48 Hours in Dallas: What to Eat, Drink, and Do at the Big D

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Dallas, home of the Mavericks and Cowboys, is also host to a smorgasbord of historical attractions, art districts, entertainment and commercial centers, vibrant nightlife, and delicious dining venues. If you are visiting the Lone Star State for the first time and you are looking to get immersed in the Texan city life, Dallas should definitely be high on your list. Whether you’re a sports aficionado, a foodie, or a cultural traveler, there is something for you at the Big D.

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And while people can easily dismiss it as a “city where there’s nothing to do”—and most likely point you to the direction of the livelier and more hipster Austin (another favorite of mine)—don’t be dissuaded! If food is a top priority in your trips, please go to Dallas. If you seek an upscale nightlife scene complete with legit cocktail bars, hiphop clubs, and fascinating speakeasies … Dallas. And if you love shopping (who doesn’t?), then a trip to one (or five, LOL) of the city’s numerous outlet stores would definitely not disappoint.

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Admittedly I would rather go to the green or blue parts of any new place I visit, but there’s also something to be learned in immersing yourself in a new city. Below are 10 things I suggest you do when you only have 2 days to explore Dallas. Keep coming back to my blog for updates—who knows, I might just return and update this list to 20? *wink*


1 | Check out the Dallas Museum of Art.

One of the largest museums in the US, the Dallas Museum of Art is home to over 24,000 artifacts and two libraries housing more than 50,000 books. Its collection ranges from ancient to modern times—the oldest being in the third millennium BC. Featuring African, American, Ancient Mediterranean, Asian, Contemporary, Decorative Arts and Design, European, Pre-Columbian/Pacific Rim, and Wendy and Emery Reves collections, the museum is sure to amuse artists, art enthusiasts, and even tourists just looking at what the city’s culture scene has to offer.

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While I did enjoy looking at old paintings, sculptures, and relics used in wars and in the household, what I appreciated more was the modern collection fitted with abstract and minimalist art, interactive installations, paintings, and photography exhibitions. The extremely elaborate Wendy and Emery Reves section, featuring ornate French furniture and decorative pieces, is pretty awesome too. They also have a special section that puts a spotlight on a different artist every month—follow them on Facebook for updates.

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Budget: $0 (entrance is FREE except for the special exhibits)

Related Tip: Love interactive science museums? Also check out Perot Museum of Nature and Science. In addition, if you want to explore several attractions in the city, secure a City Pass which would give you access to four (4) attractions of your choice, including #2 below.


2 | See where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

The Sixth Floor Museum, located at the Texas School Book Depository, showcases the life and accomplishments of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. A short walk away is Elm Street, where Kennedy’s motorcade passed and where he was allegedly shot by a man named Lee Harvey Oswald.

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Tourists can learn about this assassination—perhaps one of the biggest historical events in America—in this museum, and can even view photos and films depicting the assassination. In the nearby Dealey Plaza, you can see an “X” that marks the exact spot where the former president was gunned down.

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Open: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Entrance fees:
Adult - $16
Senior (65+) - $14
Youth (6-18) - $13
Child (0-5) - Free


3 | Feast on southern fried chicken.

Is fried chicken among your favorite comfort food? Head over to Jonathon’s Diner for that much-needed dose of comfort. If the below photo of their Fried Chicken and Waffle doesn’t make your mouth water, I don’t know what will! But wait until you sink your teeth into that juicy chicken fried chicken breast, enjoyed best with a generous slather of delicious peppered gravy and a bit of honey. Make sure you eat it with the firm yet fluffy waffle—simply the best I’ve had yet!

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Not a waffle fan? Get the Chicken and Biscuit—a huge plate of chicken fried chicken, potatoes, sunny-side up egg, pepper biscuits, and peppered gravy! If you’re going for brunch, try the Berries and Cream Waffle loaded with a variety of berries and topped with whipped cream—it was simply divine! Order some coffee or cocktails while you wait, as their kitchen seems to be eternally busy. I wish I had more time in Dallas so I could try EVERYTHING from their compact yet intriguing menu.

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Locations: N. Beckley and Oak Cliff
Budget: about $20, including tip (no alcoholic drinks)

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4 | Eat and drink at the 3-story Legacy Food Hall.

Food parks—or food halls—are in the rage nowadays, and while I’m not a huge fan of this dining trend, when you’re presented with a three-story one with a bar and a brewery, you simply have to go. Legacy Hall in Plano brings together dining and drinking in an easygoing atmosphere with its 22 stalls offering an assortment of cuisines: from Indian naan wraps, pokes, and baos to Latin chicken, European food, and of course, American staples. It can be quite overwhelming to choose which stall to try—good thing they are varied enough to suit your specific cravings.

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dallas-travel-guide
Try the Peruvian Chicken from Bravazo Rotisserie served with warm bread salad and chimichurri, and get a side of fries (I got .. chimichurri LOL) for good measure. If you’re looking for Asian fusion, go to Enter the Bao and try their K-Pop (braised beef kalbi, smoked gochujang sauce, caramelized kimchi, pickled daikon, chopped scallions) and get some brisket fries on the side. For drinks, make sure you try their fresh beers on tap—Texas is heaven for beer lovers! Check out the list of stalls here.

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Location: 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano
Budget: about $20, including tip (no alcoholic drinks)


5 | Bar-hop at the Deep Ellum.

Amidst skyscrapers and crisscrossing roads, Deep Ellum feels like a different world within Dallas. Situated just a few minutes from downtown, this hipster neighborhood attracts crowds looking for arts, food, and live music—oh, and alcohol, of course. The first thing that would strike you upon arriving is the profusion of murals and graffiti all around, found almost in every inch of the area decked by low-rise establishments. The district overflows with character and energy. Walk down the road and listen to the blaring music pouring out of the bar doors, try to blend with the well-dressed crowd, and for sure, you’re in for a good night.

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Start at Hide, a sleek bar popular for their handcrafted cocktails. Try their negroni for that much needed pre-party kick. Then make your way down the street for some beers or some more cocktails; how about at Truth & Alibi, a roaring club concealed behind a candy shop? Can’t get enough of speakeasies? Trot over to High and Tight Barbershop and discover a cozy drinking den behind a secret door—beers and live music, anyone? Finish off at Salsera for some late-night dancing!

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Budget: drinks range from $5 to $12; some bars have cover charge


6 | Get some good vibes at the uptown bars.

Your nightlife experience in Dallas is not complete without visiting one of the uptown bars. If you’re looking for a fun night of beers and live bands, go to the British Beverage Company to get your hop-and-music fix. The place is extremely packed, perfect if you’re looking to meet new people, but if you want a bit of space, you can stay at the patio or the billiards area. The crowd ranges from college to working, but what I did feel here was that everyone was friendly. The ambience? I couldn’t explain it. It was noisy yet very cozy.

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Ever been in an arcade bar? Check out Kung Fu Saloon while you’re in the area—where basketball, skee ball, and video games meet beers and cocktails. On the center of the saloon is a circular bar where barmen try to keep up with the nonstop influx or orders, haha! On one side of the place is the lineup of arcade games. Outside, there’s a jumbo jenga that gets more fun to play with the more drunk you get. Looking for a unique Dallas nightlife experience? Peek into the Round-up Saloon, a gay country western dance hall where everyone—gay or straight—just celebrates good times!

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Budget: drinks range from $5 to $12; some bars have cover charge


7 | Recover at Fuel City Tacos.

One of the things I don’t completely like about Texas is their state-wide alcohol ban at 2:00AM. Yes, no more drinking by then! What this means though is that: (1) I would never get totally wasted out there, and (2) I would almost always need some sort of recovery food. Why is this good? Well, when you’re in Dallas, you need to eat—wasted or not—at Fuel City, where I got to taste my favorite tacos in Texas. That’s right, in a gas station!

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Cheap, straightforward, and fucking delicious—these are the best words to describe what they are dishing out over in this fuel stop. Expect to wait as almost everyone seems to go here after drinking. I couldn’t get enough of their al pastor—marinated and thinly sliced pork on corn tortillas, topped with cilantro, salsa, and chopped onions. In fact, I loved it so much that we queued up again after finishing our first batch, LOL! The other taco variants were really good too but this was my favorite. Make sure you get some street-style elote, as well!

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Location: 801 S. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas
Budget: less than $10


8 | Chill at the Klyde Warren Park.

In my home country, people are not too fond of parks (families and friends would rather hang out in the mall)—but if we had parks like the ones in the US, maybe we would be a more park-loving populace. The Klyde Warren Park, situated at the Arts District, boasts of a variety of recreational amenities, including an amphitheater, a jogging trail, a children's park, a dog park, a games section, and dining outlets. My favorite? The food trucks! You just have to buy something from a food truck when you’re in America!

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It was winter when I came, so we bought some delicious hot chocolate with whipped cream from one of the trucks while we strolled around and enjoyed the park’s relaxing (albeit chilly, LOL) ambience. They hold weekly events here—in fact, there was a dance lesson going on when we came and I joined for a couple of minutes. Check out their monthly schedules here.

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Location: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas
Open: 6:00am – 11:00pm
Entrance and activites: $0


9 | Shop 'til you drop.

If you love shopping, prepare to put a severe damage on your savings when you’re in Texas. With its many outlet stores ranging from budget to premium, shopaholics are sure to find something they fancy—whether it’s clothes, shoes, accessories, or gadgets. From Dallas, you can hop over to nearby cities to visit the Grand Prairie or Allen Premium Outlets, both with over 90 stores. Within Dallas, smaller shops like Bloomingdale’s, Saks, and Macy’s are available, as well as shops dedicated for numerous individual brands.

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My personal favorite is the San Marcos Outlets, but this is 4 hours away from Dallas (do visit when you’re in Austin or San Antonio!). Composed of the San Marcos Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlets, this retail heaven boasts of over 300 stores! If you have the budget and that YOLO attitude, don’t think! Just hoard all the items you love! Brands include Nike, Under Armour, Perry Ellis, Lacoste, Sperry, Prada, Armani, Michael Kors, Gucci, Burberry, and many more. Some labels like CK, Gap, and Fossil are unbelievably cheap—go get ‘em! But remember: NEVER convert to pesos while you shop!


10 | Mingle with fellow sports fans.

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photo credit: @9s3t

If you're a big sports enthusiast and you're in the US—you have to watch a live game! This doesn't require an explanation. But if for some reason you are unable to get a ticket, go pop into a sports barsand you are sure to still feel the same amount of energy and excitement whenever there's a major game on. The movies don't lie—Americans are actually very into sports.


Have you been to Dallas? What other things can you add to this list? Which is your favorite city in Texas?

If you like my posts and would love regular updates on travel photos, food finds, restaurant reviews, dance articles, and drunken tales, follow Pepe Samson on Facebook!

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