10 Best Local Restaurants in Dallas

Lockhart Smokehouse should be your first stop if you're looking for an authentic barbecue experience in Dallas. Named after the town of Lockhart – the so-called "Barbecue Capital of Texas" – it's a counter-service eatery, where staff pull the meat directly from the smoker and cut it however you prefer. You are free to order as much as you want, so go ahead and try a little bit of everything.

Crowd-favourites include the brisket, ribs, and sausages from Kreuz Market – a legendary barbecue joint in Lockhart. Every order comes with free servings of sides, including pickles, onions, bread, and crackers.

One bite of Jimmy’s Food Store’s legendary sandwiches, and you may never be able to eat at another sub chain again. Since 1966, the family-run grocery store with a deli counter in the back has been cranking what many locals say are the best sandwiches in the city.

If you’re starving, the Italian Stallion will sort you out. The sandwich is huge and packed with every Italian cold cut known to man, including pepperoni, porchetta, and mortadella. It can get busy on Saturday afternoons. So visit during the week if you want a quieter experience.

Keller's Drive-In is where locals and out-of-towners in the know have flocked for cheap yet tasty burgers and beers. Since 1965, it's a gathering of people from all walks of life – shiny Mercedes, leather-decked bikes, trucks, and families in sedans all share the same parking lot.

After driving up, don't get out of the car – a waiter will come and take your order. You can't go wrong with the popular Special No.5, which is a poppy seed bun with double patty, cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a secret in-house dressing. Grilled onions are free. Add a beer or a milkshake, and you'll still get change most of the time – don't forget to bring cash as they don't accept cards. There is an on-site ATM, though.

Arthur's Steakhouse is an elegant restaurant to experience 5-star fine dining, nightly live entertainment, and attentive, old-school service. You'll also get to share the dining room with well-to-do locals seeking a classic menu and mood from yesteryear. The menu includes escargot, steak tartare, Champagne brie soup, and oysters Rockefeller.

The statues, oil paintings, dark woods, and dazzling crystal chandelier make you feel like you're visiting the home of a fancy friend who wants you to feel at home. The restaurant was founded in 1948 and has moved 3 times. It is currently located in Addison in Far North Dallas.

Dining at Tupinamba Cafe is more than just enjoying delicious classic Tex-Mex fare in an old-school vibe. It’s about being a part of Texas history. The story goes that the founder of Tupinamba Cafe, Froylan Dominguez, fled Mexico in 1910 during the Mexican Revolution with his beloved family recipes in hand.

The Dominguez family continues to serve the same recipes today at Tupinamba Cafe, one of the oldest family-owned Mexican restaurants in Texas. You can’t go wrong with a couple of margaritas, fajitas or their iconic deep-fried Tupy Tacos. Trust the locals when they tell you the tacos – dipped into Tupinamba’s hot salsa – are a tried-and-tested hangover cure!

Tolbert's Restaurant is located 5 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airpot and is a local institution for traditional Texas cuisine. Since founder Frank X. Tolbert and his son developed their signature chilli back in 1976 – the famous Bowl of Red – locals and visitors haven't stopped coming, and the half-hour journey has always been worth it.

The menu is extensive and includes various vegetarian options. You can choose from tacos, fajitas, steaks, burritos, sandwiches, salads, and more much. The relaxed vibe and children's menu means Tolbert is great for families.

Rafa's Cafe Mexicano is a longstanding, family-friendly Tex-Mex restaurant located a 15-minute drive from downtown Dallas. The brightly painted restaurant, with Mexican art and framed cactus prints on the walls, has been in business for several decades and doesn't disappoint. Enjoy a margarita while you go through the extensive menu.

Whatever you choose at Rafa's Cafe Mexicano, you can't go wrong with the chicken fajitas, carnolas (seasoned tenderloin served with a cheese enchilada with chilli), or the chile rellenos (pepper stuffed with beef or cheese). Don't be surprised if you plan a low-key dinner and then end up staying 4 hours.

AllGood Cafe is a great spot to relax in between sightseeing and visiting museums if you’re spending the day exploring Downtown Dallas. The reliable breakfast, brunch, and lunch eatery – with dinner Thursdays through Sunday – offers guests American comfort food with a delicious touch of Tex-Mex.

Eggs are served with tortillas, pico de Gallo, and back beans. And the grilled cheese sandwich has thick slices of roasted green chilli peppers. Experience the local Dallas music scene, and plan your visit on a weekend night when Americana bands perform on the small stage.

Head to the famous Fuel City if you’re hungry after a night of exploring Dallas’ lively Deep Ellum entertainment district. It’s only a 4-mile drive away. The gas station has a cash-only taco stand that is open 24 hours and serves delicious breakfast tacos all day at very affordable prices.

You order through a small window and then take your meal to the small outside patio (weather permitting) or take it to go. If you go at the right time, you’ll get to see Texan longhorn cattle hanging out nearby.

La Popular Tamale House is a family-owned Mexican restaurant located in historic Old East Dallas. It is the place to go when you’re craving authentic homemade tamales. Tamales are made fresh daily and are sold by the dozen. Options include pork roast with guajillo chilli pods, chicken and a tangy sauce, and spicy USDA prime choice.

Tamales loaded with vegetables or pinto beans with jalapeño and spices are delicious options for vegans and vegetarians. Although the restaurant specialises in tamales, you can also order breakfast tacos, burritos, and Menudo de res – a hangover soup packed with meat, spices and chilis.