Dallas/North Dallas

University Park, a predominantly residential community of 23,000 residents, is approximately 5 miles (8 km) north of downtown Dallas. The City is the home of Southern Methodist University and is also known for its attractive homes, beautiful parks, and numerous churches. The location of University Park in north-central Dallas provides easy access to a broad range of cultural, recreational, shopping, and business activities.
Knox/Henderson is a split personality urban neighborhood worthy of its own designation. The Knox side west of Hwy 75 is the more upscale half, with many restaurants and upscale home decor shops. The Knox Park neighborhood includes a plethora of upscale home furnishings shops. The Henderson side lagged behind its Knox half, but is now just as trendy, with a more low-key, relaxed vibe. Henderson hot spots now line Henderson all the way from Hwy 75 to Ross. Knox and the western half of Henderson are very pedestrian friendly. Knox/Henderson is just a short walk up the Katy Trail from West Village.
Greenville Avenue south of Mockingbird Lane (known as Lower Greenville) is a genuine neighborhood strip, or series of strips, with a semi-urban atmosphere and businesses that range from pawn shops to sushi bars. The area has evolved more organically than most in Dallas, featuring neighborhood corner Lebanese restaurants, age-old greasy spoons and other urban niceties. During the week you will find many area residents who tend toward the bohemian, but the weekend draws a party-hardy crowd. As one travels north along Greenville, the strips (there are several, each two or three blocks long and around half a mile apart) become somewhat more mature in tone, though the atmosphere still ranges from laid-back to drunken.
Lake Highlands is a district in the northeast part of Dallas.

• Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

  address: 8525 Garland Rd
  Located along the south banks of White Rock Lake.

• Meadows Museum of ArtHouses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish Art outside of Spain, including works by El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo, Goya, Miró and Picasso, and a 40-by-90 foot moving sculpture, Wave, designed by Santiago Calatrava.

• George W. Bush Presidential Library

  address: 2943 SMU Boulevard
  Former President Bush's library, containing various exhibits and artifacts from his presidency

• KoreatownDallas is home to the South's largest Korean-American community. Although their homes are spread out across North Dallas and the northern suburbs, businesses which cater to the Korean community are concentrated in the neighborhood around the intersection of Harry Hines Boulevard and Royal Lane. Look for loads of Korean restaurants, import stores, and karaoke bars.

• Texas High School FootballNorth Dallas offers great entertainment on Friday nights seen in few places in the country. High School football holds a special status in Texas, and this area is no different. Enjoy 20,000 plus fan atmospheres and exciting games in the area, check local highschools for game times and locations near zipcodes 75206, 75209, 75220, 75225, 75229, 75230, 75231, 75240, 75243, 75244, 75248, 75251, 75252, 75254, 75287

• Granada Theater

  phone: +1 214-824-9933
  address: 3524 Greenville Ave
  The Granada Theater is a great place to enjoy good music. Live music, gourmet food, full bar. Voted Best Live Music Venue 2007-2010 by Dallas Observer.

• Tenison Park Golf Club

  address: 3501 Samuell Blvd
  Has two 18-hole courses, Tenison Glen and Tenison Highlands.

• Luna Vista Golf Course

  address: 11223 Luna Rd

• SMU MustangsThe Mustangs, representing Southern Methodist University as members of the American Athletic Conference, are the most prominent college sports program on the Dallas side of the Metroplex. SMU's main athletic facilities are on its campus in University Park. The most prominent venues are Gerald J. Ford Stadium (football) and Moody Coliseum (basketball).

• Shakespeare Dallas

  phone: +1 214-559-2778
  address: 3630 Harry Hines Blvd., 3rd Floor
  Inspired by the democratic spirit of the New York Shakespeare Festival, Robert "Bob" Glenn started Shakespeare Dallas in 1971. Today, Shakespeare Dallas is a treasured North Texas cultural landmark and the only company in the area that provides accessible programs for audiences of all ages. Shakespeare Dallas has shows in various parks in the Dallas area (Shakespeare in the Park), as well as performances in local schools (Shakespeare on the Go), cultural centers and co-productions with local theatre groups (Shakespeare Unplugged).

• Dallas Kosher Chili Cook-Off

  phone: +1 214-691-3611
  address: 10909 Hillcrest Rd
  The Kosher Chili Cook-Off boasts hot chili and family fun. Hosted by the synagogue Tiferet Israel, this annual event draws 3,000-4,000 people from the North Dallas area. This no profit event consists of numerous teams all competing for the best chili award. Admission is around five bucks and includes all the chili you can stomach.

• Annual Easter Egg HuntChildren ages infant to 8 are invited to Goar Park to participate in Easter egg hunt activities under the direction of the Park Department. Multi-colored plastic eggs stuffed with candy are placed throughout areas that are marked off for specific groups. Festivities include a "bounce house," face painting, music and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

• June Fishing DerbyPresented for children ages 6 to 12, this event takes place at the pond in Caruth Park. Prior to the event the Park Department stocks the pond with fish. A hit with kids, parents and grandparents, "catch and release" procedures are followed. Children must bring their own bait and poles. Awards are presented for the biggest and smallest fish caught.

• Fourth of July ParadeA decades-long tradition, the parade, which is sponsored by the Park Cities Rotary Club, winds through the streets of Highland Park and University Park. The parade begins on Euclid Avenue near Highland Park Town Hall at 9AM The parade travels up Preston Road and then heads east on University Boulevard to Goar Park, which is just west of University Park City Hall. (Parade route map). The Park Cities Rotary Club is responsible for parade entries and vendor booth space at Goar Park

• Galleria Mall

  address: 13350 Dallas Parkway
  The Dallas area's most prominent shopping mall has over 200 stores and restaurants, including an ice rink and the Westin Hotel. It is at the intersection of Interstate 635 and the Dallas North Tollway.

• North Park Mall

  phone: +1 214-363-5018
  address: 8687 N Central Expy
  After completing a significant renovation and expansion in 2006, Northpark is the largest and generally regarded as the nicest shopping center in Texas. Expect to spend some money if you go there as it is filled with high-end stores and chains, though stores such as Dillards, which cater to the more budget conscious, still abound. Northpark contains much of the Nasher family's modern art collection, and is well worth a visit for art and architecture lovers.

• Highland Park VillageOffers something for the silver spooned set. Generally credited with being the nation's first modern shopping mall, Highland Park Village houses a variety of upscale brands, including Jimmy Choo, Escada, Ralph Lauren, and Hermes.

• Valley View Mall

  phone: +1 972-661-2939
  address: 13331 Preston Rd
  Valley View offers the shopping experience to a cash strapped-buyer. If one can't afford the more expensive Galleria or Northpark Malls, then the blue collar Valley View may be the answer. Moderate-budget stores like Sears, JCPenny, and Zales represent the style of the Mall. It also includes numerous salons, chain restaurants, and varied retail outlets. Valley View also holds an AMC movie theater, which, compared to Northpark's AMC, will provide more moderately priced tickets.

• Snider PlazaThe best known shopping center in University Park. It's full of small specialty boutiques and some fabulous restaurants. Definitely a place to go and poke around.

• Rosedale Rare Books

  address: 3416 Rosedale Ave
  A find for those who are looking for something besides the latest best selling paperback. If you're in the market for a first edition or some other oddity, this is your place.

• The Nest

  address: 4524 McKinney Ave
  Fabulous one of a kind furniture pieces.

• Sam Moon

  phone: +1 972-484-3084
  address: 11826 Harry Hines Blvd
  Imported general merchandise, luggage, gifts, and home decorating items at low prices.

• Steinway Hall - Dallas

  phone: +1 214-526-1853
  address: 5301 N. Central Expressway
  More than a piano store, view historic and one-of-a-kind Steinway pianos. With the largest collection of Steinway pianos you can see, hear and play the Steinway used during the 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

• Good Records

  phone: +1 214-752-4663
  address: 1808 Greenville Ave
  One of the best music shops in Texas, with a wide selection of hard-to-find items. Frequently hosts in-store appearances and performances of national acts.

• Half-Price Books

  phone: +1 214-379-8000
  address: 5803 E. Northwest Hwy
  The flagship location of this second-hand book store has a phenomenal selection and is well worth a stop.

• Mockingbird StationA mixed-use area featuring loft apartments with retail and restaurants at the ground level, Mockingbird Station also boasts one of Dallas's best arthouse/independent cinema theaters, the Angelika. There is some nice shopping, including Victoria's Secret, and West Elm.

The densely packed area of restaurants on Belt Line Rd. continues on into the restaurant row of neighboring Addison.

• Abacus

  phone: +1 214-559-3111
  address: 4511 McKinney Ave
  Knox-Henderson favorite from celebrity chef Kent Rathbun features Top Chef star Tre Wilcox as chef de cuisine. 5-star rated by the Dallas News and Zagat rated "Most Popular" in Dallas.

• Bob's Steak & Chop House

  phone: +1 214-528-9446
  address: 4300 Lemmon Ave
  The only other place to eat the best steaks in Dallas besides Nick & Sams. Bob's is generally regarded as the place where all wagers between gentlemen in Dallas are settled, with the loser picking up the tab.

• Besa's Pizza & Pasta

  phone: +1 972-233-7227, +1 469-330-9700 (delivery)
  address: 14856 Preston Rd
  Comfort food and comfortable prices. Some of the best Italian food in the metroplex.

• Genki Sushi & Steak

  phone: +1 972-788-2629, +1 469-330-9700 (delivery)
  address: 14902 Preston Rd #512B
  The newest Sushi bar in North Dallas and once you try the food, you'll never go anywhere else for Sushi. Their fish is extremely fresh and the portions are always generous. Features rotating sushi bar, live lobster special. Favorites include the Escobar Tartar, the Surf Clam Sashimi, the Ton-Katsu, the Hamachi Rolls , Spider Rolls, Bluefish and the Seared Tuna. The four-plate sushi special for lunch is only $9.99. House Special Rolls include the Cherry Blossom Roll and the Volcano Special Roll. Sip Sake on the Outdoor Patio.

• India Palace

  address: 12817 Preston Rd
  Food and service are both excellent. The chicken tikka masala and kofta nawabi are recommended. $9-$15 per plate.

• Best Thai

  phone: +1 214-373-8113
  address: 5959 Royal Ln
  Tucked away in the corner of the Preston Royal Shopping Center, Best Thai is a wonderful find for foodies looking for a so called 'hole in the wall'. Almost undetectable from the street, Best Thai offers authentic Thai cuisine at low-moderate prices. Upsides of the restaurant are friendly, very, very fast service, large portions, and quaint atmosphere. Rarely busy, the restaurant offers a chance for a private dinner with family or friends.

• Shanghai Restaurant

  phone: +1 972-239-1400
  address: 12817 Preston Rd
  Shanghai is another great find for food lovers looking for authentic ethnic cuisine. Shanghai restaurant, right off the LBJ highway, serves a blend of Americanized and authentic Chinese dishes, ranging from Sesame Chicken to Whole Fried Fish in Ginger Sauce. The ingredients and preparation are extremely fresh, and combining that with large portions and low prices makes Shanghai a very good option.

• Tupinamba

  phone: +1 972-991-8148
  address: 12270 Inwood Rd

• Kuby's Deli & Sausage HouseA must for anyone who likes German food. The Reuben and the Schnitzel are dishes to try.

• Peggy Sue's BBQA stable for BBQ lovers in the area. The brisket is usually the dish of choice here.

• New York SubsThis is one of the best kept secrets in University Park, known and almost universally loved by locals. College students from Southern Methodist University can be seen mingling with men in business suits.

• Sonny Bryans

  address: 2202 Inwood Rd
  Probably Dallas' most famous barbeque restaurant, and a beloved local institution that has served everyone from celebrities to Presidents. Although there are now several locations, the original, and many say the best, is at 2202 Inwood, between Maple and Harry Hines. Get there early, though, because they close when they run out of food, which pretty much always happens at lunchtime. If in the mood for authentic local barbeque, you can't go wrong at Sonny Bryans'.

• Roti Grill

  address: 4438 McKinney Ave
  Excellent food. Fresh homemade paneer (indian cheese) served with different gravy.

• Jimmy's Food Store

  phone: +1 214-823-6180
  address: 4901 Bryan St
  A little bit of Brooklyn right in the middle of Big D. Jimmy's is a great neighborhood grocery store with an Italian deli. They make great sandwiches and what many say is the best sandwich in Dallas, the Cuban pork sandwich. Ham, roast pork, pickles, and Swiss cheese grilled panini-style. You can get it with or without hot sauce. They have a great selection of imported foods from Italy, cheeses and deli meats, homemade sausage and meatballs, and a sizable wine selection.

• Primos!

  phone: +1 214-390-7671
  address: 1400 Hi Line Drive, #116
  Another of the best tex-mex spots in Dallas, off McKinney. Delicious and good for people-watching on the patio.

East of 75

• Back Country Bar B Q

  phone: +1 214-696-6940
  address: 6940 Greenville Ave
  A favorite in Dallas as one of the best BBQ restaurants.

• Campisi's

  phone: +1 214-827-0355
  address: 5610 E Mockingbird Ln
  The original location of the local Italian eatery chain, in business for over 65 years. The decor evokes something out of the Godfather, but the smells and flavors are tantalizing and the service is top notch.

• Freebirds World Burrito

  phone: +1 214-265-9992
  address: 5500 Greenville Ave
  Moderate pricing for burritos of huge proportions, yet no trade-off in taste especially since you can customize it to your liking. Nice, sometimes loud atmosphere has the feel of a college student hang-out. Free Wi-Fi at most locations.

• La Calle Doce

  phone: +1 214-824-9900
  address: 1925 Skillman Ave
  Some of the best Mexican seafood food in town.

• Sushi House

  phone: +1 214-350-2100, +1 469-330-9700 (delivery)
  address: 5619 W Lovers Ln
  House specials include tempura and spicy crab sushi – a tangle of sweet crabmeat reddened by chili oil laid over rice and bound tightly by seaweed. As well as the asparagus sushi - two stalks of asparagus quick-fried in tempura batter and fastened to a rice mound by a seaweed strip. The sushi-sashimi combo provides an easy-to-handle sampling selected by the chef. Prompt service in a small, cozy space.

Lower Greenville

• The Blue Fish

  phone: +1 214-824-3474
  address: 3519 Greenville Ave

• Blue Goose Cantina

  phone: +1 214-823-8339
  address: 2905 Greenville Ave
  This great local Mexican place has an earthy atmosphere and serves a great weekend brunch. For some indiscernible reason it is also popular with bikers.

Budget

• Hunky's Hamburgers

  phone: +1 214-522-1212
  address: 4000 Cedar Springs Rd
  Very casual place, dressed up like a 50s diner. Prices are cheap and the burgers are big and tasty!

Mid-range

• Café Brazil

  phone: +1 214-691-7791
  address: 6420 N Central Expwy
  The local chain's most visible presence is an excellent late-night stop after a good time in Deep Ellum. Good coffee, famous omelettes, and unique sandwiches. Open 24 hours.

• Cosmic Cafe

  phone: +1 214-521-9195
  address: 2912 Oak Lawn Ave
  Amazing vegetarian dishes, soups, salads, and sandwiches with a Mediterranean/Indian flare. Great funky atmosphere.

Splurge

• Al Biernat's

  phone: +1 214-219-2201
  address: 4217 Oaklawn Ave
  From a pure meat standpoint, Al Biernat's is the best in Dallas (a place with no shortage of good meat). The lobster risotto is a must-have side dish.

• Mansion on Turtle Creek

  phone: +1 214-559-2100
  address: 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd
  5-star American/Southwestern restaurant with a 6-star price. No tennis shoes, jeans or shorts.

• Shinsei

  phone: +1 214-352-0005
  address: 7713 Inwood Rd
  Up-and-coming restaurant and sushi bar run by Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing, wives of Dallas Super Chefs Kent Rathbun and Dean Fearing, features a creative Asian fusion menu. Chef Casey Thompson was a Top Chef Season 3 finalist and fan favorite.

• Barley HouseIf you get on the Dallas side of campus, within walking distance, you can reach this favorite local watering hole.

• Cantina Laredo

  phone: +1 214-750-9610
  address: 6025 Royal Ln
  Cantina Laredo offers an array of Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican cuisine. Trendy Adobe-ispired architecture create a scenery appropriate for the many Spanish drinks served. The real highlight is the bar, which offers a host of imported tequilas and Mexican liquors. Great find for a quick, moderately priced cervesa and quesadilla.

• Escapade 2009

  phone: +1 214-654-9595
  address: 10707 Finnell St
  Perhaps the biggest and best Latin club in the Metroplex.

• White Rock Coffee

  address: 10105 E Northwest Hwy
  Great coffee, pastries, and free wi-fi. White Rock Coffee is a locally owned coffeehouse that specializes in freshly roasted coffee. Besides the fact that they have the very best espresso in town, (it won the world barista championship in 2005) the brewed coffee is unbelievable.

Knox/Henderson

• Candleroom

  phone: +1 214-370-4155
  address: 5039 Willis Ave

• Monroe Lounge

  phone: +1 214-389-5723
  address: 3001 Knox St, Ste 210

• Victor Tangos

  phone: +1 214-370-4445
  address: 3001 N Henderson

Lower Greenville

Those wishing to bar-hop and catch a cab back to the hotel are advised to hit the strip south of Richmond; this is the densest part of Greenville and the strip extends nearly a full mile.

• Dubliner

  phone: +1 214-818-0911
  address: 2818 Greenville Ave
  A friendly Irish pub. Good jukebox.

• The Libertine Bar

  phone: +1 214-824-7900
  address: 2101 Greenville Ave

• The Old Monk

  phone: +1 214-821-1880
  address: 2847 N Henderson Ave
  British pub with good fish and chips and a wide selection of beers.

• Shade Night Club

  phone: +1 214-828-9889
  address: 2114 Greenville Ave, Dallas TX
  Very popular casual dressy environment. Actually a little more on the trendy side. Mostly an electro, dance oriented crowd. Fridays are more on the Latin side. Friendly staff and diverse crowd. Small but never disappoints.

• Stan's Blue Note

  phone: +1 214-827-1977
  address: 2908 Greenville Ave
  Popular locally for bachelorette parties. Women who donate their bra at the door can get a free drink. Nice patio for people-watching.

Other locations

Two-thirds of a mile east of Lower Greenville down La Vista Street is a small cluster of wine bars, pubs. Two-thirds of a mile further east down La Vista is a larger cluster of similar places in downtown Lakewood, heralded by the spire of the historic Lakewood Theater.

• Trinity Hall PubA laid back Irish pub.

• Balcony ClubOn the second floor of the Lakewood Theater. Jazz and cocktails.

Cedar Springs gay bars

A 2-block strip on Cedar Springs forms the center of gay nightlife in Dallas. Take a cab as the area is not safe late at night. Also, the police are on the lookout for intoxicated drivers.The farther one strays from the Cedar Springs strip, the more the neighborhood becomes merely "gay-friendly."

• JR's Bar and Grille

  address: 3923 Cedar Springs
  This 2-story bar is perhaps the center for gay life in Dallas.

• Station 4

  address: 3911 Cedar Springs Rd
  A very bustling gay dance club.

• Roundup Saloon

  phone: +1 214-522-9611
  address: 3912 Cedar Springs Rd
  Western-themed gay bar.

• Sue Ellens

  phone: +1 214-559-0707
  address: 3903 Cedar Springs Rd
  Dallas' most popular lesbian establishment.

• Havana's Bar and Grille

  phone: +1 214-526-9494
  address: 4006 Cedar Springs Rd
  Gay bar which caters to the Latino crowd.

• Station 4

  phone: +1 214-526-7171
  address: 3911 Cedar Springs Rd
  Female impersonators.

North and Galleria

• Hyatt Place Dallas-North

  phone: +1 972-716-2001
  address: 5229 Spring Valley Rd

• Hyatt Place Dallas/Park Central

  phone: +1 972-458-1224
  address: 12411 N Central Expressway

• Crowne Plaza

  phone: +1 972-233-7600
  address: 7800 Alpha Rd
  An all-suite hotel that combines space, comfort and convenience with upscale amenities and a central location.

• DoubleTree - Campbell Center

  phone: +1 214-691-8700
  address: 8250 North Central Expressway

• Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central Area

  phone: +1 972-234-3300
  address: 13131 North Central Expressway

• Omni Dallas Hotel at Park West

  phone: +1 972-869-4300
  address: 1590 LBJ Freeway

• Westin Park Central

  phone: +1 972-385-3000
  address: 12720 Merit Dr

• Wyndham Garden Hotel - Dallas Park Central

  address: 8051 LBJ Freeway

• Wyndham North Dallas

  address: 4801 LBJ Freeway
  A 14-floor high rise.

• Dallas Marriott Suites Market Center

  phone: +1 214-905-0050
  address: 2493 North Stemmons Freeway

• Embassy Suites Dallas Galleria

  phone: +1 972-364-3640
  address: 14021 Noel Roard
  All suite hotel. Free cooked to order breakfast daily and free eve reception with free drinks and snacks. Free shuttle in 3 miles radius of hotel including Dallas Galleria Mall.

• Hyatt Summerfield Suites Dallas Lincoln Park

  phone: +1 214-696-1555
  address: 8221 North Central Expressway

• InterContinental Dallas

  phone: +1 972-386-6000
  address: 15201 Dallas Parkway

• La Quinta Inn & Suites Dallas

  phone: +1 214-361-8200
  address: 10001 North Central Expressway

• Ramada Dallas

  phone: +1 972-239-5275
  address: 8102 LBJ Freeway

• Executive Inn

  phone: +1 972-613-5000
  address: 12670 E Northwest Hwy
  Free continental breakfast.

• Holiday Inn Select - Dallas

  address: 11350 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy

• Warwick Melrose Hotel

  phone: +1-214-521-5151
  address: 3015 Oak Lawn Avenue
  Conveniently located just north of downtown near Oak Lawn's nightlife.

Northwest and Love Field

• Baymont Inn and Suites

  phone: +1 214-350-5577
  address: 2370 West Northwest Highway

• Embassy Suites

  phone: +1 214-357-4500
  address: 3880 West Northwest Highway

• Embassy Suites - Dallas Market Center

  phone: +1-214-630-5332
  address: 2727 N Stemmons Fwy
  Upscale lodging with free hot breakfast & an airport shuttle, plus a Texan restaurant, bar & a pool.

• Hilton Garden Inn Dallas Market Center

  phone: +1 214-634-8200
  address: 2325 North Stemmons Freeway
  Offering a free shuttle within a 5-mile radius.

• Renaissance Dallas Hotel

  phone: +1 214-631-2222
  address: 2222 Stemmons Freeway

• Hilton Anatole

  address: 2201 Stemmons Freeway

• Doubletree by Hilton Dallas Market Center

  address: 2015 Market Center Blvd

• Dallas Marriott Suites Medical/Market Center

  phone: +1 214-905-0050
  address: 2493 North Stemmons Freeway
  All suite hotel featuring meeting space and full service restaurant. Complimentary hotel shuttle service within a 5 mile radius.

Splurge

• The Mansion on Turtle Creek

  phone: +1 214-559-2100
  address: 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd
  This five star luxury hotel offers guest room and suite accommodations, fine private dining, meeting space and wedding facilities, and complimentary Lexus luxury sedan service.