Founded in 1948, Arthur's has relocated three times and now occupies a very distinguished dining room in Addison. Live music in the bar/lounge area provides a soundtrack for a menu of classic fare like Champagne brie soup, steak tartare, and oysters Rockefeller.

Believe it or not, chili — not barbecue — is the state dish of Texas, and Tolbert’s serves up the city’s most iconic bowl. Originally opened in 1976 in downtown Dallas by journalist Frank X. Tolbert, who's largely credited with helping chili achieve Southwestern stardom, it's now located in a downtown Grapevine building that dates all the way back to 1911.

With its towering sandwiches and comforting matzo ball soup, Cindi’s is comfort food heaven. The Reuben sandwich is packed full of pastrami and served on soft rye, and there’s always a full case of spreads, sliced deli meats, and smoked fish, plus fresh bagels, cookies, cakes and other baked goods to take home.

The oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the city, Tupinamba was first opened back in 1947. It’s moved several times, but manages to retain an old-school vibe and a loyal clientele that comes back for the deep-fried “Tupy tacos” and more classic Tex-Mex fare.

Ever-popular burger and beer destination Keller's opened in 1965, and though the prices have certainly risen since then, you'd still be hard-pressed to find a better deal on a burger, tots, and a shake.

A Lovers Lane staple since 1971, Celebration is beloved for its menu of simple, homey comfort food like fried chicken and pot roast. Don’t miss the market next door for catering and family-sized food to-go.

Karl Kuby founded this Snider Plaza mainstay back in 1961 to delight Texans with the German-style sausages of his homeland. The space now encompasses not only a full-service restaurant but also a meat market, grocery, bakery, and catering; they'll even process wild game.

Established in 1946 and moved to Mockingbird Lane in 1950, there's absolutely nothing Egyptian about Italian restaurant Campisi's, it was just cheaper to keep the original sign. Cracker-crust pizza, including a unique muffaletta version, makes this Dallas icon a must-visit at least once. Hey, if it's good enough for Jack Ruby, it's good enough for us.

Beloved Park Cities staple Javier's opened back in 1977 and continues to draw crowds nightly for its upscale take on Mexican food, suave service, and strong margaritas. Be sure to stop by the taxidermy-laden cigar room for a post-dinner drink.

The building dates back to 1925 and once housed the very first air-conditioned bar in Dallas, though it didn't become St. Martin's until 1977. This cozy little French bar touts itself as being "the most romantic restaurant in Dallas," and given the grand piano, dimly-lit nooks, and the grand back room replete with ornate art and a fabulous chandelier, it's easy to see why.

Dairy-ette has been cooking up burgers since 1956, and its housemade root beer is a Dallas icon. The restaurant still boasts its original cash register and soda fountain, and diners can grab a seat inside at one of the red vinyl stools, or stay inside the car and flash the headlights for tater tot delivery from a friendly carhop.

Classic diner breakfasts await at this Lakewood staple, where folks have been eating since 1980. Founder Virgil Sanchez Sr. died in 2017, but his family is keeping the grill going. Be sure to try the John Wayne, a hangover-alleviating concoction of eggs, cheese, salsa, hash browns, bacon, and tortillas. Gold Rush is open every day but Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

East Dallas icon Jimmy's first opened back in 1966 and eventually evolved into the city’s most beloved Italian market and deli. Though famous for their giant made-to-order sandwiches, shoppers can also find plenty of imported Italian gems inside, from fresh pastas to exotic olive oils and regional Italian wines. And of course, there’s always Jimmy’s famous Italian sausage...

Originally founded in 1918, El Fenix moved to McKinney Avenue in 1925. Cheap, strong margaritas at happy hour and a very cool old building make visiting the original Downtown location a Dallas bucket list essential.

This Downtown Dallas icon, known for its subterranean garden and 20-foot high waterwall, originally opened in 1984, serving steaks, wedge salads, crab cakes, and other power lunches. It closed in the early days of the pandemic, but was recently resurrected (and renovated) by Dallasite Meredith McEneny, who also has a hand in restaurants like Jalisco Norte and Cedar Grove.

Part of the Deep Ellum dining scene for more than two decades, this “Modern American” restaurant keeps things simple, intimate and consistently great. Go for the chef’s tasting menu for a memorable date night.