Alex Temblador

Dallas is rightfully famous for its steak houses, barbecue and Tex-Mex, but there’s a lot more to eat across this big and diverse city. Some of the best restaurants in Dallas are serving excellent Japanese, Italian, French and more world cuisines, with a mix of a la carte and tasting menus to keep things interesting. Many lauded staples still stand the test of time, but the dining scene is ever changing, as young chefs bring their own talent and perspectives to new kitchens and concepts.  And while the city is often recognized by national media for its fine-dining institutions, locals know that some of the most compelling cooking is happening in more casual kitchens, where chefs highlight seasonal ingredients and create produce-driven menus that don’t fit into tidy boxes. For some inspiration on where to enjoy your next meal, here are 18 of the best restaurants in Dallas right now. Go ahead, try them all. May 2025: In this most recent update, we ensured that entries are current and accurate. We added Mabo, Gemma and Cattleack Barbecue and removed Armoury D.E. and Pecan Lodge. We’ll continue to update this guide each month. April 2025: In this most recent update, we ensured that entries are current and accurate. We added Sanjh, Purépecha and Quarter Acre to the list and removed Knife Italian. We’ll continue to update this guide each month. For more on our process, feel free to check out how we review at Time Out.  RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Dallas🍹 The best bars

Dallas is big, diverse and ever-changing, and that dynamic character is reflected across all the fun attractions and activities available in the city. Yes, there’s some cowboy culture here, but the old tropes are outnumbered by world-class art, vibrant neighborhoods, a compelling culinary scene and a surprising amount of green space. Make the most of your summer and experience it all with this guide to the best things to do in Dallas right now. May 2025: This month, we’ve added a new pool bar and a tiki pop-up, plus some of our favorite summer concerts. RECOMMENDED: 🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas🏨 The best hotels in Dallas This guide was updated by Dallas-based writers Alex Temblador and Kevin Gray. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Nothing quite captures the vibrant character of the capital city quite like our bar scene. Anyone not from the state typically comes in expecting dusty saloons and cattle tied up on posts before pushing past swing doors, yet when they're here, they're met with swanky cocktail bars under skyscrapers instead. Honkytonks cohabitate with champagne bars while the art of a dive is revered and reinvented here.  The menus range from cheap cold beers to table-side craft cocktails with sparkling cinnamon to dazzle drinkers. There’s a legacy of raising the bar as the proud home of Ranch Water. Only in Austin will you find a Texas Sotol distillery, locally made vodkas distributed worldwide, wine bars with rare imports and IPAs for sale in gas stations. Like a wild bull, you can’t pin down what is or isn't possible for Austin to do in the bar scene, and these select few are proof there is something in the water here, and it’s worth sipping. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Austin 🏘️ The best hotels in Austin  

Everyone wants to come away from their trip feeling like they saw it all and hope they never stumble across a TikTok post-trip highlighting a destination and making them ask, “Did I even go to [blank]?”  Austin’s bejeweled with treasured locals and hidden gems that can spur a first-timer to consider moving here to save on having to make frequent trips back. Natural wonders adjective to our lively downtown, Texan landmarks that’ll make any wannabe cowboy hoot n' holler and lively experiences like The Morning Spin's daytime jam sessions at local coffee shops are listed below so your trip to Austin gets it right the first time.  April 2025: It's starting to warm up in Texas, which means festivals galore. In May, the Capital City will host Hot Luck Fest, artisan markets and monthly morning DJ sessions at local coffee shops. Pick an event—we promise you won't be bored.  RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from AustinThe best hotels in AustinThe best Airbnbs in AustinThe best spa hotels in Austin This guide was updated by Austin-based writer Deven Wilson. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Whether you’re looking for a rowdy dive, classic cocktails or DJ-fueled dancing, Dallas knows how to party. But when your plans call for a big night out, set your sights—and hard-earned dough—on the city’s club scene. There’s a little something for everyone, from bottle service and sparklers to cowboy culture, moody lounges and high-energy LGBTQ+ bars, so pick your favorite, then get ready to mix it up on the dance floor. These are the 11 best clubs in Dallas right now. RECOMMENDED:🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas🏨 The best hotels in Dallas This guide was updated by our Texas-based freelance writers. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Dallas in November means sunny days with a crisp breeze—the perfect weather for weekend revelry. Grab your sweater and pop on some boots because this November, there is so much to see and do as the Big D transitions from the hoopla of the State Fair of Texas to the holiday season. From festivals to markets, free concerts, wine walks, and holiday fun, we’ve got you covered on all the best things to do in Dallas on the weekends.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Dallas

When it comes to U.S. wine country, we often think of Napa and Sonoma, California, but there are wineries in all 50 states. It was in the South where the U.S.'s first winery opened in 1799. While the aptly named First Vineyard, just outside Lexington, Kentucky, operated for just one decade before shuttering, the South has since become a wonderful place for fine wine. From the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Texas Hill Country to sunny South Florida, award-winning wines can be found at vineyards throughout the region. Plus, there's  Southern hospitality to look forward to. Raise your glass and start plotting your adventure: America's most scenic Southern wineries await. RECOMMENDED: The best Midwest wineries worthy of a getaway

It is no secret that San Antonio is filled with some of the best attractions in the Lone Star State. River City is one of Texas’s largest cities (the seventh-largest in the whole country by population, in fact), and it is also one of the most visited alongside Austin, Dallas, and Houston.  You’ll discover that many of San Antonio’s sites highlight the city’s colonial, Mexican and western history, and do so in fun and fascinating ways that’ll engage both kids and adults alike. History aside, River City also has excellent parks and outdoor recreational areas, quirky contemporary exhibits, and a colorful dining scene (we suggest plucking items from our best restaurant and bar guides and slotting them between attractions). There’s just so much going on—we’ve narrowed down the top attractions to prioritize in San Antonio, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring. 

If there’s any cuisine Austin does best, it’s Mexican. This is the state that brought Tex-Mex to the world, after all, so you know maize is ingrained in culinary culture. The locals get their fix pretty much all day, every day, for any darn occasion, be it a grab-and-go from a food truck or a margarita-fueled patio party at Barton Springs. When there’s a Mexican restaurant at every turn, there are no excuses. Y’all in the mood for the meats? The cochinita pibil’s smokin’ just right over at Fonda San Miguel and Suerte. How about a reliable lunchtime counter? There are seven Veracruz All Natural locations to which you can get accustomed. And if you’re looking for an extra special spot to swoon the boo over some tangy ceviche and warm duck enmoladas, expect to be spoiled for choice, downtown and beyond. No matter how spicy you like it, there's a Mexican restaurant in Austin for you.  Recommended:🍳 The best restaurants in Austin🍹 The best bars in Austin🌮 Where to find the best tacos in Austin This guide was updated by Austin-based writer James Wong. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Museums might not be the first thing on your list when planning a trip to San Antonio. You’re probably thinking first of the parks, the River Walk, and the Alamo. But if museum hopping isn’t on your itinerary, you’re missing out: San Antonio is full of them.  Here you’ll find everything from must-see historical museums to modern art, as well as out-there exhibitions to immerse yourself in Texan history and culture. For a day out that will surprise and inspire you all at once, here is our list of the best museums in San Antonio right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in San Antonio🌮 The best restaurants in San Antonio🏨 The best hotels in San Antonio👪 The best things to do with kids in San Antonio This guide was updated by Texas-based writer James Wong. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

With Austin seeing sky-high prices on everything from apartments to avocados right now, trying to find things to do on a budget can leave many scratching their sweaty heads…but not the savvy. Boomtown has a bunch of awesome free activities to keep everyone occupied without spending a single dime. Music, art, and the outdoors are, after all, what makes this city so great, and there are free live music shows almost every night of the week, museums that offer free admission days, and lots of watering holes and hiking spots within the city limits that cost absolutely nothing to bask in. Oh, and that’s just the beginning. So leave the credit card at home: we’ve put together the ultimate list of free experiences in Austin — why pay for something when you can do it for free?   

Of all the best things to do in San Antonio, hitting its glorious outdoor spaces, from parks to hiking trails, ranks high on the list. It may be a bold statement, but the park system here is arguably one of the most impressive in the nation. You’ll find one of the oldest parks in the US, sprawling green spaces with archeological sites, extensive water features, and plenty of amenities to boot. South Texas’ delicious weather means that the outdoors can be enjoyed year-round, whether that’s biking or running the trail on cool summer mornings, dragging out the mobile grill for a barbecue on warm spring afternoons, or treating the kids to a winter’s day of breezy fun under the sun. No matter if you’re looking for a secluded spot to destress or a chance for a swim, the best parks in San Antonio are at your service. RECOMMENDED: The best attractions in San Antonio 

The holidays are finally here! What better way to kick off the season than catching The Nutcracker in Dallas. On November 29 and 30, attend The Nutcracker Dallas at the Winspear Opera House.

Chow down on barbecue while listening to the blues on Saturday, November 16 at Kidd Springs Park from noon to 5pm. The 15th Blues, Bandits, and BBQ Festival will feature neighborhood BBQ teams and live music. Bring the kids, pets, blankets, chairs and an empty stomach to stuff with BBQ.

The Deep Ellum Block Party is a free event for all ages on November 23 with two special concerts by The Polyphonic Spree and Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan. With Elm Street blocked off from Good Latimer to Malcolm X, expect an art fair, beer garden, live muralists, kids’ zone, psychics, vendors, hoop zone, scavenger hunt and more. 

Gobble Gobble Goat Yoga incorporates goats in an hour-long outdoor yoga session every weekend in November. Yoga sessions are held at 10am, 11am or 3pm in various places around Dallas, from Harwood Park to Addison Circle, the Westin Irving Convention Center and more. 

Every Saturday and Sunday, the Underground Market pops up in the Lower Greenville neighborhood from 11-5 pm. Between 25-35+ local vendors sell handmade and homemade goods on Saturdays on the 5600 Block of Alta Avenue and Greenville Avenue, and on Sundays on the 5700 Block of Oram Street and Greenville Avenue.

Grab your friends on Sunday and head to Scout at The Statler Hotel for free bowling from 11am-11pm. Thanks to their $2 off pizza deal, you can have a friendly bowling competition with friends with a slice in your hand. 

Starting November 22, people of all ages can experience Snowday and Santaland at the Galleria. Where Snowday is an immersive adventure through holiday-decorated rooms, Santaland provides a simulated train ride to the North Pole, followed by a journey to find Santa. 

On November 8 and 24, visit the Bishop Bazaar at 200 N Bishop Avenue from 11-6pm to shop among 150 local vendors selling clothes, jewelry, food, bath goods and more. You won’t want to miss this wonderful shopping experience in the Bishop Arts neighborhood.

Astra Lumina is a multisensory night walk through an enchanting forest at Trinity River Adventure Park. With lighting, projections, and music, this interactive experience connects visitors to the stars above. Schedule your visit between 7pm and 9:30pm on the weekends. 

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the Largest Community Altar in the World event on the Ron Kirk Pedestrian bridge. You’re invited to install an altar on-site, and experience live music, traditional danza, a Catrina exhibit, Kid Zone and more. 

On November 1 from 5-9 pm, Deep Ellum First Fridays is celebrating Dia de los Muertos with live music in The Plaza, food and drink specials at restaurants, in-store promotions and market vendors. Sign up for the sip-and-shop experience and receive a glass designed by a local artist and free wine at 15-20 spots.

The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens are transformed into a charming Christmas Village with over 500,000 lights starting the third weekend of November. From 6-7:30 pm, marvel at the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos exhibit, and visit Santa Claus and a Nutcracker Suite.