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Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites! Food Tours
Dallas’ Most Innovative Food Tours Rock the House!
Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites! have taken Dallas by storm, and by chocolate, barbeque and burgers. We offer specialty food tours to some very unique, off-the-beaten-path, locally owned restaurants and shops. Led by some of Dallas' most knowledgeable food aficionados, each tour treats you to delicious samples and great drinks as you learn about cool food finds, the history of chocolate or a given food, how it is made and more.
The tours are taken in luxury mini buses and last from three to four hours. During that time, three to four locations are visited and tasty treats are sampled at each location. The tour guides make the tours plenty of fun with interesting facts and contests. Tours (depending on the tour) include wine or beer, water and juice. Kids are welcome too. The tours are like a mini escape from the day to day, and are perfect for individuals, families, friends, groups, special occasions and team building.
In addition to weekend and weekday tours for individuals through the www.DallasbyChocolate.com and www.dallasbitesfoodtours.com websites, Stevens and her guides also do private chocolate tours and tastings for groups. “We have a lot of families, even bachelorettes, seniors, homeschoolers, birthday parties and Girl Scout troops,” she says. “It’s a fun experience and it’s different than the typical shopping trip or stadium tour. Everyone makes new friends, and some guests have booked three or more tours because every tour is different.” Click here for more information.
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Dine on delights by future chefs at Chef’s Gallery
Ever wanted a gourmet meal but didn't want to drop a load of money? Check out the Chef's Gallery at the Art Institute of Dallas. This restaurant is a working classroom for students in the Art Institute's culinary program, so you get gourmet meals at half the price. The menu's are seasonal and put together by the program's instructors (in other words, no "gourmet" hot pockets) and the students spend time working each different part of a restaurant from the kitchen to the front end. They offer lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Wednesday through Friday and a limited menu in between lunch and dinner Wednesday through Friday. They don't even burn the cous cous.
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Dine on tacos at Taco Diner
Taco Diner is pretty much the yuppie version of a traditional Mexican taqueria, brought to us by the folks over at Mi Cocina. While the majority of the menu dons tacos in various forms, they have a few other Mexican classics and a robust seafood selection. The real draw for Taco Diner is the fish tacos, fresh ingredients, stark interiors, impeccable service and, of course, the green sauce. Like most Mexican restaurants, Taco Dine serves chips and salsas before your meal. One of the salsas is a green sauce that's a not too spicy, oh-so-creamy nectar of Gods. It must be avocado.
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Get a cold ass beer at Fred’s Texas Cafe
Fred's is one of those decades-old gems that has now found itself nestled amongst a gaggle of shiny new restaurants and apartments. Despite the West 7th neighborhood growing up (literally) around them in the last few years, they still offer the same old chill atmosphere, "cold ass beer always," arguably the best burgers in town and a down-home good time. With a quaint but tiny interior, people usually come to Fred's for the patio. Be warned: it fills up quickly on nice days. Luckily Fred's is the kind of place where everybody seems like an old friend and nobody thinks twice about sharing tables or letting you squat while they settle the bill.
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Taste baked perfection at JD’s Chippery
JD's Chippery in University Park is a little bakery with a big following. Their following is so big they manage to stay in business despite only selling two things: cookies and muffins. Yes folks, they are that good. They make the kind of cookie that cookie monster only dreams about: dense yet soft, chewy and often still warm. The oatmeal chocolate chip and snicker doodle are fan favorites, but really every flavor melts in your mouth. For larger orders call ahead to make sure they have enough of what you want. Please not JD's does not accept credit cards: cash or check only.
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Cool off at Paciugo
This family owned now-national chain started right here at home after the Ginatta family missed the rich espresso and gelatos of Italy after a relocation to Dallas. They opened up Paciugo to share these flavors of Italy with Dallas and have now expanded to 15 states across the country. At Paciugo's you'll find a healthy variety of traditional Italian gelato flavors (like Italian wedding cake, Tiramisu and Limoncella) as well as some more modern and locally inspired flavors, like Tres Leches, green tea and turtle cheesecake. There's nothing like a spoonful of Paciugo's melting on your tongue to cool off on a hot day or even soak in holiday spirit with seasonal flavors like egg nog and pumpkin pie.
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Bob’s Steak & Chop has been pleasing Dallasites over twenty years
Calling Bob's Steak & Chop House a traditional steak house is cheating just a little bit because they've been around so long they've practically created the traditions and set the standards. Between the dim, leathery ambiance that seems to have leaped from a different decade and a menu donning steaks no smaller 9 oz, this is definitely a manly, meat eaters paradise. The menu offers your regular steakhouse staples, including some nice "surf" selections, but where they really get props is offering roast duck instead of some boring rosemary chicken like all the rest of the steakhouses. For twenty years, Bob's has proven that you don't need posh interiors to sell steak, all you need is damn good steak.
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Seoul Garden brings the soul of Korean cuisine to DFW
Located off Royal and I-35 (aka "Koreatown"), Seoul Garden is one of the more popular Korean restaurants in the area. The outside looks a little, dare we say, "strip mall," however the interior and ambiance is the exact opposite: clean, nice, and almost "fancy." They offer all the Korean favorites, including Korean barbecue, bulgogi, dolsat bibimbap, Soon Doo Bu (soft tofu soup), Pajeon (Korean pancake), and the traditional Banchan (aka, those little dishes they set out before the meal, including Kimchi) making Seoul Garden is both a meat eaters panacea and a vegetarian's panacea. They also have the regular gamut of Korean aperitifs, including Soju (a weak-ish vodka made from sweet potato), wine and makkolli (an unfiltered rice wine).
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Try authentic schnitzel at Bavarian Grill
Plano's Bavarian Grill Restaurant and Beir Garten is one of the few places in town to get tried and true traditional German food, from the Bavarian region to be specific. Get spatzel, schnitzel, wurst, authentic German beer and schnapps in this festive setting with equally festive staff. Reservations are recommended on Saturdays when the "oompah" band plays as patrons tap silverware on beer glasses and sing along to German songs. Be wary that the oompah band may make you get up and do the chicken dance. Every spring they have a special "Weisser Spargel" (white asparagus) menu featuring these sweet and delicate white spears.
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Do some soul searching at Buttons
Buttons Restaurant takes the upscale approach to soul food with gourmet ingredients and regularly scheduled live jazz, R&B, blues and motown that's netted them awards in both the culinary and music categories. The menu offers a little something for everyone, but the real deal is in the "old school" section of their menu. This is where to find all the old soul food favorites like fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles and shrimp, fish and grits. They also have an excellent gospel brunch with live music and a breakfast buffet featuring some of the menu's favorites and then some. Originally located in Fort Worth, they now have an Addison location and a jazz lounge in DeSoto.
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Try Mexico City style tacos at Urban Taco
Looking for authentic Mexican taqueria cuisine without the bars on the windows? Then Urban Taco is calling your name. They've brought Mexico City style tacos and tortas to two locations in Dallas, but snazzed up their taqueria with contemporary interiors and flavored margaritas for one "modern Mexican dining experience." The menu is chef-driven while keeping to tried and true Mexican favorites. Whether you're there for the tacos, empanadas, or just to pick up some fresh poblano-pepita pesto, it's all fresh food made daily. Some favorites to check out include their yucca fries, pozole tortilla soup, the mango-jicama slaw or anything in barbacoa.
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Urbanize your pizza experience at Urban Crust
With more young professionals moving away from the city, Downtown Plano is moving from the down-home country atmosphere and bringing in a younger, cooler crowd. The new-ish pizzeria, Urban Crust, brings in both the family-oriented diner as well as the young drinking crowd with a big family-style interior and a rooftop bar, complete with 32 degree beers and an ice bar to keep your cocktail chilled. When it comes to the food, they serve up Neapolitan style pies with gourmet touches to either feed the whole family or soak up all that ice cold beer. Favorite pies include a four cheese pizza drizzled with truffle oil and the Urban Amore, featuring fig preserves, prosciutto, goat cheese, and arugula, as well as a slew of starters and delectable salads served family style.
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Enjoy Tex-Mex favorites at the Blue Goose
The Blue Goose Cantina offers up Tex-Mex favorites at five locations across the metroplex. The menu boasts all the favorites: enchiladas, fajitas, tamales, and of course a big 'ol bowl of chile con queso. They also have rotating weekly specials, including specials during hatch chile season. The Blue Goose additionally offers a weekend brunch menu, complete with a Bloody Mary bar and is one of the few places in town that offers Machacado con heuvos, a shredded dry beef in a scramble. It's also not Tex-Mex without a darn good margarita, and their ritas are award winning. Try their classic house margarita or for something a little sweeter the mango and prickly pear margaritas do not disappoint. 
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Holy Aioli! Si Tapas serves up Spanish classics in a cozy setting
Si Tapas in Downtown Dallas is one of those house-turned restaurant gems nestled in the State and Thomas neighborhood. In addition to cozy interiors, their patio seating is exactly that: tables on a quaint house patio. Enjoy Spanish favorites such at Tortilla Espanola (a spanish tortilla omelet), fried calamari, ham croquettes and a few exotics such as veal sweetbreads or baby eels in garlic sauce, all served up with a healthy helping of Spain's most celebrated condiment: aioli. Si Tapas' happy hour is one of the best kept secrets in town, featuring a $3 tapas menu and $12 pitchers of Sangria. Happy hour or not, Si Tapas is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon sipping sangria and noshing on Spanish treats. 
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Put a little Austin in your taco at Torchy’s
Austin taco chain Torchy's Tacos has branched out to Big D with a location in North Dallas, bringing its famous tacos with it. Torchy's is a breath of fresh air, considering how few really good taco stands call DFW home. Torchy's takes gourmet ingredients, mixes them up in clever combinations and wraps it all in a tortilla. The Mr. Pink (Ahi tuna and chipotle sauce), the fried avocado (self explanatory), and the brush fire (Jamaican jerk chicken, with mango and grilled jalapenos) are a few favorites on the menu. Torchy's is also open for breakfast, with a special breakfast taco menu (though they will let you order off any menu whenever you want). Add to that four house-made special salsas to choose from and green chile queso that is dabomb.com. Warning: consumption of Torchy's Tacos tacos can lead to a condition often referred to as "taco coma."
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The Smoke Pit: 2 inch pork chops on Fridays, need we say more?
The Smoke Pit, just outside of downtown Fort Worth, is kind of the local barbecue version of Hooters. Scantily clad waitresses take your order and try to talk to you as you dine on their fine barbecue menu and guzzle down a cold one. They actually have a bikini top day. At The Smoke Pit, however, people actually do go for the food. The menu is simple: sliced barbecued meat sandwiches and baskets with various side options. It's barbecue at it's best, simple and delicious. What really sets The Smoke Pit apart is the Friday special, a two inch thick pork chop served with fries and beans. People can't get enough of pork chop day at The Smoke Pit.
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Eat me at Fuzzy’s Tacos
DFW's beloved Fuzzy's Tacos serves the metroplex Baja-style Mexican food that's always fresh, and with a slogan like "Eat me!" every order always comes with a small side of attitude. After gaining a following at their original location on Berry Street in Fort Worth, Fuzzy's has since expanded with several locations across DFW, the state and even the nation. While everything on the menu is good, most patrons visit Fuzzy's for their Baja tacos (especially of the shrimp tempura or crawfish variety). They also have ample TV's set up for your sports viewing pleasure, keep the margaritas and beer flowing and make some of the best chile con queso in town.
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Get some killer sushi at Pirhana
Pirhana Killer Sushi is a clever little local sushi chain that started up in Arlington. Pirhana always has impeccable interiors; fashionable and sophisticated yet welcoming with a keen sense of detail. While the ambiance is a nice touch, people really go there for their killer sushi. While you'll find a few old favorites on the menu (like all the classic rolls, ie: spicy tuna, California, etc), the main attraction is in their specialty roll selection jam-packed with creative rolls, cleverly named. A few favorites are the Bullet Roll (spicy salmon mix, cucumber, shiso leaf, avocado, escolar, cilantro puree) and the Marry Me Roll (shrimp tempura & ginger cream topped with avocado, tuna & strawberry), with the Vietnamese Summer Roll to give things a twist (salmon, tuna, crab, greens, mango & asparagus wrapped with rice paper). Wash it all down with some sake or one of their specialty cocktails and make a night of it at this sushi joint that over delivers.
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Experience Southwest cuisine with an upscale twist at Stephen Pyles
Long hailed as one of the founding fathers of Southwestern cuisine, Stephen Pyles in his namesake restaurant combines culinary expertise with his down-home, west Texas roots. Stephen Pyles combines the flavors of Mexican, Tex-Mex and Creole cuisine into a category of its own with international influences and even a little molecular gastronomy thrown in for good measure. (Like with his Tamale Tart with Roast Garlic Custard, Peekytoe Crab
and Smoked Tomato Sauce or anything from the "ceviche bar.") Located in the Dallas Arts District, Stephen Pyles offers a dining experience that is big on flavors from the world over while providing gentle reminders here and there that yes, we are still in Texas.
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Nosh on sushi in a casual environment at Tampopo
Sushi doesn't always have to be swank. Tampopo at Lovers and Greenville is a great little no frills Japanese cafe that hits the spot when you're craving sashimi but looking for a place that's fast, casual and reasonably priced. The inside is clean and unpretentious but pleasant for an order-at-the-counter establishment. The menu is pretty simple but dons the basics: sushi, a small selection of rolls, sashimi, teriyaki and tempura. Their bento boxes make for a perfect little lunch and they always have some variety of Udon noodle soup written on their specials board. They also serve beer, wine and hot sake.
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Enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine at Madras Pavillion
Oft-hailed as one of Dallas' best Indian restaurants, Madras Pavillion offers a healthy variety of South Indian (also all vegetarian) delights. While the sag paneer and ghobi mancurian never disappoint, most people show up for the dosai, a giant crepe rolled with your choice of filling (the potato onion filling is the most popular, and they offer spicy or non spicy for those with a more sensitive palate). Afraid you'll find yourself in an Indian restaurant with no idea what to order? No worries, either order one of their sampler platters or show up for the lunch buffet any day of the week to try a variety. The lunch buffet usually even includes an order of dosai.
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Fine dining + diner cuisine = R+D Kitchen
R+D Kitchen has done the seemingly impossible by turning "diner" inspired cuisine into, well, fine cuisine. The restaurant offers a posh little atmosphere with quaint patio seating and a circular bar located in the center of the restaurant. The menu is short but sweet, offering home-style favorites that are taken up a notch with quality ingredients and gourmet touches. For starters, they have a handful of sushi rolls, a cold dip duo of guacamole and pimento queso, or a plate of deviled eggs to whet your palette. The mains include creative entree salads, a few fish options, a center-cut filet and a wild mushroom meatloaf that actually comes medium rare on purpose. All mains come with home-style sides such as warm potato salad or wilted spinach. They also don a special brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
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Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill offers up steak house favorites cooked over a flame
Kenny's Wood Fired Grill is a Chicago-style chop house with a wood grill and impeccable service. They offer American steak house cuisine, all cooked with the rustic, smokey flavor of a wood fire. Notable starters include the wood grilled brie fondue and the Ahi tuna nachos (for something on the lighter side). In addition to the standard selection of steaks, their 16 oz pork chop is a specialty and a favorite. Kenny's also has a great selection of surf to go with their turf, all wood grilled to perfection (try the red chili camarones or the trout). Their specials change daily and are usually creative and excellent.
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Get an authentic Neapolitan pie at Brix Pizza and Wine Bar
Brought to you by Daniele Puleo of Daniele Osteria, Brix Pizza and Wine Bar in Fort Worth serves up gourmet Neapolitan pies and classic Italian entrees with an extensive wine list at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is open yet cozy, even if you're not sitting on the quaint little patio. For starters, the bruschetta is especially special and the hell's kitchen fries marry tabasco and gorgonzola in a mound of starchy deliciousness. The pizza menu changes a little here and there but the pies are always inventive and tasty. A few staples include the prosciutto and spinach and the classic margherita. With two Italian chefs working the kitchen, this is about as authentic as pizza gets in America.
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Wake up to an early breakfast from the Dream Cafe
The Dream Cafe is Dallas' quirky little breakfast spot with an inventive menu, a dog-and-kid-friendly atmosphere and excellent food. Their two locations (Uptown and Addison) serve those who live in Uptown, and those who used to live in Uptown but have now moved further from the city due to job location/kids. The Dream Cafe is also one of the few places in town to get good breakfast and brunch fare before 10 am (their doors open at 7 am daily, brunch menu is available daily). The Uptown location stays open later with a pseudo-international inspired dinner menu. A few favorites include the Santa Fe omelet, cloud cakes, the global dinner and the Mystic Pasta (think pasta tossed with brie and smoked bacon).
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Ssahm BBQ: Asian fusion on wheels
Food trucks are starting to populate the streets of Dallas, and one of the first on the scene is Asian fusion truck Ssahm BBQ. Ssahm puts Korean favorites in Mexican clothing with Korean inspired tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Pick your Korean marinated meat (or tofu), pick your style (taco, burrito, or quesadilla), and they add caramelized Kimchee and fixin's. Also available are the ever popular Kimchee fries topped with cheese. The Ssahm truck may seem elusive at first, moving locations every day for lunch and dinner, however, they have a schedule posted on their website or you can follow them on Facebook for more specifics. Come get SSahm!
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The Woodshed will smoke almost anything
Fort Worth's beloved Tim Love recently opened his newest venture, The Woodshed: a smokehouse right on the Trinity River with an ample patio and laid back atmosphere. While the menu dons some of the regular smokehouse expectations, what takes The Woodshed to the next level is A) a few interesting proteins (to the tune of rabbit and rattlesnake sausage or "game bird") and B) Tim Love will smoke anything. They will throw anything in that smoker at The Woodshed, like artichoke or a whole head of cauliflower in addition to all the meats, means fantastic sides or even a vegetarian's delight. Wait, a smokehouse? With yummy things for vegetarians? But the meat stuff is also awesome? Really? No seriously, really? Yes, my good friends. Everybody leaves happy.
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It’s all about the Dough
Dough, a Neapolitan-style pizzeria out of San Antonio has opened up shop in North Dallas with gourmet ingredients and an 800+ degree brick oven. Dough hand makes their own mozzarella fresh daily or give the option of buffalo mozzarella imported from Italy, all topped off with a topping list to make any foodie salivate. A few favorite pies include the Fontina (oak roasted mushrooms and caramelized onion topped with Fontina cheese), the Pork Love (red sauch, Fior di Latte, salami, sausage, pancetta & speck) or the Margherita "STG" (traditional margherita topped with Mozzarella di Bufala and Parmesan Reggiano). Ingredients aside, it's the hand-tossed pizza dough that turns into a puffy, flat bread-like crust that brings Dough's pizza to the next level.
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Dine on fine French food at The Mansion at Turtle Creek
The Mansion at Turtle Creek has been a staple in Dallas' fine dining scene for over thirty years. An upscale atmosphere and excellent service only add to The Mansion's French-inspired menu. Sip a little bubbly while enjoying seared foie gras with a pineapple-raisin chutney, roasted duck breast with carmelized turnips, quince and a black current reduction, or enjoy any number of Chef Chef Bruno Davaillon's seasonal tastings. For a switch, enjoy your meal on their picturesque restaurant terrace or reserve an intimate private dining suite for a cozy dinner for two or for a crowd. Dining at The Mansion is the perfect start to enjoying a night on the town.
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Burgers take a gourmet twist at Twisted Root
Twisted Root Burger Co serves up gourmet burgers and fried hot dogs with a healthy dose of sass at six locations across the metroplex. It’s not a gourmet burger without options, and Twisted Root does not skimp on options.
The burger meat/patty choices include hamburger, buffalo burger, turkey burger, spicy veggie burger, or select wild game (Venison, Elk, Ostrich, Emu, Boar, Antelope, Lamb) on availability. The toppings are numerous and creative, offering everything from guacamole to chipotle sauce. To take decision making out of the process, they have a “specialty burgers” menu with suggested combinations. This is also a good place to find out if buffalo sauce actually goes with buffalo meat. To top off the burgers they have self-serve homemade pickles in a few different flavors. If a giant gourmet burger doesn’t fill you up, follow it up with a root beer float or milkshake made with homemade ice cream.
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Fancy beer meets fancy food at the Meddlesome Moth
The folks from the Flying Saucer bring Dallas its first official “gastro pub.” The Meddlesome Moth, located just west of downtown in the design district, provides a setting that brings foodies and beer snobs together. In addition to serving a variety of specialty beers, the menu serves up creative combinations of both meals and “share plates” (think elaborate tapas).
Favorite share plates include the Five Spice Pork Belly, Shrimp and Grits (with jalapeno gravy), Hawaiin “Ahi” Tuna and the collard greens. The cayenne-lime fried hominy is great if you’re just looking for a nibble.
The beer menu is a little slice of heaven for any craft beer snob. It contains all the staples plus a variety that changes seasonally. While beer suggestions change with every palette, for something truly different keep an eye out for any of the beers aged in whiskey/bourbon/brandy barrels (like Rahr’s Whiskey Warmer).
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Pizza Lounge in Expo Park serves up creative pies in a creative setting
Exposition Park’s Pizza Lounge is the kind of place you’d expect to see in the Dallas section of Lonely Planet. The interior gives off an eclectic ambiance with purposely-mismatched couches and lounge chairs around every table. Pizza Lounge is conveniently located across the street from Fair Park, is right by a DART station and it’s only a skip hop and a jump from Deep Ellum.
The menu is an entertaining read unto itself with cleverly named dishes and pies. A few good choices are the Nickel Bag/Dime Bag (small/large spinach and broccoli rabe), the Margherita (it seems like a boring choice until you realize they throw capers on there), or the Sofa King: a pie so loaded with meat it guarantees to make you “Sofa King Full.” Pizza Lounge also loves vegans as much as vegans love animals with several vegan options and substitutes conveniently labeled with a green “v” symbol. Don’t be cruel - eat tofu.
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Ocean Prime Sumptious Sophistication
To say that Dallas has enjoyed having Ocean Prime in its line-up of seafood offerings is an understatement. Since bursting on the scene, this sophisticated fine 
dining establishment has created impeccable service, gigantic and delicious shrimp and decadent desserts - Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, anyone?
Besides offering an array of tasty morsels for lunch and dinner, the specialty menus are a standout. Blueberry French Toast is an interesting twist on an old favorite, and the Lobster and Eggs is a to-die-for combo. If you're feeling particularly hungry, order the Chilean Sea Bass with Glazed Carrots and Champagne Truffle Sauce, which tastes especially lovely with Candied Yams with Marshmallow Brulee. With such an outstanding menu and frequent live entertainment, the only thing standing between you and total satisfaction is the valet parking your vehicle outside Ocean Prime's front doors.
dining establishment has created impeccable service, gigantic and delicious shrimp and decadent desserts - Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, anyone?
Besides offering an array of tasty morsels for lunch and dinner, the specialty menus are a standout. Blueberry French Toast is an interesting twist on an old favorite, and the Lobster and Eggs is a to-die-for combo. If you're feeling particularly hungry, order the Chilean Sea Bass with Glazed Carrots and Champagne Truffle Sauce, which tastes especially lovely with Candied Yams with Marshmallow Brulee. With such an outstanding menu and frequent live entertainment, the only thing standing between you and total satisfaction is the valet parking your vehicle outside Ocean Prime's front doors.