Casual Weeknight Dinner
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17 Casual Lunch & Dinner Spots In Dallas-Fort Worth
Where to grab a quick and easy bite throughout the Metroplex.
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Jeng Chi Restaurant
Jeng Chi in Richardson is a little far from Downtown Dallas, but the soup dumplings are worth the drive.
El Ranchito
El Ranchito is a great place to eat Tex-Mex in Oak Cliff, and yes, you will see a mariachi band.
17 Casual Lunch & Dinner Spots In Dallas-Fort Worth
Where to grab a quick and easy bite throughout the Metroplex.
Crushcraft
Crushcraft has been a popular Uptown establishment for nearly ten years, and offers quality Thai food in an elevated fast-casual environment.
Spiral Diner & Bakery
Spiral Diner is a quirky spot in Fort Worth that works for a casual lunch or dinner, no matter where you fall on the vegan-to-carnivore spectrum.
Tolbert’s
This classic Grapevine restaurant was born in 1976, and the new location in downtown Grapevine is great for a casual evening out after an afternoon at the nearby wineries.
The Rustic
The Rustic is a chain with locations in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio with a huge outdoor patio and a calendar packed with live music.
Salsa Limón
Salsa Limón is a newer, family-run chain serving up Mexico City-style street food, with locations in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Austin.
South Polk Pizzeria
South Polk Pizzeria is a high-caliber fast food joint that does wood-fired, fermented Neapolitan-style pies, plus wings and salads.
Veracruz Cafe
Veracruz Cafe is an Aztec, Mayan, Mesoamerican, and Huasteco spot with locations in Bishop Arts, Cedar Hill, and Midlothian.
Escondido Tex-Mex Patio
As the name implies, Escondido Tex-Mex Patio serves Tex-Mex and has an outdoor patio (and a big one at that).
Katy Trail Ice House
Head to Katy Trail Ice House in Uptown to post up outside on their patio with friends, beers, and inevitably a burger or some tacos.
Mughlai Restaurant
Head to Mughlai in North Dallas for some Northern Indian food - come for dinner or for the lunch buffet before going to The Galleria Dallas.
Koryo Kalbi Korean BBQ
Koryo Kalbi in North Dallas has plenty of Korean classic dishes, but you really come for the Korean barbecue - get the marinated short ribs.
Maple & Motor
When you need a great burger and a comfortable booth, head to Maple & Motor, and make sure you finish with a shake too.
Suze Restaurant
Suze is a neighborhood staple in Northwest Dallas, with a large outdoor space and dishes like flatbreads, salads, pastas, and fish.
Neighborhood Services
Neighborhood Services in Devonshire serves comfort foods like flatbreads, pastas, and a great burger, in a dimly-lit space great for a date.
Afrah Mediterranean Restaurant
Afrah moved next door to a bigger space in Richardson, where they are are still serving excellent Lebanese food.
Yutaka Sushi Bistro
Yutaka is in a strip mall uptown, serves some of the best sushi in the city, and has great lunch specials.
Bubba’s Cooks Country
Bubba’s in Park Cities looks like a 50s diner, has a drive-thru, and serves great fried chicken and biscuit sandwiches.
S & D Oyster Company
Head uptown to S&D for an old-school space and plenty of fried seafood, as well as fresh oysters.
Rafa’s Cafe Mexicano
Rafa’s has been serving Tex-Mex food for 40 years, and is just as good for a starting point for a night as a boozy brunch the next morning.
Sassetta
With a bright and airy space in the Design District, Sassetta is a great place for a group or a date, plus they serve pizza for every meal.