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The September 2014 Heatmap: Where to Eat Right Now

The 13 hottest places to eat right this minute.

by Whitney Filloon
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by Whitney Filloon

Pondering where you should eat today, tonight, this weekend? Eater is back to answer that very question with our newest edition of the Heatmap-a guide to what's new, what's hot, and where folks in the know are lining up to dine.

Additions to this month's Heatmap include One Arts Plaza's new hot spot, a new barbecue place in the 'burbs and a McKinney Avenue standout.

Got a suggestion for a restaurant you think deserves to be added to next month's Heatmap? Drop us a line or leave a comment and stay tuned for the next edition of the Heatmap, dropping the first Thursday of October.

Added: Proof & Pantry, So & So's, Ten 50 BBQ
Removed: Ramen Hakata, Steel City Pops, Victor Tangos

Heatmap History

August 2014
Added: Ramen Hakata, Scotch & Sausage
Removed: Casa Rubia, Monkey King Noodle Co.

July 2014
Added: Driftwood, Steel City Pops
Removed: El Come Taco, Glazed Donut Works

June 2014
Added: Knife, Pecan Lodge, San Salvaje, Stock & Barrel
Removed: Bolsa, CBD Provisions, Outpost, Vagabond

May 2014
Added: Bolsa, Vagabond
Removed: Barter

April 2014
Added: Outpost, Victor Tangos
Removed: Chino Chinatown, Kitchen LTO

March 2014
Added: El Come Taco, Kitchen LTO
Removed: Savor, Tanoshii Ramen

February 2014
Added: CrushCraft Thai, The Blind Butcher
Removed: Dee Lincoln Steak & Burger Bar, LUCK, The Rustic, Truck Yard

January 2014
Added: CrushCraft Thai, The Blind Butcher
Removed: Dee Lincoln Steak & Burger Bar, LUCK

December 2013
Added: Casa Rubia, LUCK
Removed: Pakpao Thai, Truck Yard

November 2013
Added: CBD Provisions, Dee Lincoln's Steak & Burger Bar, The Rustic, Toko V
Removed: Belly & Trumpet, Kitchen LTO, Mot Hai Ba, The Slow Bone

October 2013
Added: Kitchen LTO, Mesero Miguel, Monkey King Noodle Co., Savor, Tanoshii Ramen, Truck Yard
Removed: Boxwood Tap & Grill, Cock and Bull, Dallas Beer Kitchen, FT33, Mutts, Spoon Bar & Kitchen

September 2013
Added: Glazed Donut Works, Village Kitchen, Zoli's NY Pizza Tavern
Removed: 20 Feet, Cane Rosso White Rock, WORK.

August 2013
Added: Boxwood T&G, Cock & Bull, Dallas Beer Kitchen
Removed: HG Sply Co., Lark on the Park, Mercat Bistro

July 2013
Added: Mercat, Mutts, Pakpao Thai, WORK
Removed: Full Circle Tavern, Haystack Burgers & Barley, Hospitality Sweet

June 2013
Added: Haystack Burgers & Barley, HG Sply Co., Hospitality Sweet
Removed: Battuto, FM Smokehouse, Stampede 66

May 2013
Added: Cane Rosso White Rock, Full Circle Tavern, Mot Hai Ba, The Slow Bone
Removed: Double Wide, Sakhuu, The Lot, Yama Sushi

April 2013
Added: Lark on the Park, Double Wide, FM Smoke House, Yama Sushi, Battuto
Removed: TJ's Seafood Market, Outpost, Kenny's Smoke House, Village Marquee, Hopdoddy, Pop Diner

March 2013
Added: 20 Feet Seafood Joint, Belly & Trumpet, The Lot, Village Marquee
Removed: Ellen's Southern Kitchen, Joyce & Gigi's, La Ventana

February 2013
Added: Ellen's Southern Kitchen, Joyce and Gigi's, La Ventana, Kenny's Smoke House, Pop Diner
Removed: Boulevardier, Meso Maya, Bowl & Barrel, Jack's Southern Comfort Food, Meddlesome Moth

January 2013
Added: Meso Maya, Outpost American Tavern, Sakhuu
Removed: Monica's Nueva Cocina

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Blind Butcher

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This Lower Greenville meat palace from Goodfriend owners Josh Yingling and Matt Tobin continues to draw crowds for meaty fare from chef Oliver Sitrin. Meaty dishes like duck poutine with foie gras, housemade sausages and pastrami eggrolls dominate the menu, but there's also great vegetarian options like mushroom poutine and a fantastic tomato salad.
1919 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 887-0000
(214) 887-0000

Also featured in:

Crushcraft Thai Street Eats

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This colorful Quadrangle spot is putting a fast-casual spin on authentic Thai food by chef Paul Singhapong. Chow down on flavorful fare like zesty papaya salad or gingery chicken with jasmine rice pilaf, and don't forget to hit up the self-serve chile bar. Bonus: It's open till 3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday and has plenty of booze options including sake and refreshing Asian beers that are perfect for 100-degree days.
2800 Routh St Ste 150, Dallas, TX 75201
(469) 471-4446
(469) 471-4446

Also featured in:

Driftwood

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Looking for a fresh date night idea? Pony up to Driftwood's recently expanded bar for oysters and an absinthe cocktail masterminded by Michael Martensen, or grab a booth in the dining room for artfully plated dishes like truffled snow crab with caviar or a gorgeous beet salad with goat cheese croquettes.
642 W. Davis St., Dallas, TX 75028
(214) 942-2530
(214) 942-2530

Gemma

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A little taste of Napa Valley hits Dallas via Stephen Rogers and Allison Yoder's cozy, intimate Henderson Avenue restaurant, where great service is a given. Don't miss the crispy sweetbreads or duck two ways with barley fried rice, and do not skip dessert by pastry chef Stephanie Childress. Major bonus: Gemma is open till 1 a.m. for night owls who want to eat well.
2323 North Henderson Avenue, Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 370-9426
(214) 370-9426

Knife

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Attention carnivores: John Tesar's modern take on the steakhouse at the Hotel Palomar is right where you want to be. Start off with a bacon tasting and ground-to-order steak tartare before moving on to a "new school" cut of prime Texas beef like the tri-tip, downright affordable at a mere $26; or simply grab a spot at the bar and order up a cocktail and the $12 Ozersky burger, which comes with a side of awesome onion rings or super-crispy salsa verde fries.
5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 443-9339
(214) 443-9339

Also featured in:

Pecan Lodge

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The crowds are bigger than ever at Pecan Lodge's new Deep Ellum digs, but the line also moves pretty quickly these days, and thanks to three times more pit capacity they rarely sell out of that illustrious brisket. If fried ribs are on the specials board, don't hesitate.
2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 748-8900
(214) 748-8900

Also featured in:

Proof + Pantry

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Misery Loves Co. (that's Driftwood partners Michael Martensen and Sal Jafar II) and chef Kyle McClelland are giving One Arts Plaza a much-needed injection of excitement with a well-edited cocktail menu and shareable plates like roast chicken and a fancy ham tasting.
1722 Routh St Ste 102, Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 880-9940
(214) 880-9940

San Salvaje

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The newest (and gorgeously colorful) restaurant from superchef Stephan Pyles globe-trots all over Mexico and South America for modern takes on classic dishes, like huitlacoche empanadas, goat barbacoa tacos and an array of ultra-fresh ceviches. Don't skip the cocktails.
2100 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 922-9922
(214) 922-9922

Scotch & Sausage

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Oak Lawn's latest hot spot specializes in exactly what you'd expect given the name -- two dozen varieties of tube meats (think bulgogi-marinated wild boar and turducken mole) and a huge selection of whiskey, plus excellent Belgian-style frites and deep-fried Scotch eggs. Plenty of options for vegetarians, too, plus late-night hours.
2808 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
(469) 802-6753
(469) 802-6753

So & So's

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So & So's is serving thoughtfully executed plates like confit pork belly with kimchi sauce, flawlessly cooked fish and a fantastic charcuterie plate in an unlikely location -- right in the midst of McKinney Avenue's bar scene. There are pizzas and wings, too, but it pays to be adventurous here. Cocktails are deliciously well-balanced (and delivered quickly).
3309 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 393-6473
(214) 393-6473

Stock & Barrel

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Former Nosh chef Jon Stevens' first venture is shaking up the Bishop Arts District with a sleek industrial interior and a menu that manages to be simultaneously approachable and adventurous: Think braised pork cheeks with cheese grits, chickpea fries with harissa cream and grilled octopus with green grapes and Marcona almonds, plus one of the more imaginative brunch menus in town.
316 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208

Ten 50 BBQ

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This sprawling barbecue complex from Chili's founder Larry Lavine is a sight to behold, and the smoked meats already have locals queuing up at lunch time. Brisket was on the salty side, but roast chicken is juicy and crisp-skinned, mac and cheese and potato salad are solid and the housemade banana pudding is irresistible. Get fancy during dinner hours with cedar-plank salmon or ribeye. [Photo: Christopher R./Yelp]
1050 North Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 234-1050
(972) 234-1050

Also featured in:

Zoli's NY Pizza Tavern

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This New York-style offshoot couldn't be more different than Cane Rosso, but it might be just as good. Grab a slice of Grandma, Sicilian or classic New York-style pie, and don't forget to try the zucchini fries with housemade jalapeno ranch. Garlic knots are a must. (If you're lucky enough to live in Oak Cliff, your Friday night just got better because Zoli's delivers.)
202 W Davis St, Dallas, TX
(214) 942-9654
(214) 942-9654

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Blind Butcher

1919 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206
This Lower Greenville meat palace from Goodfriend owners Josh Yingling and Matt Tobin continues to draw crowds for meaty fare from chef Oliver Sitrin. Meaty dishes like duck poutine with foie gras, housemade sausages and pastrami eggrolls dominate the menu, but there's also great vegetarian options like mushroom poutine and a fantastic tomato salad.
1919 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 887-0000
(214) 887-0000

Crushcraft Thai Street Eats

2800 Routh St Ste 150, Dallas, TX 75201
This colorful Quadrangle spot is putting a fast-casual spin on authentic Thai food by chef Paul Singhapong. Chow down on flavorful fare like zesty papaya salad or gingery chicken with jasmine rice pilaf, and don't forget to hit up the self-serve chile bar. Bonus: It's open till 3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday and has plenty of booze options including sake and refreshing Asian beers that are perfect for 100-degree days.
2800 Routh St Ste 150, Dallas, TX 75201
(469) 471-4446
(469) 471-4446

Driftwood

642 W. Davis St., Dallas, TX 75028
Looking for a fresh date night idea? Pony up to Driftwood's recently expanded bar for oysters and an absinthe cocktail masterminded by Michael Martensen, or grab a booth in the dining room for artfully plated dishes like truffled snow crab with caviar or a gorgeous beet salad with goat cheese croquettes.
642 W. Davis St., Dallas, TX 75028
(214) 942-2530
(214) 942-2530

Gemma

2323 North Henderson Avenue, Dallas, TX 75206
A little taste of Napa Valley hits Dallas via Stephen Rogers and Allison Yoder's cozy, intimate Henderson Avenue restaurant, where great service is a given. Don't miss the crispy sweetbreads or duck two ways with barley fried rice, and do not skip dessert by pastry chef Stephanie Childress. Major bonus: Gemma is open till 1 a.m. for night owls who want to eat well.
2323 North Henderson Avenue, Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 370-9426
(214) 370-9426

Knife

5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206
Attention carnivores: John Tesar's modern take on the steakhouse at the Hotel Palomar is right where you want to be. Start off with a bacon tasting and ground-to-order steak tartare before moving on to a "new school" cut of prime Texas beef like the tri-tip, downright affordable at a mere $26; or simply grab a spot at the bar and order up a cocktail and the $12 Ozersky burger, which comes with a side of awesome onion rings or super-crispy salsa verde fries.
5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 443-9339
(214) 443-9339

Pecan Lodge

2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
The crowds are bigger than ever at Pecan Lodge's new Deep Ellum digs, but the line also moves pretty quickly these days, and thanks to three times more pit capacity they rarely sell out of that illustrious brisket. If fried ribs are on the specials board, don't hesitate.
2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 748-8900
(214) 748-8900

Proof + Pantry

1722 Routh St Ste 102, Dallas, TX 75201
Misery Loves Co. (that's Driftwood partners Michael Martensen and Sal Jafar II) and chef Kyle McClelland are giving One Arts Plaza a much-needed injection of excitement with a well-edited cocktail menu and shareable plates like roast chicken and a fancy ham tasting.
1722 Routh St Ste 102, Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 880-9940
(214) 880-9940

San Salvaje

2100 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
The newest (and gorgeously colorful) restaurant from superchef Stephan Pyles globe-trots all over Mexico and South America for modern takes on classic dishes, like huitlacoche empanadas, goat barbacoa tacos and an array of ultra-fresh ceviches. Don't skip the cocktails.
2100 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 922-9922
(214) 922-9922

Scotch & Sausage

2808 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Oak Lawn's latest hot spot specializes in exactly what you'd expect given the name -- two dozen varieties of tube meats (think bulgogi-marinated wild boar and turducken mole) and a huge selection of whiskey, plus excellent Belgian-style frites and deep-fried Scotch eggs. Plenty of options for vegetarians, too, plus late-night hours.
2808 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
(469) 802-6753
(469) 802-6753

So & So's

3309 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
So & So's is serving thoughtfully executed plates like confit pork belly with kimchi sauce, flawlessly cooked fish and a fantastic charcuterie plate in an unlikely location -- right in the midst of McKinney Avenue's bar scene. There are pizzas and wings, too, but it pays to be adventurous here. Cocktails are deliciously well-balanced (and delivered quickly).
3309 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 393-6473
(214) 393-6473

Stock & Barrel

316 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208
Former Nosh chef Jon Stevens' first venture is shaking up the Bishop Arts District with a sleek industrial interior and a menu that manages to be simultaneously approachable and adventurous: Think braised pork cheeks with cheese grits, chickpea fries with harissa cream and grilled octopus with green grapes and Marcona almonds, plus one of the more imaginative brunch menus in town.
316 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208

Ten 50 BBQ

1050 North Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080
This sprawling barbecue complex from Chili's founder Larry Lavine is a sight to behold, and the smoked meats already have locals queuing up at lunch time. Brisket was on the salty side, but roast chicken is juicy and crisp-skinned, mac and cheese and potato salad are solid and the housemade banana pudding is irresistible. Get fancy during dinner hours with cedar-plank salmon or ribeye. [Photo: Christopher R./Yelp]
1050 North Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 234-1050
(972) 234-1050

Zoli's NY Pizza Tavern

202 W Davis St, Dallas, TX
This New York-style offshoot couldn't be more different than Cane Rosso, but it might be just as good. Grab a slice of Grandma, Sicilian or classic New York-style pie, and don't forget to try the zucchini fries with housemade jalapeno ranch. Garlic knots are a must. (If you're lucky enough to live in Oak Cliff, your Friday night just got better because Zoli's delivers.)
202 W Davis St, Dallas, TX
(214) 942-9654
(214) 942-9654

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