Casual Dining in Dallas (2025)

Lines still snake through Deep Ellum for brisket with bark, jalapeño-cheddar sausage, and the Hot Mess sweet potato. Regularly praised by Southern Living and Eater Dallas, this independently owned smokehouse remains a rite of passage for casual dining in Dallas.

Open for lunch a few days a week, Cattleack draws devotees for buttery brisket, peppery ribs, and the Toddfather sandwich. Lauded by the Michelin Guide and Texas barbecue obsessives alike, it’s peak counter-service smoked meat with a strictly local spirit.

A Dallas classic since 1974, Royal China’s hand-pulled la mian and xiao long bao are made at the front noodle bar. Celebrated by Eater Dallas and local critics, it’s an enduring, family-run favorite where regulars come for both craft and comfort.

Old-school carhop service, poppy-seed buns, and thin, griddled patties keep this family-run institution woven into Dallas life. Frequently celebrated by the Dallas Observer and other local writers, Keller’s is pure, unfussy burger nostalgia that’s still going strong.

Chef Regino Rojas’s Deep Ellum taquería turns out blue corn tortillas and definitive tacos al pastor, suadero, and seasonal specials. With James Beard recognition and regular nods from Eater Dallas, it’s an energetic, counter-service snapshot of Mexico City flavors.

Bún chả Hà Nội, phở Hà Nội, and egg coffee headline this Lowest Greenville favorite from owner Carol Nguyen. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand and featured by Eater Dallas, it’s heartfelt northern Vietnamese cooking with generous portions and neighborhood warmth.

Encina - Review - Oak Cliff - Dallas - The Infatuation

At Encina, everyone loves brunch, including the staff, and you can tell they put their heart into it. The earthy-sweet blue corn pancakes at Bishop Arts are proof that everything really is bigger in Texas, while the hash browns are as thick as a deck of cards—and crunchy enough that you’ll need to ask your dining partner to repeat themselves. Beyond brunch, if there’s such a thing as a Texan brasserie, this is it, with dinner dishes like a charred pork chop served over braised collard greens and cheesy, poblano-specked grits. How about a bourbon cocktail with a creole shrub? Three yesses will do. - Nick Rallo

A Guide to the Best Food and Drink in Dallas | Eater Dallas

A New York-style pizza and Italian deli located in Oak Cliff; recommended for a slice with a salad, and for sandwich lovers the fried bologna sandwich with house-made pistachio butter is called incredible. The space features an expansive porch overlooking Oak Cliff and interiors filled with homages to the made-up Cenzo and the building’s history as a renovated laundry stop and car repair shop. - Courtney E. Smith

In North Dallas, Desta’s injera platters with doro wat, tibs, and vegan stews make a welcoming introduction to Ethiopian comfort food. Frequently recommended by Eater Dallas and the Dallas Observer’s Ethiopian roundups, it’s communal dining at its most satisfying.

Family-run since the 1970s, Smokey John’s serves tender brisket, rib plates, and beloved sides like candied yams and collard greens. Consistently included on Eater Dallas barbecue lists, it’s a community fixture near Love Field with friendly counter service.

Cash-only and all heart, this Oak Cliff stand turns out tacos de bistec, pastor, and lengua with fiery red salsa, plus elotes that sell out. Celebrated by the Dallas Observer, The Infatuation, and local food writers, it’s a delicious Dallas constant.