Restaurants and Bars

Dallas' diverse population is reflected in more than 10,000 restaurants, four times more per capita than New York City. Dallas is an ethnic melting pot offering authentic dining from around the world—the possibilities here are virtually endless. If variety is the spice of life, then the Dallas restaurant scene is on fire.

Chicken-fried steak is listed on many menus as "CFS"; it's a Texas tradition and practically a food group of its own. Traditionally, this dish is known as a way to prepare a tough cut of beef by beating it to tenderness, batter-coating it, frying it in the same way as chicken and serving it with cream gravy made from pan drippings. Some high-class chefs prefer to make the dish with sirloin (though most of the time it is made with round steak) and everyone has his or her own secret recipe, each claiming it to be the best.

West End

It may be hard to believe that Dallas was never really a cattle-drive kind of city given its plethora of steakhouses. Within the West End's multi-block radius lie The Butcher Shop and Palm (The), both of which serve some of the most superb beef this side of the Mississippi. Numerous chain restaurants also have establishments here, including Hoffbrau and Outback, both offering traditional Texas favorites in a casual atmosphere.

North Dallas

Some of the best upscale steakhouses are located in Addison/North Dallas, including Morton's of Chicago. Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House, located on Belt Line Road in Addison, is named for chef/owner Richard Chamberlain, whose passion for fine cooking has led him to such prestigious culinary positions as Executive Sous Chef at the highly acclaimed Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and the renowned Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. The menu features various steak options as well as veal, chicken, pork and seafood entrees that are equally well prepared.

Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum offers a range of eclectic dining options. There is something from everyone as the enormous variety of cuisines range from sushi to Tex-Mex and everything in between. Monica Aca y Alla adds a unique twist to Mexican food and salsa dancing, and Deep Sushi is perfect for those with a penchant for raw fish. If you're looking for a relaxed place to eat with those great American creations, The Angry Dog provides burgers, hot dogs and beer in a casual atmosphere, while Baker's Ribs has delectable barbeque, and Daddy Jack's lobster melts in your mouth.

Greenville Avenue

Greenville Avenue also offers an eclectic mix of dining options. Blue Goose Cantina's's margaritas and Mexican food choices draw crowds daily. Snuffer's has world-class cheese fries and burgers and St Martin's Restaurant is cozy and romantic. Terilli's is popular for Italian and jazz. Finally, Cafe Izmir offers a unique dining experience on Greenville Avenue.

Uptown

Meanwhile, dining in Uptown runs from ultra-classy to down-home and casual. Old Warsaw (The), built in 1948, and Hotel St. Germain offer old-world dining elegance. Avanti Ristorante offers tantalizing Italian food plus a moonlight breakfast with live jazz from midnight to 4a Th-Sa. Bread Winners Bakery and Cafe is another great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Rounding out the Uptown area's highlights is the Dream Cafe, a place dedicated to delicious, wholesome and organic dishes.

Knox/Henderson

While in the Knox/Henderson area, choose from the Highland Park Pharmacy's lunch counter for grilled cheese, Sipango for dancing and dining, and Cafe Madrid for tapas.

Irving

Irving also has a lot of variety to offer, both to business travelers and families. Ruen Thai's original recipes are mouth-watering good. Cafe Cipriani serves fine Italian cuisine in an elegant setting; Jinbeh allows you to choose between Japanese Hibachi cooking and sushi; and Via Real provides upscale Tex-Mex cuisine. Finally, Cool River Cafe draws crowds as much for its people-watching as it does for its steak and seafood.