January 27, 2006

The Mansion Restaurant Dallas

The Mansion is a Dallas icon, and dining there is like sharing a meal with a grande dame. The menu changes with the seasons, but tortilla soup is a year-round staple. The clubby bar is a treat of its own, with wine chats, live music on weekends, and the unshakable feeling that you might meet some rich someone who could sweep you off your feet (and take you upstairs to one of the fancy-pants rooms).

  Northwest Dallas, Food & Drink, Alfresco, Bar Menu

November 12, 2009

Ocean Prime Dallas

Small steak and seafood chain that channels a retro supper club (dark wood, schmancy drapes, snazzy cocktails) in the heart of Uptown. The Prime Hour (4-6 p.m.) menu dishes cheap bites like $5 truffled deviled eggs.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Bar Menu, Classic Cocktails

September 8, 2009

Primo's Dallas

Popular Tex-Mex joint known for its sports-watching crowd and bustling front patio.

  Uptown, Food & Drink, Watch the Game

September 8, 2009

Nick and Sam's Grill Dallas

Cheaper version of big sis Nick & Sam’s. The grilled cheese is good (so is the people-watching). A wide range of wines will make thriftsters to vino snobs happy.

  Arts District, Food & Drink, Brunch, Take Your Out-of-Towners

July 29, 2008

Dragonfly Dallas

Swanky hotel resto with a tendency to draw an edgy (read: rowdy) crowd. The crispy calamari salad is delish, and the revolving brunch menu never disappoints. There’s also a goth-meets-Victorian back room for large, private parties.

  Uptown, Food & Drink, Brunch, Poolside Dining

August 15, 2007

Fearing's Dallas

Fearing’s is just what you might expect from a resto inside the tony Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. It’s swank — and it’s over-the-top Texas to the bone. Beloved chef Dean Fearing turns out Southwestern delights like barbecue shrimp tacos, apple-smoked bacon-jalapeno chicken, and scallops with tangerine essence. The Rattlesnake Bar is packed with pretty women and the fat wallets who love them.

  Arts District, Food & Drink, Alfresco, Boozehound

June 23, 2006

Craft Dallas Dallas

Like the New York original, Craft Dallas serves up hearty favorites like braised short ribs with gnocchi and hen of the woods mushrooms, but there are also dishes with regional touches (blackberry crisp ricotta cheesecake, mmm). The Texas address also shines through the decor (we’re talking pony hair-covered walls). And be prepared to roll family style.

  Downtown, Food & Drink, Romantic, Special Occasion