The Top List of Delicious Hideaways - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
The cities best kept hot spots revealed by Ron Good
When visiting unfamiliar territory, brochures and tourist traps are quick to point out the obvious. However, only the locals can truly give you an honest overview of the cities finest between Dallas and Ft. Worth. To break away from those chain restaurants you must break away from the norm and delve into the vast assortment of delicious hideaways hidden among the commercial restaurants.
COOL RIVER CAFE 1045 Hidden Ridge, Irving, TX 75038 (972) 871-8881 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11 am- 11 pm; (Sat-Sun) 5 pm- 11 pm; Bar hours: (Mon-Wed) till 1 am; (Thu-Sat) till 2 am Contiguous to that of a modish country club, Cool River tailors to those who enjoy fine dining accompanied with enjoyable atmosphere. Valet is available and reservations are practically a must when attending this establishment. However, if you prefer to wait and enjoy other areas of the restaurant, the cigar lounge, bar, or pool tables are more than accommodating at entertaining that wait. Once seated, however, appetizers such as the Empanada Veniana or entrees like the New York strip seem to explain the tremendous amount of business this restaurant sees. Suggested by the wait-staff, the Diable Helado, a Habanero Belgian Chocolate Waffle Sandwich with Bailey's Irish Ice Cream, topped with fresh strawberries, toasted almonds and Kahlua Créme® Anglaise, was the most incredible dessert eaten in quite some time.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $ 10 - $ 30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
PATRIZIO 1900 Preston Rd., Suite 343, Plano, TX 75093 (972) 964-2200 25 Highland Park Village, Dallas, Texas 75205 (214) 522-7878 Hours: (Fri-Sat) 11 am- 11 pm; (Sun-Thu) 11 am- 10 :30 pm; (Sun-Thu) 11 am- 10 pm For Italian, Patrizio's is absolutely the best in the metroplex. Complete with valet and great service are the exceptional entrees that only Patrizio's can make. Fettuccini Alfredo, Eggplant Parmesan, and the Chicken and Mushroom Lasagna are just a taste of the top dishes one should try. For the healthy choice consumer the best picks are the Vegetable Lasagna or one of the ten salads listed on the menu. The setting is relaxed yet romantic. Casual, business casual and upscale fashions are mixed within the rich atmosphere. The interior resembles that of Italy with a dash of Roman exhibit for flare.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $ 6 - $ 15
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
MAC'S BAR & GRILLE 6077 W. Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76016 (817) 572-0541 Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11 am- 10 pm; (Fri-Sat) 11 am- 12 am; (Sun) 10 am- 10 pm 8-ounce sirloin, salmon topped with julienne vegetables, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and an infamous Texas favorite, Chicken fried Steak. Sound delicious? It is. Mac's Bar & Grille makes it so and they can make it for you seven days a week. One of Arlington's darlings, Mac's serves up a great meal with a great staff and topped with a great price. The restaurant seems a bit classic with modern style décor. Dress is casual. Mac's also serves brunch early on Sundays presenting a wide variety of choices including fresh fruit, hash browns, and cinnamon rolls. Price ranges from $ 6 - $ 18.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $ 10 - $ 20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
Want a restaurant for that special person in your life or to impress a client? Addison Café is a French bistro on the outskirts of restaurant row in Addison. Known for dishes such as their salmon steak and sea bass, Addison Café is the perfect place to wine and dine. An extensive French and American wine list is also available to go with your favorite dish. Reservations are not required.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $ 10 - $ 25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
DAKOTA’S STEAKHOUSE 600 N. Akard St., Dallas, TX 75201 (214) 740-4001 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11 am- 2 :30 pm; (Mon-Thu) 5 pm- 10 pm; (Fri-Sat) 5 pm- 10 :30 pm; (Sun) 5 :30 pm- 9 pm Noted as Dallas' underground restaurant, Dakota's has been serving downtown fare for 15 years. Below Lincoln Plaza this restaurant serves up delicious delicatessen such as Blackened T-Bone Steak, Smoked Chicken Pasta, Maine Lobster, and Chilean Sea Bass. Topping the favorite list is the Wild Game Mixed Grill, which includes elk and boar. The dark wood and interior within give it a rich and meaningful life that accompanies the meal. Reservations are accepted and the valet parking station is practically the only visual above ground tipping off this hidden treasure.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $ 10 - $ 27
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Whether you wish to dine in or on the patio of the small storefront space, Stern's Deli satisfies your palate. Known more as a hot lunch spot, the 5-year-old Stern's Deli has created many smiles and satisfied customers. Corned beef, cooked ham, turkey, or pastrami are just a few of the meats to choose from when building that better sandwich. A great appetizer or dish is the Chicken tortilla wraps. Stern's offers different kinds of soups and breads including bagels. Breakfast is also served all day long and delivery is possible on orders over $15.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $ 5 - $ 15
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
CAFÉ ASHTON 610 Main St., Ft. Worth, TX 76102 (817) 332-0100 Hours: (Daily) 6 :30 am- 10 am; (Daily) 11 :00am- 2pm; (Fri - Sat) 5:00 pm- 10:00 pm; (Sun - Thur) 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm Café Ashton is a hotel restaurant that takes the cowboy out of Ft. Worth and replaces him with the well-dressed gentleman. The entree presentation is more like a work of art. Gracing the top of the porcelain are dishes such as caramelized duck breast and shrimp beignets or wild mushroom risotto for appetizers. A short wine list is available for giving your dish a perfect addition. The beautiful wooden floor adds to the already contemporary feel the restaurant gives. Reservations are welcome. Traditional breakfast is also available in the mornings.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $ 10 - $ 30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
ARCODORO/POMODORO 2708 Routh St., Dallas, TX 75201 (214) 871-1924 Hours: (Thu-Sat) 6 pm- 12 am; (Sun-Wed) 6 pm- 11 pm Arcodoro/Pomodoro is an uptown establishment fusing two restaurants into one. Once separate and now joined, Arcodoro/Pomodoro offers Sardinian cuisine known more on the Italian Island of Sardinia. Pomodoro dinners include Mozzarella Pomodoro, Salmone in Crema di Carciofi and Scaloppina ai Funghi. Arcodoro dinners include Cozze al Guazzeto, Spaghetti al Ragu Piccante, and Carpaccio Affogato. Most dishes are all a combination of seafood, pastas, meat, and thick tomato or cream sauce. Stucco shapes the restaurant inside and out while beautiful marble accent the inside accompanied with red roof tiles. Valet parking is available as well as reservations.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $ 7 - $ 22
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
MARIPOSA 2201 Dallas Pkwy., Plano, TX 75093 (972) 629-1718 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 11 am- 4 pm; (Sun) 12 pm- 3 pm The Shops at Willow Bend is a new upscale mall holding its place with everything imaginable. Mariposa in north Dallas sits on the third floor of the Neiman Marcus occupying that shopping mall. Now that lunch is easily accessible to the weary shopper, Mariposa is creating a real popular demand. A few dishes sure to please are the Orange sticky chicken, tuna noodle casserole, and the crispy trout crusted in pistachio with lemon sauce. One of Mariposa's signature dishes is a Summer Seafood tower, for two, including miso salmon, grilled prawns, and calamari all served on a three-tier stand priced at $28.
Estimate cost per person for lunch = $ 13 - $ 20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
LA HACIENDA RANCH 4110 Preston Rd., Frisco, TX 75034 (972) 335-2232 Hours: (Fri-Sat) 11 am- 11 pm; (Sun-Thu) 11 am- 10 pm Reminiscent of a lodge, La Hacienda Ranch serves up the best in southwestern food. Among the many choices displayed on the menu, Wild Boar casadillas top the appetizer list. Other creations consist of Tex Mex cuisine such as enchiladas, rice and beans presented differently based on menu name. La Hacienda is huge, allowing for large parties to be seated together. There is also a covered patio or back porch looking out at what was rolling pastures and cattle now exchanged for the busy growth of shops and homes.
Estimate cost per person for brunch - $ 7 - $ 22
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
The Top List of Delicious Hideaways - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX