The Best Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars in Dallas, Texas

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Known for its many celebrity-chef-run restaurants, downtown Neiman Marcus flagship store, and defining place in American history (the “grassy knoll,” where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, is a major tourist destination), Dallas, Texas, or the “Big D” is an international cultural destination for foodies, fashionistas, and history fiends alike. The city is made up of vibrant districts, like the Bishop Arts District, and visitors have no shortage of options for delicious Tex-Mex food and in-the-know watering holes, like Louie’s. Dallas also happens to be one of the prime spots for viewing the total solar eclipse that will sweep across North America on April 8. Should you be planning a total eclipse trip to Dallas, or just visiting for fun, here’s where to stay, how to indulge, and what to see.

What to See

Dallas Arboretum

The total solar eclipse, one of the decade’s most mind-boggling celestial phenomena, will be viewable at the Dallas Arboretum. The moon will completely obscure the sun for nearly 5 minutes, and viewing it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. More information on admission to the Arboretum can be found here.

Neiman Marcus

The flagship location of the high-end department store is one of the best places to shop in the entire country. Neiman Marcus has deep ties to the city of Dallas, and you can read more about its history in this fascinating book about Carrie Marcus Neiman, who played an integral role in the store’s success: A Girl Named Carrie: The Visionary Who Created Neiman Marcus and Set the Standard for Fashion.

Bishops Arts District

In the last decade or so, the Bishop Arts District has gone from down-home to full-blown destination with independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. There is a funky street market, a series of fabulous women-run shops, and of course, BBQ via the Lockhart Smokehouse.

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Where to Eat

Temakeria

Located in Trinity Groves, the Dallas shopping center and cultural event space, Temakeria—a Julian Rodarte venture—is the city’s first 2D black and white restaurant. Yes, that’s righ: a 2D restaurant, though there’s nothing flat about the food. Temakeria serves up delicious Japanese hand rolls, sushi, and sashimi, and poke nachos. The decor was all hand-done by Jonathan Krown Art, a local artist, who created a space that looks like an untouched coloring book ripe with possibility.

Stillwell’s

Steak is what you want to get at Stillwell’s, the swanky Hôtel Swexan restaurant. Inspired by “deep Texan roots,” Stillwell’s pays homage to the ranchers who built the Big D and offers up some pretty incredible cuts of meat, from filet mignons to rib-eyes. Don’t skip out on the sides—the potato purée is incredible.

Javier’s

When in Texas, eat Tex-Mex. Javier’s has been around since 1977, and when you try their fajitas you’ll understand why it can be hard to get a table at this famous joint.

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Where to Drink

Louie’s

There is no place like Louie’s. The homey watering hole, beloved by Dallasites, is owned and operated by the Canelakes family, who have been serving up drinks and delicious thin-crust pizza for more than 35 years. The bar’s namesake, the late Louis Canelakes, was a Dallas legend and a “mercurial genius,” according to a touching obituary in the Texas Observer. His mother, Alexandra, still works at her son’s restaurant and his brother, Chris, runs the kitchen. You’ll almost always find at least one of his three children hosting or tending bar. The Greek salad is the best in Texas (the Canelakes family has deep ties to Greece) and the steak-style mushroom Chris cooks up is another menu highlight. Come to Louie’s for the comfort food, stay for the warm atmosphere built by the Canelakes family over decades.

Babou’s

Down the elevator of Hôtel Swexan and past a hidden door is Babou’s. The speakeasy is a tw0-in-one nightclub and lounge. The club is like a posh underground dance bar in London. And the lounge is a two-story library with a spiral staircase. On the second floor, you’ll find museum-worthy artwork, including pieces from the Babou owners’ private samurai collection.

The French Room

The French Room is the best spot in Dallas for elegant high tea. The Adolphus Hotel’s iconic restaurant offers afternoon service that includes a three-course menu of tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The food is paired with loose tea from local tea company Zakti, which creates a signature blend just for The Adolphus.

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Where to Stay

Rosewood Mansion

There is no hotel more iconic—or glamorous—than the Rosewood Mansion in Turtle Creek. The estate was originally built as a private residence in the early 1920s, featuring the first private elevator in Dallas. A long list of famous guests have stayed at the Rosewood Mansion, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Tennessee Williams. In 1980, the Mansion’s restaurant opened—and it is not to be missed. Many guests find themselves dining at the hotel every night instead of going out to eat.

Hôtel Swexan

When Shania Twain comes to Texas, she stays at Hôtel Swexan. The country singer, along with many other celebs, consider the boutique luxury hotel in the Harwood District a home away from home. The 134-room, 20-floor hotel is design-forward with a welcoming feel and luxurious amenities. The bathroom is stocked with Le Labo and the on-property gym has a sauna and cold-plunge pool.

Adolphus

Built in 1912, the 22-story Adolphus Hotel remained the tallest building in Texas for a decade. The Beaux-Arts building has counted presidents and prince’s among its guests, and is known for its elegant interiors and fine-dining establishments on property.

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