Gay Dallas Dining – World Class Foodie City
With a density of restaurants greater than New York City, Dallas is truly a food-lover’s town. While first-time visitors might conjure images of Texas steakhouses and barbecue joints, Dallas long ago found its way onto America’s culinary foodie map with innovative restaurants and talented chefs mining the flavors of American, Italian, Asian and Mexican cuisine.
On our recent trip to Dallas I had some of the BEST Mexican food I have ever eaten in my life at Cyclone Anaya . They have 7 locations around Dallas and we dined at the OakLawn/Cedar Springs location. Lots of LGBT people here on weekend nights, dining before an evening out at the clubs, right around the corner. (Mondays and Tuesdays they offer half-priced bottles of wine!)
Outstanding Guacamole, Lump Crab Nachos and Lobster Enchiladas in Chardonnay cream sauce! OMG! The flavors and tastes were amazing! The Carne Asada a la Tampiquena is probably the best marinated piece of skirt steak I’ve ever put in my mouth. Tender, juicy, delicious. It’s the kind of steak cows give their lives for!
Portions are large here – and I am the kind of dinner that likes to try and share a lot of different things. So unless you are REALLY HUNGRY, keep that in mind.
Cyclone Anaya’s restaurants present an upscale variety of hand-made gourmet menu items carefully prepared from scratch, using only the finest ingredients. The menu showcases “Fine Mex,” a wonderful blend of the traditional and the modern. They also have a well-earned reputation for their legendary margaritas and even make their own Agave Tequila. They are also known for dramatic artistic presentation and precision managed restaurants. “We focus enormous detail on the dining experience, from our stunning architecture to custom “made to order” plating.”
There are lots of restuarants in the neighborhood. Black-Eyed Pea Restaurant is right on Cedar Springs Road. 214-521-4580.
A very popular restaurant with a combination of down-home cooking like chicken-fried steak, meatloaf and healthy fare including terrific seafood entrees.
Zini’s Pizza is a great late night spot right in the heart of the neighborhood, located on Cedar Springs Road also. Full line of lunch and dinner pizza and Italian food. Great spot for after-the club-gatherings on weekend late nights.
DISH at ILUME brings chic to Cedar Springs! The Ilume Luxury mixed-use complex has been putting together an entire block of gay chic! “We want to be the signature anchor for the street that compliments what’s on the street,” Luke Crosland, owner of Crosland Group says . “We want the excitement and energy. This is a passionate community with a long history.”
The new hip DISH brings design, cocktails and food to town. Walk through the doors, just past the large, gorgeous patio, and a stylish, sophisticated space awaits, as inviting as it is stunning. The attention to detail and whimsical touches (cone-shaped mashed potatoes with the evening special!) are what will keep us coming back again and again. Delicately thin-and-crispy flatbreads are a great starter to share or more than enough for a satisfying meal. From the hosts at the front door to the servers’ assistants, the restaurant already runs like a well-oiled machine, amazing for its short time on this earth. Service is attentive, but not obtrusive, and the servers all seem to know the menu well.
And if it’s meat you’re after, THE hot spot to go to is Al Biernats . 5 Star Dining with many of the Dallas Who’s-Who’s here. All the A-list celebrities dine here while visiting Dallas. The parking lot was filled with the ultimate in luxury cars. With its rosy glow, vaulted ceilings, and domed bar, Al Biernat’s doesn’t look like your average chophouse. And it’s not. Billed as “much more than a great steakhouse!” Their menu rises above the traditional grill menu, with popular entrees such as Pan Seared Sea Bass over Lobster Risotto, Australian Cold Water Lobster Tail, Veal Osso Bucco, Colorado Lamb Chops or Elk Filet. I had to have meat! The 14oz filet mignon was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The extensive wine list offers over 650 rare selections and a sommelier’s expertise. Al Biernat personally greets you at the door to ensure your delightful dining experience!
And what trip to Dallas would not be complete without a stop to the flagship Neiman Marcus , a Dallas icon?!
Since the early 1900’s , the renowned department store’s flagship location sits on Ervay Street between Main and Commerce. The structure has been expanded both horizontally and vertically many times.
Not only known for it’s amazingly unique selection of merchandise, but lunch at the Zodiac is ALWAYS A TREAT! The elegant restaurant has been serving
fine cuisine for over 50 years and features an exquisite, classic menu selection. Sip a martini at the sleek, modern glass-top bar while you mingle with the who’s-who of downtown.
It’s a classic treat like lunch at Fred’s in Barneys or BG in Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. Delicious seasonal entrée selections or just experience their famous Mandarin Orange Soufflé. It’s a must-do!
This is just a sampling of what Dallas has to offer!
Whether you want a $75 piece of steak or just a delicious $8 old-fashioned Hunkys Hamburger , it’s all here in Dallas.
Dallas is truly a one size fits all shoe. Whether you are visiting, passing through or are a current resident, we invite you to explore and enjoy all that our community has to offer.
Dallas Pride – September 19th!
Other useful Gay Dallas resources are –
Dallas Convention and Tourism
Dallas Tavern Guild
American Airlines Rainbow Division
Dallas Voice
