This year was packed with quality food spread throughout the Metroplex. With so many well-constructed plates to choose from, it can be overwhelming selecting a restaurant for your next night on the town. Before you book your reservation, catch up on our 2017 local flavor selections. You may come across a listing that could become your new go-to dining destination.
With a menu full of Texas chicken, biscuits and beer, Whistle Britches has everything you need for your dream Southern comfort meal. Their pickle-brined chicken comes out hot with a crunchy exterior and the juiciest meat awaiting inside. Get yours with a side of their fresh buttermilk biscuits and a cold one to really enjoy a perfect Texas spread. Their original location on Frankford and Preston in Dallas is so hot that they are expanding to a second spot near The Shops at Willowbend in Plano in early 2018.
Press Café is one of the hottest Fort Worth restaurants to open up its doors in the past few years. And as soon as you walk up to the two-story New American hot spot, you’ll see why. It’s right off the Trinity River, so you can look out on great views while chowing down on some premium cuisine. Diners can expect the freshest ingredients in town expertly paired together to create balanced dishes. Whether you are stopping by for brunch or dinner, there’s always something to be excited about. Make sure to ask you server about the daily special because they are always dishing out different sandwiches, pastas and fish entrees.
Uptown's Water Grill made waves this year with its fresh seafood and tasteful ambiance. Their mouth-watering king crab, scallops and nearly every other fish you can think of can be found at this high-end dining destination. To make your special night out even more magical, order one of their iced shellfish platters for the table. You will receive great eats like their clams, mussels and jumbo shrimp. Sounds like a dream come true to us.
Nikkei's bold fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cultures perfectly translates into an out-of-this-world dining experience. Each dish is packed with flavors and cooking techniques that will make your head spin. To find out what the restaurant is all about, order up the Rare Seared Scallop in Spiced Cashew Butter. The chefs say the balance and contrast really exemplifies the work they put into marrying these two worlds. Don’t forget to check out the massive sushi selection as well. They have plenty of classic roles and sashimi offerings to choose from.
There's a lot of barbecue in Dallas, not to mention Texas, but there's nothing quite like Smoky Rose located in East Dallas. Once you get a glance at their smokehouse selections, you’ll see they have mastered the classics. Whether you go with the perfectly cooked brisket or try out the smoked turkey, you will leave satisfied. Don’t forget the sides. Their signature smoked house beans and mac ’n’ cheese is reason enough to come in and give the place a try.
For a chic take on comfort dishes, check out the tall drinks and Southern flare at Grayson Social. This downtown Dallas hotspot acts as a social playground for those looking to get in a quality casual dining experience. Their seasonal menu keeps things interesting, but you never want to miss out on their biscuits. Every batch is cooked with loads of butter and love to create a delectable side option. You won’t want to miss out on their killer brunch options, not to mention their brunch cocktails. Get ready to loosen your buttons after eating at this filling hot spot.
Take advantage of school being out of session by stopping by this North Dallas favorite. Public School 972 serves up more than just great food. Their exciting interior makes eating out more exciting than ever. Your kids will love the school-themed menu and ambiance. Plus, they create food and drink magic that will keep you coming back time and time again. The gastropub has everything from salads to pizza, but you can’t leave without trying their Meatballs in Arrabiata Sauce. You can thank us later.
Expand your palate and your appetite by stopping into Sai Fine Asian Bistro. Chef Eddy T. is known for his upscale flavors at his wide variety of restaurants, and he has now brought them to the people of Colleyville. From their signature starters to their main dishes, you can’t make a wrong decision. Everything has been elevated to provide the best dining experience possible. The menu’s attention to detail shows you how much care goes into each listing. You can really see that with every menu item ending in 88 cents. This is because, according to Chinese culture, eight in a lucky detail. Where else can you find that much attention in your restaurant experience?
This Deep Ellum modern American restaurant is known for its colorful dishes and rich flavors. Whether you want to stick to the shareable options like their cheese plate, crab cakes or loaded tater tots or dive into one of their “not so small bites,” you are sure to get a taste of their Louisiana influences. If you are out in the area late one night, make sure to stop by the pub to enjoy their late-night menu. There's nothing like an order of Spiral Sweet Potato Chips to round out your night. And you can't miss out on their whiskey selections. Ask your server to whip you up an Old Fashioned to get the full IdleRye experience.