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The steak & glazed carrot at Bob's is the food of legends.

19 Iconic Dallas Dishes to Try Before You Die

Essential eating for every Dallas resident and curious travelers

by Eater Staff Updated Nov 23, 2021, 10:45am CST

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The steak & glazed carrot at Bob's is the food of legends.

| Bob's Steak & Chop House/Facebook

by Eater Staff Updated Nov 23, 2021, 10:45am CST

Burgers, barbecue, margaritas — there are plenty of dishes that are associated with Dallas' culinary identity. But with the constant arrival of up-and-coming restaurants and the forward progress toward new cuisines, new dishes, and new chefs, it's easy to forget about some of the city's best old standbys.

Whether in search of the perfect bowl of Texas red or a taste of that famous Pecan Lodge brisket, these 19 dishes are Dallas icons, required eating for every resident inside the city proper, in the 'burbs, and tourists alike. From chicken-fried steak and pies to Dallas’s most iconic margarita, this list would also serve as a handy go-to next time an out-of-town guest is in need of dinner recommendations.

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Babe's Chicken Dinner House

Awesome fried chicken and old-school sides like corn, mashed potatoes, and iceberg salad are served up family-style at this DFW staple. (Just beware the Hokey-Pokey.)

Open in Google Maps

104 N Oak St, Roanoke, TX 76262

Visit Website

Tolbert's

Tolbert's is now located in Grapevine rather than downtown Dallas as the original chili parlor was, but it's worth the trek to sample the classic "bowl of red" at least once. After all, chili is the official state dish of Texas.

423 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051

Visit Website

Keller's Drive-In

Keller's is one of the few remaining drive-ins in town, and it’s been serving up delicious, thin-pattied burgers on poppy seed-encrusted buns since 1965. Get a side of tots and a milkshake to go with it.

Open in Google Maps

10554 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75220

Mariano's Hacienda Dallas

The inventor of the original frozen margarita, Mariano Martinez’s Dallas restaurant is an institution. Find his classic recipe frozen or on the rocks — either way, you can’t go wrong. The fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos make for a solid accompaniment.

Open in Google Maps

6300 Skillman St J, Dallas, TX 75231

Visit Website

Knife Dallas

The dry-aged steaks aside, the real iconic dish at Knife is the Ozersky. Created in tribute to chef John Tesar's pal and late culinary writer Josh Ozersky, this burger is one of the finest in a city that is positively saturated with patties.

5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Mia's Tex-Mex Restaurant

Enchiladas might be considered the classic Tex-Mex dish, but Dallas has a deep and unyielding love for brisket tacos. Mia’s claims to have invented them, and whether or not that’s true, the combination of warm flour tortilla, tender meat, sweet onions and poblano peppers and that delicious gravy is essential Dallas eating.

Open in Google Maps

4334 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Bob's Steak & Chop House

Many a business deal has been forged over gigantic steaks at the original Bob's on Lemmon. Whether in search of the perfect filet mignon or a massive bone-in ribeye, they all come flanked by the signature glazed carrot.

4300 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Matt's Rancho Martinez

Bob Armstrong dip may have been invented in Austin, but Dallasites have adopted it as their own. This off-menu creation at Matt's gilds the lily with taco meat, guac, and sour cream. Chips and queso is not the official food of Dallas, but maybe it should be?

Open in Google Maps

1904 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75206

Visit Website

Louie's

Dark and divey Louie's has been serving Chicago-style thin-crust bar pizzas to a loyal crowd since 1987, which is why there's always a pack of regulars parked outside. (The Caesar salad is also a must.)

Open in Google Maps

1839 N. Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Jimmy's Food Store

This gem of an Italian market in East Dallas is a required stop for, well, everyone. The deli counter at the back serves killer sandwiches (which are huge for the price). They're all great and everyone seems to have their own favorite, but it's hard to go wrong with the Italian Stallion, which is loaded with every Italian cold cut known to man.

4901 Bryan St., Dallas, TX 75206

Visit Website

Also featured in:

S & D Oyster Company

Since 1974, the pro waitstaff clad in their bow ties and red aprons have been mixing up cocktail sauce tableside. Put a little (or big) dab on a freshly shucked oyster, put that on a cracker, and devour.

Open in Google Maps

2701 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Visit Website

Fearing's Restaurant

Created by chef Dean Fearing back in the 80’s, the tomato-based tortilla soup with avocado and crispy tortilla strips has followed the chef from his post at the Mansion Restaurant to his chic, Texas-inspired haven at the Ritz Carlton.

Open in Google Maps

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Tei-An

Chef Teiichi Sakurai’s sushi and soba destination in the Dallas Arts District has earned both national accolades and a dedicated crowd of locals. The sushi is ridiculously fresh, but don’t forget to order chef Teach’s incredible green tea soba.

Open in Google Maps

1722 Routh St Suite110, Dallas, TX 75201

Visit Website

Also featured in:

12 Essential Japanese Restaurants In Dallas

Pecan Lodge

Dallas has plenty of time-honored barbecue places, but none of them do gloriously smoky, succulent brisket like Pecan Lodge. Still capable of creating lengthy lines, the smoked meats at Pecan Lodge are an essential Dallas experience.

2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226

Visit Website

Also featured in:

CBD Provisions

Arguably one of the most visually striking dishes in Dallas, the pig head carnitas at this Downtown restaurant are equally delicious. Fork-tender pulled pork is tucked into freshly-made tortillas, then served with roasted tomatillo salsa. (Note: call ahead 48 hours in advance to ensure that a pig's head will be available.)

1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201

Visit Website

CBD Pig’s Head

Also featured in:

Norma's Cafe

Classic diner-style pie with fluffy "mile-high" meringue keeps folks coming back to Oak Cliff's 59-year-old Norma's. Get a slice of chocolate, lemon, or chocolate peanut butter paired with a cup of coffee for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Open in Google Maps

1123 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208

Visit Website

Trompo

Named and known for the gloriously paprika-spiked pork on a spit, Trompo has earned recognition from Dallasites and national publications alike. Enjoy a few of the classic trompo tacos, and don’t be surprised when a second round (perhaps a quesadilla, or a vegetarian taco with poblano?) feels totally essential.

Open in Google Maps

407 W 10th St #140, Dallas, TX 75208

Visit Website

Taco by Trompo

Also featured in:

The 10 Best Places to Take A Date for Under $30

Royal China Restaurant

There’s something mesmerizing and satisfying about watching the noodles that will likely make their way to each table being crafted, rolled, stretched, and pulled gracefully by hand in the middle of Royal China in North Dallas. Order them stir fried with vegetables or served cold in a spicy, sweet and sour Sichuan peppercorn sauce.

Open in Google Maps

6025 Royal Ln #201, Dallas, TX 75230

Visit Website

Hand pulled La Mian noodles at Royal China

Also featured in:

Hypnotic Donuts & Biscuits

Though the name says “donuts,” the must-order item at Hypnotic Donuts is actually a chicken biscuit, easily large enough for two meals, and topped with spicy honey, jalapeños, cream cheese, bacon, pickles or gravy, depending on the specific tastes of the orderer.

Open in Google Maps

9007 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

Visit Website

A kolache from Hypnotic Donuts

Also featured in:

Where to Find the 10 Best Doughnuts in Dallas-Fort Worth

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Babe's Chicken Dinner House

104 N Oak St, Roanoke, TX 76262

Awesome fried chicken and old-school sides like corn, mashed potatoes, and iceberg salad are served up family-style at this DFW staple. (Just beware the Hokey-Pokey.)

Open in Google Maps

104 N Oak St, Roanoke, TX 76262

Visit Website

Tolbert's

423 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051

Tolbert's is now located in Grapevine rather than downtown Dallas as the original chili parlor was, but it's worth the trek to sample the classic "bowl of red" at least once. After all, chili is the official state dish of Texas.

423 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051

Visit Website

Keller's Drive-In

10554 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75220

Keller's is one of the few remaining drive-ins in town, and it’s been serving up delicious, thin-pattied burgers on poppy seed-encrusted buns since 1965. Get a side of tots and a milkshake to go with it.

Open in Google Maps

10554 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75220

Mariano's Hacienda Dallas

6300 Skillman St J, Dallas, TX 75231

The inventor of the original frozen margarita, Mariano Martinez’s Dallas restaurant is an institution. Find his classic recipe frozen or on the rocks — either way, you can’t go wrong. The fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos make for a solid accompaniment.

Open in Google Maps

6300 Skillman St J, Dallas, TX 75231

Visit Website

Knife Dallas

5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206

The dry-aged steaks aside, the real iconic dish at Knife is the Ozersky. Created in tribute to chef John Tesar's pal and late culinary writer Josh Ozersky, this burger is one of the finest in a city that is positively saturated with patties.

5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206

Visit Website

Mia's Tex-Mex Restaurant

4334 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Enchiladas might be considered the classic Tex-Mex dish, but Dallas has a deep and unyielding love for brisket tacos. Mia’s claims to have invented them, and whether or not that’s true, the combination of warm flour tortilla, tender meat, sweet onions and poblano peppers and that delicious gravy is essential Dallas eating.

Open in Google Maps

4334 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Visit Website

Bob's Steak & Chop House

4300 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Many a business deal has been forged over gigantic steaks at the original Bob's on Lemmon. Whether in search of the perfect filet mignon or a massive bone-in ribeye, they all come flanked by the signature glazed carrot.

4300 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Visit Website

Matt's Rancho Martinez

1904 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75206

Bob Armstrong dip may have been invented in Austin, but Dallasites have adopted it as their own. This off-menu creation at Matt's gilds the lily with taco meat, guac, and sour cream. Chips and queso is not the official food of Dallas, but maybe it should be?

Open in Google Maps

1904 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75206

Visit Website

Louie's

1839 N. Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Dark and divey Louie's has been serving Chicago-style thin-crust bar pizzas to a loyal crowd since 1987, which is why there's always a pack of regulars parked outside. (The Caesar salad is also a must.)

Open in Google Maps

1839 N. Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Jimmy's Food Store

4901 Bryan St., Dallas, TX 75206

This gem of an Italian market in East Dallas is a required stop for, well, everyone. The deli counter at the back serves killer sandwiches (which are huge for the price). They're all great and everyone seems to have their own favorite, but it's hard to go wrong with the Italian Stallion, which is loaded with every Italian cold cut known to man.

4901 Bryan St., Dallas, TX 75206

Visit Website

S & D Oyster Company

2701 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Since 1974, the pro waitstaff clad in their bow ties and red aprons have been mixing up cocktail sauce tableside. Put a little (or big) dab on a freshly shucked oyster, put that on a cracker, and devour.

Open in Google Maps

2701 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Visit Website

Fearing's Restaurant

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201

Created by chef Dean Fearing back in the 80’s, the tomato-based tortilla soup with avocado and crispy tortilla strips has followed the chef from his post at the Mansion Restaurant to his chic, Texas-inspired haven at the Ritz Carlton.

Open in Google Maps

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201

Visit Website

Tei-An

1722 Routh St Suite110, Dallas, TX 75201

Chef Teiichi Sakurai’s sushi and soba destination in the Dallas Arts District has earned both national accolades and a dedicated crowd of locals. The sushi is ridiculously fresh, but don’t forget to order chef Teach’s incredible green tea soba.

Open in Google Maps

1722 Routh St Suite110, Dallas, TX 75201

Visit Website

Pecan Lodge

2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226

Dallas has plenty of time-honored barbecue places, but none of them do gloriously smoky, succulent brisket like Pecan Lodge. Still capable of creating lengthy lines, the smoked meats at Pecan Lodge are an essential Dallas experience.

2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226

Visit Website

CBD Provisions

1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201

Arguably one of the most visually striking dishes in Dallas, the pig head carnitas at this Downtown restaurant are equally delicious. Fork-tender pulled pork is tucked into freshly-made tortillas, then served with roasted tomatillo salsa. (Note: call ahead 48 hours in advance to ensure that a pig's head will be available.)

1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201

Visit Website

CBD Pig’s Head

Related Maps

Norma's Cafe

1123 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208

Classic diner-style pie with fluffy "mile-high" meringue keeps folks coming back to Oak Cliff's 59-year-old Norma's. Get a slice of chocolate, lemon, or chocolate peanut butter paired with a cup of coffee for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Open in Google Maps

1123 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208

Visit Website

Trompo

407 W 10th St #140, Dallas, TX 75208

Named and known for the gloriously paprika-spiked pork on a spit, Trompo has earned recognition from Dallasites and national publications alike. Enjoy a few of the classic trompo tacos, and don’t be surprised when a second round (perhaps a quesadilla, or a vegetarian taco with poblano?) feels totally essential.

Open in Google Maps

407 W 10th St #140, Dallas, TX 75208

Visit Website

Taco by Trompo

Royal China Restaurant

6025 Royal Ln #201, Dallas, TX 75230

There’s something mesmerizing and satisfying about watching the noodles that will likely make their way to each table being crafted, rolled, stretched, and pulled gracefully by hand in the middle of Royal China in North Dallas. Order them stir fried with vegetables or served cold in a spicy, sweet and sour Sichuan peppercorn sauce.

Open in Google Maps

6025 Royal Ln #201, Dallas, TX 75230

Visit Website

Hand pulled La Mian noodles at Royal China

Hypnotic Donuts & Biscuits

9007 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

Though the name says “donuts,” the must-order item at Hypnotic Donuts is actually a chicken biscuit, easily large enough for two meals, and topped with spicy honey, jalapeños, cream cheese, bacon, pickles or gravy, depending on the specific tastes of the orderer.

Open in Google Maps

9007 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

Visit Website

A kolache from Hypnotic Donuts

Related Maps