Best known for barbecue, authentic Mexican, and Tex-Mex cuisine, there’s no shortage of delicious places to enjoy a great meal in Dallas. When it’s time to chow down, we’ve got 11 of the best local restaurants that are sure to satisfy your Texas-sized appetite on a penny-sized budget.
Need help navigating the city? Here’s a helpful guide to Dallas’ public transportation system!
1| Taco Heads
2349 North Main St & 1812 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, TX
Beginning with a dream in 2008, Taco Heads has grown from a simple taco trailer in Fort Worth into two booming brick-and-mortar restaurants and a thriving catering company. You can even find Taco Heads’ award-winning breakfast tacos at 15 DFW coffee shops. While the menu may appear limited, each dish is carefully concocted using only the freshest ingredients. Plus, many of the sauces and dips are family recipes passed down from her mother and extended family. Stop by and become a member of the Taco Head family!
2| Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
10 DFW Locations
A casual, family-owned restaurant with ten locations around Dallas, Babe’s is the place to go for homestyle cooking. Indulge in fried chicken, fried catfish, hickory-smoked ribs, biscuits with honey and much more. While the food is always hot and crispy, visitors find that each of Babe’s locations has its own unique personality and style. Find the location nearest you and enjoy a Texas-sized plate of authentic southern cuisine.
3| Kalachandji’s Restaurant
5430 Gurley Ave, Dallas, TX
Dallas isn’t all about BBQ and Tex-Mex. For nearly 40 years, Kalachandji’s has served traditional vegetarian Indian fare in Dallas. Best known for its stunning garden courtyard seating, Kalachandji’s serves a fresh international buffet featuring daily specials. Staples to each day’s buffet are dal (soup), pullao (rice), sabji (vegetable curry), traditional toppings (like pakora, chutney and achar), fresh homemade bread and dessert. Kalachandji’s is open every day but Mondays. The lunch buffet is $13.95 per person, and the dinner is $16.95 per person.
4| Wingfield’s Breakfast & Burger
2615 S Beckley Ave, Dallas, TX
Sometimes, nothing but a good, old-fashioned burger will do. When that craving comes along, be sure to check out Wingfield’s Breakfast & Burger in south Dallas. Their menu is basic. Their ingredients are always fresh. And their service overflows with hospitality. Best known for their bacon cheeseburgers, this classic burger joint also serves up a hearty breakfast menu starting at 10:00 a.m. Don’t forget to save room for pie! Wingfield’s, a true local’s favorite, is open every day but Sunday.
5| Mama’s Daughters’ Diner
5 DFW Locations
A classic diner in style, Mama’s Daughters’ Diner serves up southern home cooking for breakfast and lunch that is sure to please your palate. A city staple since 1958, the diner serves classics like homemade pies, cornbread, rolls, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and, our favorite, fried chicken. There are five locations in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area. Did we mention – Kids always eat free on Tuesdays at Mama’s Daughters’ Diner.
6| AllGood Cafe
2934 Main St, Dallas, TX
Start your vacation off right with a delicious breakfast at AllGood Cafe. The menu is reasonably priced and loaded with southern favorites like breakfast tacos, chicken-fried steak, and buttermilk biscuits! Grab a large cup of coffee and you’ll be ready for a day full of Dallas adventures. When you’re looking for the perfect late-night snack, AllGood Cafe is open until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday – Saturday. Their special “At Nite” menu features a little bit of everything paired with a side of live music and hand-crafted cocktails. Located in Deep Ellum, this hip and trendy restaurant won’t disappoint with its fresh and flavorful menu.
7| Snooze, An A.M. Eatery
4 DFW Locations
Not your average breakfast spot, Snooze puts a creative spin on the traditional breakfast. Check out a few of our favorites, like the smashed avocado benny, breakfast pot pie or sweet potato pancakes. Their menu also includes specialty bloody marys, choice mimosa and freshly brewed lattes. Snooze is a diner for the modern generation with a fun atmosphere, full-service bar and creative twist on your favorite breakfast dishes. Check out one of their four locations in the DFW area.
8| Cattleack Barbeque
13628 Gamma Road, Dallas TX
Indulge in Texas ‘que at Cattleack Barbeque, “Branded the Best” in the Dallas – Fort Worth area! They’ve got brisket, ribs and pulled pork paired with all the best southern comfort sides and, of course, banana pudding for dessert. Cattleack serves ol’ fashioned bottled sodas and southern sweet tea, but BYOB is also permitted. This local’s favorite is open for lunch and take-out every Thursday and Friday and on the first Saturday of the month. We advise you to arrive early – the line forms quickly! Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
9| Twisted Root Burger Co.
7 DFW Locations
Burgers, burgers, and more burgers! The Twisted Root Burger Co. takes the good ole fashioned burger and gives it a twist. Of course, you’ll find classics like the All American (a bacon cheeseburger) and Lots-A-Shroom (a burger with mushrooms and swiss cheese), but then you’ll discover more clever concoctions like the Gosh Jam It (a burger with goat cheese topped with a tomato-bacon-onion jam) or The Millionaire (an open-faced burger with wagyu beef, aged cheddar, truffle aioli, garlic mushrooms, bacon, dark beer sauce and crispy tobacco onions). What really makes Twisted so unique is the wide range of meats that are offered like rabbit, lamb, elk, duck and more. Find a location near you today!
10| Pecan Lodge
2702 Main Street, Dallas, TX
Enjoy the mouthwatering variety of BBQ at Pecan Lodge. From southern fried chicken and Aunt Polly’s banana pudding to Mac n’ Cheese and collard greens, this BBQ joint is as classic as it comes. Formerly found at the Dallas Farmers Market, Pecan Lodge is a family-owned restaurant located in Deep Ellum serving up favorite family recipes. They’ve been featured in loads of “best Texas BBQ” lists by publications like Travel & Leisure Magazine, Thrillist, D Magazine and many more. Pecan Lodge is open seven days a week until the BBQ sells out.
11| Meso Maya
6 DFW Locations
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Meso Maya in Dallas, TX. The head chef, Nico Sanchez, traveled far and wide across the country of Mexico learning about culinary techniques, intricate flavors and true traditions of Mexican fare. Visitors can enjoy these delectable traditions for brunch, lunch or dinner at any of Meso Maya’s six DFW locations. Pair any meal with a handcrafted cocktail or house specialty margarita. Find the location nearest you for today’s hours of operation.
Affordable Dallas Hotels Nearby
Best known for barbecue, authentic Mexican, and Tex-Mex cuisine, there’s no shortage of delicious places to enjoy a great meal in Dallas. When it’s time to chow down, we’ve got 11 of the
best local restaurants that are sure to satisfy your Texas-sized appetite on a penny-sized budget.
Need help navigating the city? Here’s a helpful guide to Dallas' public transportation system!
1| Taco Heads
2349 North Main St & 1812 Montgomery St, Fort Worth, TX
Beginning with a dream in 2008,
Taco Heads has grown from a simple taco trailer in Fort Worth into two booming brick-and-mortar restaurants and a thriving catering company. You can even find Taco Heads’ award-winning breakfast tacos at 15 DFW coffee shops. While the menu may appear limited, each dish is carefully concocted using only the freshest ingredients. Plus, many of the sauces and dips are family recipes passed down from her mother and extended family. Stop by and become a member of the Taco Head family!
2| Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
10 DFW Locations
A casual, family-owned restaurant with ten locations around Dallas,
Babe’s is the place to go for homestyle cooking. Indulge in fried chicken, fried catfish, hickory-smoked ribs, biscuits with honey and much more. While the food is always hot and crispy, visitors find that each of Babe’s locations has its own unique personality and style. Find the location nearest you and enjoy a Texas-sized plate of authentic southern cuisine.
3| Kalachandji’s Restaurant
5430 Gurley Ave, Dallas, TX
Dallas isn’t all about BBQ and Tex-Mex. For nearly 40 years,
Kalachandji’s has served traditional vegetarian Indian fare in Dallas. Best known for its stunning garden courtyard seating, Kalachandji’s serves a fresh international buffet featuring daily specials. Staples to each day’s buffet are dal (soup), pullao (rice), sabji (vegetable curry), traditional toppings (like pakora, chutney and achar), fresh homemade bread and dessert. Kalachandji’s is open every day but Mondays. The lunch buffet is $13.95 per person, and the dinner is $16.95 per person.
4| Wingfield’s Breakfast & Burger
2615 S Beckley Ave, Dallas, TX
Sometimes, nothing but a good, old-fashioned burger will do. When that craving comes along, be sure to check out
Wingfield’s Breakfast & Burger in south Dallas. Their menu is basic. Their ingredients are always fresh. And their service overflows with hospitality. Best known for their bacon cheeseburgers, this classic burger joint also serves up a hearty breakfast menu starting at 10:00 a.m. Don’t forget to save room for pie! Wingfield’s, a true local’s favorite, is open every day but Sunday.
5| Mama’s Daughters’ Diner
5 DFW Locations
A classic diner in style,
Mama’s Daughters’ Diner serves up southern home cooking for breakfast and lunch that is sure to please your palate. A city staple since 1958, the diner serves classics like homemade pies, cornbread, rolls, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and, our favorite, fried chicken. There are five locations in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area. Did we mention – Kids always eat free on Tuesdays at Mama’s Daughters’ Diner.
6| AllGood Cafe
2934 Main St, Dallas, TX
Start your vacation off right with a delicious breakfast at
AllGood Cafe. The menu is reasonably priced and loaded with southern favorites like breakfast tacos, chicken-fried steak, and buttermilk biscuits! Grab a large cup of coffee and you’ll be ready for a day full of Dallas adventures. When you’re looking for the perfect late-night snack, AllGood Cafe is open until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday – Saturday. Their special “At Nite” menu features a little bit of everything paired with a side of live music and hand-crafted cocktails. Located in Deep Ellum, this hip and trendy restaurant won’t disappoint with its fresh and flavorful menu.
7| Snooze, An A.M. Eatery
4 DFW Locations
Not your average breakfast spot,
Snooze puts a creative spin on the traditional breakfast. Check out a few of our favorites, like the smashed avocado benny, breakfast pot pie or sweet potato pancakes. Their menu also includes specialty bloody marys, choice mimosa and freshly brewed lattes. Snooze is a diner for the modern generation with a fun atmosphere, full-service bar and creative twist on your favorite breakfast dishes. Check out one of their four locations in the DFW area.
8| Cattleack Barbeque
13628 Gamma Road, Dallas TX
Indulge in Texas ‘que at
Cattleack Barbeque, “Branded the Best” in the Dallas – Fort Worth area! They’ve got brisket, ribs and pulled pork paired with all the best southern comfort sides and, of course, banana pudding for dessert. Cattleack serves ol’ fashioned bottled sodas and southern sweet tea, but BYOB is also permitted. This local’s favorite is open for lunch and take-out every Thursday and Friday and on the first Saturday of the month. We advise you to arrive early – the line forms quickly! Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
9| Twisted Root Burger Co.
7 DFW Locations
Burgers, burgers, and more burgers! The
Twisted Root Burger Co. takes the good ole fashioned burger and gives it a twist. Of course, you’ll find classics like the All American (a bacon cheeseburger) and Lots-A-Shroom (a burger with mushrooms and swiss cheese), but then you’ll discover more clever concoctions like the Gosh Jam It (a burger with goat cheese topped with a tomato-bacon-onion jam) or The Millionaire (an open-faced burger with wagyu beef, aged cheddar, truffle aioli, garlic mushrooms, bacon, dark beer sauce and crispy tobacco onions). What really makes Twisted so unique is the wide range of meats that are offered like rabbit, lamb, elk, duck and more. Find a location near you today!
10| Pecan Lodge
2702 Main Street, Dallas, TX
Enjoy the mouthwatering variety of BBQ at
Pecan Lodge. From southern fried chicken and Aunt Polly’s banana pudding to Mac n’ Cheese and collard greens, this BBQ joint is as classic as it comes. Formerly found at the Dallas Farmers Market, Pecan Lodge is a family-owned restaurant located in Deep Ellum serving up favorite family recipes. They’ve been featured in loads of “best Texas BBQ” lists by publications like Travel & Leisure Magazine, Thrillist, D Magazine and many more. Pecan Lodge is open seven days a week until the BBQ sells out.
11| Meso Maya
6 DFW Locations
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Meso Maya in Dallas, TX. The head chef, Nico Sanchez, traveled far and wide across the country of Mexico learning about culinary techniques, intricate flavors and true traditions of Mexican fare. Visitors can enjoy these delectable traditions for brunch, lunch or dinner at any of Meso Maya’s six DFW locations. Pair any meal with a handcrafted cocktail or house specialty margarita. Find the
location nearest you for today’s hours of operation.
