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The provenance of the frozen margarita is, believe it or not, based in Dallas.
By
Kevin Gray
These food bucket lists always come with a bit of a caveat: peoples’ tastes are different and one person’s essential food is another’s last resort. That said, we’ve accumulated the food and drink experiences in Dallas you can’t miss. Sure, you’ve had a frozen margarita before, but have you sipped one from the source? The frozen marg machine was invented in Dallas, after all. And, yes, you’ve had fancy steaks and smoky brisket. We’re giving you a look into what we think are the best versions of that in town—in any town, for that matter. From iconic burgers to late-night wagyu hot dogs, consult this dining to-do list and start checking off some of the best edible experiences in town. Whether you’re a Dallasite or a visitor to the Big D, you’ll score lots of great meals, but also learn a little more about this hungry city along the way.
When you’re hungry and still out at 1 am: Hotdog at Mike’s Gemini Twin
The Cedars
It’s rare that 1am hotdogs are this good. But that’s Mike’s for you: a casual, all-comers bar in an unexpected location that takes drinks and food — in this case, the menu consists entirely of hotdogs — seriously. The all-beef dogs are fresh and available with your choice of classic condiments and toppings, so you can customize this late-night lifeline to your preference.
When you want a brain freeze with a side of history: Frozen Margarita at Mariano'sHacienda
Lake Highlands
Mariano Martinez opened his eponymous restaurant in 1971 and needed a way to serve fast, consistent Margaritas to his guests. So, inspired by 7-Eleven Slurpees, he outfitted a soft-serve machine to do the job, effectively creating the first Frozen Margarita machine. You can still drink frosty Margs straight from the source, ideally with a loaded plate of Mariano’s equally famous fajitas.
When you're on the expense account: Battle Axe Ribeye at Town Hearth
Design District
The chandeliers and the yellow submarine-sporting aquarium at Town Hearth should hint that you’re entering a den of opulence. Embrace it and order the Battle Axe, a 32-ounce long-bone ribeye that’s served sliced and can feed a crowd.
When you're still feeling last night's drinks: Brunch buffet at Revolver Cantina
Deep Ellum
Revolver’s Sunday brunch is a hangover-curing party. The set price $35 buffet gets you handmade tortillas, rice and refried beans, eggs with chorizo, carnitas, mole, chilaquiles, menudo, and other things you want to eat. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s a better brunch experience than nearly all the restaurants peddling Benedicts and Mimosas nearby.
When you want to channel your paleolithic ancestors: Beef Rib at Cattleack BBQ
North Dallas
Don’t skip the brisket and better-than-usual sides at Cattleack, but leave room on your tray and in your stomach for the Beef Rib. It averages two pounds of perfectly seasoned meat and makes a great Flintstones-style photo op before you dive in.
When you want to snack on house-cured everything: Beast Board at Petra and the Beast
Lakewood
When the Beast Board hits tables at Petra and the Beast, eyes light up, mouths water, and hands dart for the selection of 10 house-cured meats served alongside pickles, mustards, jams, and crackers. You may be tempted to take a photo of the spread, but then you risk missing out on snatching a few bites of country ham, nduja, or an intriguing terrine.
When you require pre-karaoke sustenance: Tteokbokki and drinks at Soju 101
Asian Trade District
Dallas and Carrollton are flush with great Korean restaurants, so you go to Soju 101 less for the food and more for the drinks and the karaoke. But singing your heart out is a lot easier when you’re full of tteokbokki, that fiery-red dish featuring chewy, spicy, cylindrical rice cakes. Throw in some chicken wings, cold beers and plenty of soju before you take the mic.
When fried chicken is calling your name: Duck-Fat Fried Chicken at Roots Southern Table
Farmers Branch
Chef Tiffany Derry’s restaurant is one of the best in town, and her fried chicken is one of the best items on the menu. The chicken is fried in duck fat until perfectly crispy, served with biscuits and hot sauce, and made for sharing.
When you’ve got high-end tastes on a soup budget: Tortilla Soup at Fearing’s
Uptown
It’s rare that soup garners such attention, but Dean Fearing’s Tortilla Soup has been nourishing locals and visitors for decades. Get a bowl at lunch to see what all the fuss is about, and your polished server will pour the hot broth over a neatly composed pile of chicken, avocado, radishes, and tortilla strips. You’re still at the Ritz-Carlton, after all.
When you’re jonesing for noodles: Ramen at Ichigoh
Deep Ellum
There aren’t many foods more comforting than ramen. And there aren’t many ramen places better than Ichigoh, a comfortable Deep Ellum shop serving bowls of springy noodles, flavorful chicken-based broths, chashu meats, and jammy eggs.
When top-notch sushi Is required: Omakase at Tatsu
Deep Ellum
Dallas’s recent run of omakase spots has given us plenty of great sushi to choose from, but for traditional Edomae-style sushi in an elegant setting, you can’t beat Tatsu. Bring someone special and a credit card, and enjoy an evening of incredible food and hospitality.
When you’re feeling nostalgic: a burger and beer at Keller’s Drive-In
East Dallas
Keller’s opened on Northwest Highway in 1965, and it hasn’t changed much over the decades. You drive up, park your car, and give your order to the staffer at your window. The burgers and fries are simple and affordable, and through some sorcery, Keller’s can serve you beer in your car. We’re still not sure how that’s legal, but we’re not cops, so it’s cool.
When you’ve got a devil-may-care attitude toward cholesterol: Chicken Fried Steak at Norma’s Cafe
Multiple locations
Why eat a regular steak, when you can eat a steak that’s been fried until golden brown and smothered in gravy? These are the important questions being asked and answered at Norma’s Cafe, the longtime institution known for comfort food and massive pies. Norma’s chicken fried steak is well-seasoned and double-dipped, so each bite starts with a crunch. Fill any remaining room on your plate with sides like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and buttered corn.
When you can’t decide between queso and guac: “Secret” Dip at Mattito’s
Multiple locations
Life requires a litany of decisions every day, so let’s take one off your plate… and put it into a bowl. The “Secret” Dip at Mattito’s combines queso and guacamole, and has the good sense to include ground beef and sour cream in the mix. It’s savory, creamy, and meaty, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to crispy tortilla chips.
When you miss the State Fair: Corny Dog at Fletcher’s Food Truck
Klyde Warren Park
If you prefer your hotdogs battered and deep-fried, head to Fletcher’s, a State Fair treasure since 1942. But you don’t have to wait until the fair kicks off in late-September to indulge, because Fletcher’s now has a food truck at Klyde Warren Park. It’s doling out original corny dogs year-round, plus turkey dogs, veggie dogs, and a version laced with jalapeño and cheese.
Kevin Gray is a freelance writer and editor covering food, drinks, and travel. He’s written for publications including the Dallas Morning News, Eater, Forbes, InsideHook and Travel + Leisure, and if he's slow replying to your email it's probably because he's off exploring a new country. Follow him on social media@kevinrgray.
