Fans of dumplings of both pan-fried and steamed varieties flock to Hello Dumpling on Peavy. Best bets are the dumplings (of course), and the braised beef noodle soup. Note: Hello Dumpling is BYOB so don’t forget the vino. Cool off with specialty teas with or without boba, as well as custard from local fave Wild About Harrys.

Goodfriend is known city-wide for its award-winning burgers, full bar, massive beer selection and expansive patio. Over the past few months, the popular beer garden added a popup to its offerings called Good Citizen, which boasts a breakfast and lunch menu with options like beer biscuit sandwiches and pesto pasta salad. At Goodfriend Burger Bar, find the same beloved chicken wings, fried pickles, and decadent burgers as usual. Order from Good Citizen and Goodfriend via their respective websites.

Quarantine has brought with it the ability to order alcohol by the jug, and neighborhood haunt Taco Joint jumped right into that bandwagon. Rocks or frozen, grab 18 oz. of margaritas for $9.95 or a 1/2 gallon for $36.50. Pair them with a couple of Lester tacos, which feature a crispy beef taco wrapped in refried beans and a flour tortilla. Order online via Taco Joint’s website.

Every neighborhood needs its old-school, greasy spoon-style diner with sweet-as-pie waitresses and a case full of actual pies, right? Barbec’s is Lakewood’s. Dig into hearty blue-plate specials served with fluffy, sweet beer biscuits, all available for takeout and delivery via GrubHub.

In a space long-ago occupied by popular spot Legal Grounds, the Heights has settled into its role as a neighborhood destination for date nights, breakfast meetings, and nightcaps. Share one of the family-style meals (options include barbecue glazed meatloaf and chicken pot pie with jalapeno-cheddar biscuits) or go a la carte with shrimp Louie and steak frites, which includes the Heights’s beloved steak fries. Call the restaurant at 214.824.5800 to place takeout orders, or score delivery via DoorDash.

Lakewood’s Liberty Burger has done a great job of pivoting for the pandemic. Call ahead or order online for a seamless, contactless pickup of your beef, buffalo, turkey or veggie burgers, skinny or sweet potato fries and more. Add a boozy adult milkshake, because why not?

Lakewood has plenty of Tex Mex, sure, but five generations of Tex Mex family history (that, and the best queso in Lakewood) has earned Matt’s a spot on this list. Though this is the second location that Matt’s has occupied in Lakewood, it’s just as popular as the first thanks to its sizzling fajitas, saucy enchiladas, and more beloved dishes. Order online for takeout via Matt’s website.

Tucked into the little shopping center on Skillman at La Vista is Benny’s Bagels, locally owned and quietly baking some of the best New York-style bagels in Dallas. Grab a dozen bagels with cream cheese for $15, or order the Pacific Salmon sandwich served open face with cream cheese, capers, red onion and smoked salmon. The number of patrons allowed inside is limited in accordance with state guidelines, which means that there’s often a socially-distanced line out front.

With a proven, family-friendly concept and 24-hour service, Buzzbrews is Lakewood’s best option for late-night snacks. Don’t sleep on the spot’s banana pancakes, stuff-your-own crepes or all-you-can-drink drip coffee. Folks who are still staying home can order online for takeout and curbside pickup.

Cosmo’s is a dive bar (not uncommon in East Dallas) with vintage kitsch in spades. A drink menu full of strong specialty martinis, old- and new-school cocktails turns newcomers into regulars every night. Officially reopening September 28 after a few bouts of takeout, expect to find phở, Seoul tacos, Mekong tacos, and dumplings back at Lakewood’s quirkiest watering hole.

There are neighborhood pizza joints, and then there’s the neighborhood pizza mecca that is Cane Rosso’s White Rock location. Grab the Honey Badger, a famed pie topped with hot sopressata, bacon marmalade, and habanero honey, for takeout or order delivery via UberEats.