Eat, Stay, Play: Dallas, Texas
Eat, Stay, Play
by Jen Pinkston
Where cowboy boots meet cocktails and big hair meets even bigger art. Just up the road from Austin, Dallas delivers bold flavors, high style, and plenty of reasons to stay out late.
EAT
Start your day at La La Land Kind Café, a cheerful spot with the dreamiest matcha and mission-driven vibes. If you’re craving a classic Southern breakfast, Bubba’s Cooks Country serves up biscuits and gravy that feel like a warm hug. For something a little more European, Kuby’s Sausage House is a charming German deli and café that locals love. At lunch, pop into Hattie’s in Bishop Arts for elevated Southern fare in a pretty, light-filled space. For a healthy but still delicious option, Origin Kitchen + Bar in Knox-Henderson has fresh bowls, salads, and cocktails worth lingering over. If you're mid-retail therapy at NorthPark Center, La Duni Latin Café is the perfect spot for a Latin-inspired lunch (don’t skip the desserts). When dinner rolls around, treat yourself to a cozy Italian evening at Lucia, a Bishop Arts gem with a seasonal menu that always surprises. For modern Mexican with serious style, José on Lovers Lane is a must—get the Pozole Verde if it’s on the menu. Sushi lovers should head to Nori Handroll Bar in Deep Ellum, where handrolls are made fresh right in front of you. And for a Texas-sized steakhouse experience with a little extra sparkle, Town Hearth in the Design District delivers big flavors in a scene that feels part vintage supper club, part modern Dallas cool.
STAY
The Hotel Swexan opened in the summer of 2023, offering guests a step back in time through its Swiss hospitality and Texas charm. Since then, the hotel has made a name for itself as the “crown jewel” of the Hardwood Neighborhood. Your stay comes with many amenities including unique culinary experiences, Le Labo toiletries, as well as a sauna and steam room, best used after a dip in the cold plunge or the rooftop pool with incredible views of the city.
PLAY
Dallas does a perfect job of blending culture, nature, and a little bit of shopping therapy. Start your art tour at the Dallas Museum of Art, where exhibits range from ancient to contemporary and often tap into the world of fashion. Just across the street, the Nasher Sculpture Center feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city—modern sculptures tucked among perfectly manicured greenery. For something more serene, the Crow Museum of Asian Art is a beautifully curated space that’s small but impactful.
If you need a nature break, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden offers dreamy lake views and seasonal blooms that are pure magic. Klyde Warren Park, built right over a freeway, is a fun place to stroll, snack from a food truck, or even catch a yoga class. For golden hour, head to White Rock Lake and take a peaceful sunset walk—it’s one of the city’s best nature escapes.
And of course, no Dallas trip is complete without some shopping. Clothes Circuit is a treasure trove of designer consignment finds, while Forty Five Ten delivers a more high-fashion, artful retail experience. Don’t miss Bishop Arts District for indie boutiques and murals, or Highland Park Village for a little luxury retail therapy in a charming, open-air setting.
