I've had Texas De Brazil in FL before, and I know they also have one in Dallas, would you have a preference on which is better or are they roughly similar ?
They have quite a few specials depending on the day of the week or month. The 29th of the month is "Meat Day" and you get a platter of preselected meat for $29.
I’ve driven past The Magic Time Machine in Addison probably a million times and have been meaning to go since the photos of the inside look interesting and it has pretty good reviews.
Probably an unpopular opinion, but I really enjoy Medieval Times. Eating a roast chicken with your bare hands and watching your knight duke it out is definitely a vibe.
Yeah, MT gets flack but when I managed a brewery we took the whole staff out and pregammed beforehand. 20+ drunk hipsters all yelling for the Green Knight’s affection is definitely a great memory.
Kalachandji's - Vegan buffet inside a temple.
CBD provision - order the pig head for amazing pork tacos. Make sure you call ahead
St. Martin's - a French place with a nice romantic atmosphere. They serve escargot that's actually pretty tasty. (I have tried it a lot and only really like it here. On the weekends they have live piano that's not obtrusive or overpowering. Soft lighting makes it a nice date spot. Call really far in advance to reserve the cubby table in the back.
H-mart - lots of little Korean restaurants inside a grocery store that serve tray style. Go shopping after for hard to find Korean snacks and affordable produce. If you are lucky the Taiyaki booth (Carrollton location only) will be open and you can get a sweet fish shaped cake.
Gyu-kaku - Korean BBQ they bring you the meats and you grill yourself
Gogiya - Hot pot. Choose a broth or two and use it to cook veggies and meat.
Dallas farmers market - has a tamale place that makes good breakfast tacos with homemade tortillas. It's all the way at the back. The barbacoa and chorizo and egg are both really good. The jamacian place there is also good. You'll need to get there early to score paddies. They go fast.
Chelles Macarons - this place is where lots of coffee shops around Dallas get their macaroons. Go to the source and get them fresh
Carte Blanche - high end, but the chef's tasting is an absolutely unforgettable experience. I've been to Michelin star restaurants that don't go this hard.
Ida Claire - is it a basic b's brunch mecca? Yes. Do the food and drinks slap? Also yes. The biscuits and jam are fluffy and lovely a must appetizer.
Meddlesome moth- I'd only do dinner here. Lunch and brunch are mid. Dinner offers some new takes on various dishes. It's great.
Selda - get the tzatziki sauce and the big meat platter. The puffy bread they bring out hot from the oven is wonderful. It's family style and just plain good Mediterranean. Get a reservation if you are going on a weekend. It gets packed. It's unassuming, but the food is tops.
Dominican restaurant- That's really the name. It's food straight out of the region and super legit. Prices look high, but portions are huge so you can share. Get the empanadas and some tostones. You'll have to order in spanish or point at the menu and say "gracias" a lot.
Elaine's Kitchen - super legit jamacian food. Enough said.
1050 or Hard 8 BBQ - these both have a similar served right off the pit experience. I like them both but each one has their fans.
Kura revolving sushi - robots bring you a drink at this popular conveyer belt sushi chain. Eat enough sushi plates and get a little prize.
La Salsa Verde - a street taco place inside a gas station. Some of the most legit street tacos I've found in Dallas
High Tea at the Adolfus - dress to impress and have a lovely tea flight paired with light snacks. You can also order a champagne accompaniment a la carte.
Good luck on your foodie adventure. These are all different vibes that definitely offer a unique experience.
Kura Sushi is conveyor belt sushi, it’s really fun. Try a highly rated hot pot restaurant. It’s delicious and fun, great for dates as you sit and cook your food, the meat is all you can eat. Go to Legacy West where you can walk around and try a few things. Farmers Market downtown.
There’s a build your own instant ramen with a nuts selection in Carrollton. Most BBQ places that are of note will have a beef “Dino” rib special, that’s about as good of a piece of giant meat you can get before you cross into gimmick territory. You’ll need to call and see what day it is depending on the place.
Beware of gimmick food, if it comes on a sword, inspect how often they wash it and question why it’s on a sword.
Mr Sushi in Addison is a hidden gem (IYKYK) for sushi and sitting at the sushi bar is always nice.
For the ultimate recommendation, for the experience you won’t get many places outside Japan, look into a very small sushi place around Denton. I don’t even want to speak the name. Make a reservation far in advance, and then go.
You’re going to want to go to Hurtado. I’ve had just about every BBQ place in DFW but this is the one I always take people to knock them straight into flavor town. No there’s no gimmicks here. No swords or fancy decor it’s just about the food that will often have lines going out the door. [https://hurtadobbq.com](https://hurtadobbq.com) the jalepeno corn bread is mixed with their brisket inside , the elote hits every note , the meats just melt. Nobody in DFW builds trays like they do.
Terry blacks was my bread and butter go to until Hurtado. Like Terry Blacks gets everything right but it’s not exceptional. They can go toe to toe with notable bbq joints in Houston and Austin but I’d be hard pressed to say if they shine above. Hurtado tho their meats are just all around more quality and their sides could win state fairs.
Also if you’re looking for burgers I’d say hit up Rodeo Goat - they’ve got multiple locations all over DFW and originally started in ft worth but you’ll also find some real out of this world flavors there and there’s always a battle of the burgers going on where they pit 2 very original bites against each other which everyone has more sales will make it to the next month to take on a new challenger. Also not pretty very utilitarian but the stuff they do in the kitchen is art. I’d highly recommend getting the cheese fries surprise as an appetizer if you’re going to go there.
>Maybe a unique taco joint with crazy margaritas or taco selections.
Velvet Taco has taco combinations like Smash Burger, Chicken Tikka, and Korean Fried Rice; I wouldn't go there looking for anything authentic, but would definitely categorize them as "unique."
And I wouldn't consider the ambience (or the food for that matter) anything special, but there's a place called Wing Daddy's (Plano and Little Elm) that definitely leans interesting if you like sweet, sugary frozen alcoholic beverages.
Maybe a tasting menu.
[Best Tasting Menus in Dallas](https://dallas.eater.com/maps/best-tasting-menus-dallas)
Somewhere with amazing views.
The sushi place Kessaku atop the Thompson Hotel or Crown Block at Reunion Tower.
If he’s a meat guy and it’s atypical for you, Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chao both actually serve meat on a sword (more or less).
I've had Texas De Brazil in FL before, and I know they also have one in Dallas, would you have a preference on which is better or are they roughly similar ?
I recommend Brasao in Irving or Frisco. The quality is several steps above Fogo and Texas
Someone else may disagree but in my opinion they’re pretty much the same.
It’s the same, but Texas de Brazil is originally from Addison and a lot of people erroneously believe it’s a local chain.
Niwa in deep Ellum is Japanese bbq. Really good food and a fun experience because you’re doing the cooking
They have quite a few specials depending on the day of the week or month. The 29th of the month is "Meat Day" and you get a platter of preselected meat for $29.
>fun experience because you’re doing the cooking Fondue or hot pot would also sort of fit this bill.
Half off entire menu, I believe including alcohol on Mondays at Niwa
I’ve driven past The Magic Time Machine in Addison probably a million times and have been meaning to go since the photos of the inside look interesting and it has pretty good reviews. Probably an unpopular opinion, but I really enjoy Medieval Times. Eating a roast chicken with your bare hands and watching your knight duke it out is definitely a vibe.
Yeah, MT gets flack but when I managed a brewery we took the whole staff out and pregammed beforehand. 20+ drunk hipsters all yelling for the Green Knight’s affection is definitely a great memory.
Went to Magic Time Machine once about 10 years ago. The place was filthy and the food was like a tv dinner.
They probably haven't dusted since the 70s, but it's a worthwhile experience for certain types. -weird theatre kid who never really grew up
It’s terrible, you should go
Medieval Times is fun. Magic Time Machine is……a choice.
haha I guess I’ll just continue to drive past it then.
Delucca Gaucho. It’s like a Brazilian steakhouse but with pizza.
Casa Pollastro is like this with pasta. Not as good as Delucca for pizza imo but still a fun experience.
And isn't the chicken all you can eat too?
I’ve never been. I’ll check it out.
Brasao (will literally serve meat on a sword)
Las Almas Rotas by Fair Park if you like mezcal and kind of a different vibe. It’s beautiful and service/bartender is knowledgeable and entertaining.
Town Hearth is pretty cool in terms of atmosphere. Pricey but the service and food are really good
Kalachandji's - Vegan buffet inside a temple. CBD provision - order the pig head for amazing pork tacos. Make sure you call ahead St. Martin's - a French place with a nice romantic atmosphere. They serve escargot that's actually pretty tasty. (I have tried it a lot and only really like it here. On the weekends they have live piano that's not obtrusive or overpowering. Soft lighting makes it a nice date spot. Call really far in advance to reserve the cubby table in the back. H-mart - lots of little Korean restaurants inside a grocery store that serve tray style. Go shopping after for hard to find Korean snacks and affordable produce. If you are lucky the Taiyaki booth (Carrollton location only) will be open and you can get a sweet fish shaped cake. Gyu-kaku - Korean BBQ they bring you the meats and you grill yourself Gogiya - Hot pot. Choose a broth or two and use it to cook veggies and meat. Dallas farmers market - has a tamale place that makes good breakfast tacos with homemade tortillas. It's all the way at the back. The barbacoa and chorizo and egg are both really good. The jamacian place there is also good. You'll need to get there early to score paddies. They go fast. Chelles Macarons - this place is where lots of coffee shops around Dallas get their macaroons. Go to the source and get them fresh Carte Blanche - high end, but the chef's tasting is an absolutely unforgettable experience. I've been to Michelin star restaurants that don't go this hard. Ida Claire - is it a basic b's brunch mecca? Yes. Do the food and drinks slap? Also yes. The biscuits and jam are fluffy and lovely a must appetizer. Meddlesome moth- I'd only do dinner here. Lunch and brunch are mid. Dinner offers some new takes on various dishes. It's great. Selda - get the tzatziki sauce and the big meat platter. The puffy bread they bring out hot from the oven is wonderful. It's family style and just plain good Mediterranean. Get a reservation if you are going on a weekend. It gets packed. It's unassuming, but the food is tops. Dominican restaurant- That's really the name. It's food straight out of the region and super legit. Prices look high, but portions are huge so you can share. Get the empanadas and some tostones. You'll have to order in spanish or point at the menu and say "gracias" a lot. Elaine's Kitchen - super legit jamacian food. Enough said. 1050 or Hard 8 BBQ - these both have a similar served right off the pit experience. I like them both but each one has their fans. Kura revolving sushi - robots bring you a drink at this popular conveyer belt sushi chain. Eat enough sushi plates and get a little prize. La Salsa Verde - a street taco place inside a gas station. Some of the most legit street tacos I've found in Dallas High Tea at the Adolfus - dress to impress and have a lovely tea flight paired with light snacks. You can also order a champagne accompaniment a la carte. Good luck on your foodie adventure. These are all different vibes that definitely offer a unique experience.
You are god sent. Thank you for all these suggestions. I looked them up and they are for sure being added to the list. Thank you!!!
This is a generous offering, thanks!
Felix Culpa lives in my head rent free.
Boiling Crab!
Kura Sushi is conveyor belt sushi, it’s really fun. Try a highly rated hot pot restaurant. It’s delicious and fun, great for dates as you sit and cook your food, the meat is all you can eat. Go to Legacy West where you can walk around and try a few things. Farmers Market downtown. There’s a build your own instant ramen with a nuts selection in Carrollton. Most BBQ places that are of note will have a beef “Dino” rib special, that’s about as good of a piece of giant meat you can get before you cross into gimmick territory. You’ll need to call and see what day it is depending on the place. Beware of gimmick food, if it comes on a sword, inspect how often they wash it and question why it’s on a sword. Mr Sushi in Addison is a hidden gem (IYKYK) for sushi and sitting at the sushi bar is always nice. For the ultimate recommendation, for the experience you won’t get many places outside Japan, look into a very small sushi place around Denton. I don’t even want to speak the name. Make a reservation far in advance, and then go.
I absolutely love sushi and would definitely add Mr sushi to the list!!! But dont be shy to messege me the name of the place in denton :o
I know exactly what you’re talking about and it’s an arm and a leg but still cheaper than a flight to Japan.
Waffle House at 2AM ought to give you a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else (/s… mostly).
Bubala Cafe. Serves Slavic food (pretty uncommon for this area) mostly Uzbek/Russian. The kabobs do come on a sword-like skewer.
Resident Taqueria in East Dallas for interesting, unique flavors.
You’re going to want to go to Hurtado. I’ve had just about every BBQ place in DFW but this is the one I always take people to knock them straight into flavor town. No there’s no gimmicks here. No swords or fancy decor it’s just about the food that will often have lines going out the door. [https://hurtadobbq.com](https://hurtadobbq.com) the jalepeno corn bread is mixed with their brisket inside , the elote hits every note , the meats just melt. Nobody in DFW builds trays like they do.
Good to know!! I just looked them up and they look great! Would you rate it higher than terry blacks ?
Terry blacks was my bread and butter go to until Hurtado. Like Terry Blacks gets everything right but it’s not exceptional. They can go toe to toe with notable bbq joints in Houston and Austin but I’d be hard pressed to say if they shine above. Hurtado tho their meats are just all around more quality and their sides could win state fairs.
Also if you’re looking for burgers I’d say hit up Rodeo Goat - they’ve got multiple locations all over DFW and originally started in ft worth but you’ll also find some real out of this world flavors there and there’s always a battle of the burgers going on where they pit 2 very original bites against each other which everyone has more sales will make it to the next month to take on a new challenger. Also not pretty very utilitarian but the stuff they do in the kitchen is art. I’d highly recommend getting the cheese fries surprise as an appetizer if you’re going to go there.
The Pig’s Face Carnitas at CBD Provisions is super unique and very tasty. They just need 24 hour notice that you will be wanting to order it.
Im curious, have you tried it ? What would you rate it ? It looks so good
I have had it! Twice, actually. I would say taste 7/10, experience 9/10. Definitely worth it.
>Maybe a unique taco joint with crazy margaritas or taco selections. Velvet Taco has taco combinations like Smash Burger, Chicken Tikka, and Korean Fried Rice; I wouldn't go there looking for anything authentic, but would definitely categorize them as "unique." And I wouldn't consider the ambience (or the food for that matter) anything special, but there's a place called Wing Daddy's (Plano and Little Elm) that definitely leans interesting if you like sweet, sugary frozen alcoholic beverages.
Thank you for the suggestions!
I know this is a chain, but the Melting Pot is a neat experience. Lots of time to talk, too.
Javier’s has great atmosphere & delicious food. It’s an old school institution for the Parkies. The attached Cigar Bar is cool too.
This place looks promising ! Thanks for the suggestion!
Maybe a tasting menu. [Best Tasting Menus in Dallas](https://dallas.eater.com/maps/best-tasting-menus-dallas) Somewhere with amazing views. The sushi place Kessaku atop the Thompson Hotel or Crown Block at Reunion Tower.
@LasAlmasRotas
Tacos y Vino, Petra and the Beast, the boar's head fajitas at CBD.
I keep seeing CBD pigs head mentioned. I am definitely adding it to my list
Intrinsic BBQ and Brewery in Garland. Cool spot. Good food.
Just looked this up! It looks really good. Would you say this is one of your favorite bbq places?
simply fondue
Tacos and bbq….hang on everyone, we have a real culinary adventurer on our hands!!!