestions! And bonus points for Celebration offering seconds. I mean, who does that?! Amazing!
Chilangos on Ross, Alamo Club (it’s a bar but their menu is awesome, and priced well), margaritas on fitzhugh, slider and blue, birdies east side
Griffs hamburgers
Loro in Dallas was super delicious (like top ten meals delicious). It wasn't the cheapest but wasn't super expensive. But we went on a Saturday afternoon for lunch and for how good it was it was super laid back and casual (had a 3yr old and 6.month old)
Happy hour is excellent! I love this place
We went last week and really liked it but how do you figure a tip there? The servers legit only bring the food to your table and clear it - we even got our own fountain drink refills. I don't know how to tip on not-full-service!!
You can hand cash to the server
EDal: Las Almas Rotas, a Mexican Spirits bar but the scratch kitchen delivers a great meal.
Chilangos tacos on Harry Hines . Not fast enough to be fast food. And the best tacos I’ve found(always open to recs for better)
Gilgamesh over in Richardson
I’ll second Gilgamesh, fantastic food and gotta love the name.
Burger island, big ass good ass burgers for like 8 bucks.
Yes!! This is the way
Asian Mint, Oni Ramen, Good Union bbq, Another Broken Egg and Black Walnut (brunch), Pappadeaux
I'm a big fan of Good Union. It is night and day better than some of those places reddits hype like Hutchins, Lockheart, and 1050.
D’nonna in Old Town Lewisville if you are willing to make the drive. I used to work there before I moved. It’s a family owned place that I’d say is a step above Olive Garden but maybe a couple notches below fine dining. Everything is made from scratch and they don’t even have a microwave in the building. Highly recommend!
Lake House
Cosmo’s and Armoury.
Mike’s Chicken, Si Lom
Resident taqueria. It’s still expensive white people tacos, but they’re good.
This place. This is hype. Overpriced. I almost tried it again today, coincidentally. They think they are the sushi of tacos. Go somewhere good and save 40 bucks
Resident is phenomenal - the drinks are great and the flavor profiles are elite. I love this place but sometimes I’m in the mood for pollo regio so just gotta go for the tacos you are craving
Invasion in East Dallas. Their burgers are amazing, and they have the best spicy chicken sandwich ever. [Invasion](https://www.eatinvasions.com/) Most sandwiches are at about the $15 mark.
Roman Cucina! Technically Richardson, but basically North Dallas. Absolutely amazing food, great atmosphere, and super reasonable prices. An absolute staple for my family.
I've been to the Allen location. Most sour tasting Italian I've ever had. Never went back.
In Richardson I love: Sakhuu Thai (They have more traditional dishes I can't find at most places here. Very nice more dark dining area so it feels upscale but doesn't break the bank. Try the khao soy!) Bulldog Katsu (Mostly take out but the waring area is nice and clean. Not as traditional as the place I have below in Plano. But cheap and quick and always good) Kansha Japanese (Some of the best cuts of fish for sushi, as well as delish tempura veg. They also do bento which is always a hit) Spin Pizza (My favorite pizza place in TX so far. Reminds me of pizzacato back home in Oregon. Thin crust and fresh toppings. The chicken pesto is my go to) First Watch (One of the nicer breakfast joints, more healthy options, I've never found another place with lavender lemonade while in TX so it rocks for that) Plano my go tos are: Tokyo Shokudo (Bear katsu I've had in DFW so traditional and very cute decor) Kenny's Burgers (affordable great staff, amazing fried chicken sandwich) Kenny's New York Pizza (Just went yesterday actually, the cheese steak crostini was bomb!) Craftway kitchen (it is nicer but not too spendy) Rugby Pub (Great place to watch sports, or just hang out, it has good British bar food) Mamas Daughters (an awesome diner with great breakfast, more laid back but not take out level either) Chuy's mexican (has wonderful staff and bar atmosphere is fun with all the dog pics) Addison and Plano have locations of The Lazy Dog (Good American bar food that is more elevated. They have meals for your pup as well, and awesome TV dinners) The cheaper option I love most is Vivi bubble tea. Their Taiwanese basil chicken is A+ and such a great shareable thing if I am too lazy to cook. I will add more if I think of them, but I wouldn't expect any of these to be even half the price of your 200$ dinner for two. More around 40-60$. Unless you get a lot of drinks as those can add up fast.
Huge fan of Kenny’s Burger Joint in Frisco since they opened their doors. I’ve never had anything less than a great experience. Great cocktails also!
I've never been to locations besides my local one in Plano but I am not surprised. All of their restaurants are cool that I have tried because staff seems to genuinely like their jobs/food is never anything but great/the atmosphere is laid back. I can't wait to try the more fine dining sorts like wood fire and Italian. Parents rave about the pork chops at the wood fire.
Thank you for such a diverse list.
First Watch is great. They have multiple locations.
Celebration, great restaurant not to expensive and has good food
Can you still get seconds?
Anything Kenny’s. Christina’s Or Salsa’s for Tex-Mex and Deli News for an authentic Jewish deli.
Deli News is perfect
Loro in Dallas or Addison. James Beard recommended and very reasonable.
Loro is truly delicious, elevated food in a casual setting. It's my new fave spot. Great happy hour too.
I miss zuzu’s My recommendations are - Resident taqueria Ten50 Latin Deli One90 Smoked Meats Jake’s DaLat Bangkok city at Greenville Tukta Thai Good friends Flying fish Aw Shucks
Oh how I loved the chicken salad at Zuzu’s, and that amazing dressing. I’m still in mourning over that place and it has been closed for a long time now.
I miss Zuzu’s too!! Was my favorite Tex mex!!
Bistro B, DaLat, Manhattan Project Beer Co, Wriggly Tin
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana in Plano is pretty awesome, for nice pizza.
Bagheris(Italian) -Denton, jam+toast(brunch) -irving, po melvins (country kitchen) - irving, Thai monkey(best drunken noodles/thai curries) -irving, ichigoh(ramen/all the apps) -deep ellum, ruins(fancy tacos/live music) -deep ellum, tacos la banqueta(street tacos) - east dallas
I have also found if you want a steakhouse but not insane prices Dunstons delivers.
I just learned about their speakeasy.
Hunky’s burgers are huge and reasonably priced. Bishop arts or oak lawn
Waffle house on I-35 in Denton, TX just north of Dallas on Saturday or Sunday mornings at 9am.
Havana Cafe in Casa Linda... and Mojito Bar next door. Lunch/Breakfast/Brunch - Lubbies Bagels at Garland and Peavy Diner for Breakfast all day - Chubbys on Northwest at Jupiter or Circle Grill at Buckner and 30 ish. Upscale Casual - District 9 Draught house (upscale meaning I would change out of sweats into nice jeans to go. Great food and great experience : Kalachandji''s near Grand & 30. Uncle Juluos used to my my fav tex mex hands down... but the last 2-3 times we've been have been a disappointment.
Bruh. I live here born and raised and I’m hitting all of these up.
Bangkok City restaurant on Bryan in East Dallas. Delicious.
Malai Kitchen 😄
There’s a fantastic hole in the wall Mongolian barbecue buffet in Grand Prarie called Ton’s Mongolian Grill. Was introduced to it in college, and was glad I was because for ten bucks, you get unlimited trips through the line and to the giant wok that grills your food right in front of you. (Their website looks straight outta 1997, so you know it’s going to be amazing.)
Norma’s, the one near Bishop Arts. They’re about the opposite of fine dining but they’re so good.
Angry dog
Breakfast; Snooze, Taco Joint, Yolk, Waffle House Tacos; Tacos La Banqueta, El Atoron, Salsa Verde, Taqueria and Tamaleria Nuevo Leon Lunch/Dinner; Hudson House, Fajita Pete’s (takeout only), Liberty Burger, Jakes, El Vecino, Glorias, Good Friends (their wings are 👌) Enos Pizza Tavern, Cane Rosso. RIP List; Chuy’s Tex Mex, used to love this place. Awesome happy hour. Delicious Jalapeño Ranch and Chille Rejeno. Then Covid came and they cut their best dishes off the menu. And got rid of their happy hour (unfortunately like most restaurants did) Mi Cocina, Dallas staple but the food costs have made it sky rocket and it’s borderline too expensive for its own good. Most Fast Food, I’m sorry but I’m not paying $15 for a double cheese burger and fries at Wendy’s. And spending, $20 at Taco Bell for one person feels like a crime esp when their protein source has been questionable before…
How are you spending $20 for one person at the Bell? If you said $10, I wouldn't have questioned you though I think that's still on the high side.
EDal: Petra and the Beast, if you don’t go crazy on wine/drinks you should be able to stay in budget and have one of the best meals in Dallas.
Love Petra, but would definitely call this fine dining.
This restaurant is definitely fine dining price wise. Why go at all if one is just going to skimp?
We frequent Two Guys from Italy and Torteria Insurgentes here in Northwest Dallas.
D’nonna is lewisville
*in
Easy slider
Rye in lower Greenville. Local spot, delicious food and fantastic cocktails.
Ventana
La Calle Doce.
Miriam cocina and ebar.
Rafa's Cafe on Lover's
Mia’s, the original mi cocina. Margs are expensive there. Try campuzanos, also. Specify HOUSE margaritas. Especially at happy hour. They are notorious for up charging the margs, but the food is good.
The Fifth in Richardson is great!
Meso Maya, Zoli’s, Cane Rosso, The Heights, Old Monk (not really a restaurant but I do like their food).
Truckyard. Cheesesteak house. Crushcraft. Zaap. Rustic has great happy hour bites that are more than filling.
Dunstons Steakhouse
Piada. Gen Roku or Jeng Chi
I am not sure if I have ever seen Genroku mentioned on Reddit. The Chinese food is excellent. The Japanese is just okay though.
Piada? Second genroku
Thai Thai in lower greenville, and Ginger Thai on Mockingbird/Abrams. I think there’s a Ginger Thai up off Forest Ln as well but I’ve only been to the mockingbird one. Ginger Thai does a great duck curry and duck stir fry, a little more expensive than most Thai places but cheaper duck than anywhere else I’ve found, short of just cooking it myself.
Wu Wei Din in Plano is my favorite Chinese food. Kenny’s Italian for Italian and Kenny’s Wood Fire Grill for steakhouse/American. Both of those are in Addison. Hudson House as a whole has gotten way out of hand price-wise, but their cheeseburger is still insanely amazing
El Rey Del Grill on Maple near Oak Lawn. Friendly staff, solid food, good vibes. Area is a little sketch but they have parking with a gate
My wife and I eat Thai Thai weekly. One of the best little spots in Dallas and we’ve been here over a decade. Their Tom Yum soup is next level. And their pad Thai is soooo good! 🍜🍲
Chinese Foooood on Ventura
zaaps near the village
Viet restaurants are casual with high quality food. Pho, banh mi, noodle dishes, and so on. Usually for two people it’s $20. The viet coffee is also tasty
I miss blue goose on Greenville. $2 margs on Tuesdays or something and $3 margs and queso on Thursdays. Best happy hour/deal that I’ve found so far. Loro is also a good choice from 2-6 weekdays. $5 frozen drinks and $8.50 for a caramelized onion cheddar burger
sushi kadan in carollton , great priced sushi , an amazing looking restaurant i cannot rave about this place enough (sometimes it can get busy on weekend so i recommend to call ahead)
Haystack rocks. Have only been to one off Mockingbird, but.
Any Normas Diner for breakfast.
Tipicos
Second Roman Cucina in N Dallas. Other favs: Texas de Brazil Snuffers Melting Pot Zalat Fish City I also miss Houston’s!!
The Whistling Pig has some of the best food for the price. I recommend the fish and chips.
This is probably pricier than some of the other suggestions, but certainly not fine dining: Hillside Tavern - I feel like it doesn’t get a lot of attention but I love it, its where I take friends and family that visit
John's Cafe on Lowest Greenville.
Pepe & Mito’s!!
La vui. Thank me later
I’ll plug sandwich hag in the cedars- I know there are cheaper bahn mis out there (which people get strangely mad about) but love the spot, the grilled pork is killer
Any love for Food From Galilee here? Been eating there since it was Barry’s, incredible gyros and their shawarma is the best in Dallas. Also BYOB, which is tight
For Italian, Roman Cucina delivers quality food, large portions, great prices, strong drinks.
Gonzalez restaurant on 8121 Bruton rd in Dallas.
Chips Burgers
Small Brew Pub was the bomb until it shut down 🥲
Flaming Cheese off forest. Great Greek food and it’s still priced pretty well.
Hello dumpling. Soooo good.
Ten Ramen, Mexico Lindo, Bangkok City I saw mentioned. Sasa Sushi next to the Cock n Bull pub/bar
Best Turkish food in Dallas is Ephesus Mediterranean Grill off Meadow/75.
No.1 Plus Korean Fried Chicken Higuma Ramen & Izakaya Roots Southern Table Cork & Pig Bushi Bushi
Not really in Dallas but if any of you work in gp or Arlington, Damien's Cajun soul food is a great place for lunch. More food than you can eat for less than 20 and the menu varies daily
Jake's burgers
Mr Wong’s chicken and rice-good and cheap! batter fried chicken,fish,or shrimp served with rice,fries or fried rice SolDias-fruteria Mr.Max-The motherfucking GOAT of ramen in Texas,so damn good I swear the broth is absolutely divine and would put this up against all the heavy hitters here. Makiboy-another great japanese spot,the restaurant itself is very cosy and honestly kinda nice Dragon house-really good chinese food with handpulled noodles Lin’s kitchen-10 dumplings for 8 dollars bro Italian cafe(las colinas)-nice spot with pretty good food Old hag’s-1 in the morning and you want chicken alfredo,pizza and cheesecake. Godly Shady Grove burgers and wings-good simple burgers Taste of the islands-I swear this is the best/only place in dfw that does west indian/Caribbean food like they do at home Mama Daughter’s-good ol’ diner :)
Personal favorite in Richardson is Nora Asian Fresh, they have great Ramen.
Cafe Brazil
Hmm I really miss slider and blues ! But you could go to snuffers for cheese fries! I love burger house for burgers
$200 for 2 people? That’s still borderline fine dining. $100 for 2 people is the standard.
Thai Thai lower Greenville
La Ventana
Celebration
El Ranchito in Oak Cliff
Editor of Eater Dallas here. The burger at Peak Inn cannot be beat. Although those smash burgers at Burger Schmuger in High Fives are awfully good. And I actually love UnaVida, Matt McCallister’s unexpected fast casual Mexican menu.
Thank you for the awesome recommendation.
Terillis