There’s nothing more lavish than realizing you have an empty Saturday. No errands to run, no games to attend – just a full day full of potential. Because they don’t come around too often, spend your next free Saturday exploring a new part of the Metroplex. Dallas’ Lower Greenville is packed with spirited storefronts, coffeehouses and restaurants – way more than you can fit into a day’s visit. But if you’re new to the neighborhood and want to get a feel for the space, here are a few spots you can’t miss.
La La Land Kind Café
La La Land Kind Café opened in the district this March, and it has quickly become a local favorite thanks to its cheerful décor and energetic offerings. The extensive tea and coffee menu provides caffeine fanatics with an array of options that will help jumpstart their day. Sure, they have all the typical coffeehouse classics, but they also have signature drinks like their French Toast Matcha Latte – topped with maple syrup and cinnamon – and their Thin Mint Latte – served with cacao and mint – for those who want to try something new.
La La Land Kind Café does more than supply gorgeous beverages. It also provides a training ground for people aging out of foster care. The eatery employs foster youth who may struggle with finding a job while also instilling the skills necessary to thrive in a professional environment. Plus, 10 percent of all of the restaurant’s proceeds benefit the owner’s nonprofit, We Are One Project, which works to find employment for foster youth after they have turned 18 and are no longer receiving assistance.
Leela’s Wine Bar
A quick stroll down Greenville Avenue will lead you to another fresh favorite full of fun finds. Leela’s Wine Bar offers 35 wines on tap as well as a seasonal, market-driven food program. Split a carafe with your special someone while pursuing over the tapas style menu. Their aesthetically pleasing dishes are ideal for couples who like to share.
Order a few of their offerings — like the Tuna Nacho, avocado, sweet soy, sesame seed, wasabi, jalapeno and scallions served on wontons, and the Meat and Cheese Board, a seasonal assortment perfect for snacking — and sit back and enjoy your time spent together. Guests who come in on Saturday can enjoy all day happy hour, which means $5 house champagne, mimosas, house sangria and Bloody Mary’s.
Village Baking Co.
For a flakey pastry or mouthwatering baked goods you can bring back to Southlake, make your way to Village Baking Co. on your walk back to your car. The artisanal boulangerie is owned and operated by a young Texas couple who dreamed of opening a bakery reminiscent of those found in small French towns.
Their selection ranges based on what’s in season, but their Chocolate Almond Croissant and Kouign Amann are always light and delicious. After peering over their options, you may just have to take one of their handcrafted loaves home to enjoy throughout the rest of your week.