In the Neighborhood: Your ultimate guide to Uptown Dallas
Young professionals and families flock to this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood to explore new dining, shopping and entertainment spots galore.
By Alina Dizik | October 26, 2023
Uptown Dallas is having a moment. Don’t miss out on exploring this rapidly expanding part of the city. Made up of eight smaller neighborhoods — each with its own character — there’s a mix of chic contemporary architecture along with historic Victorian homes and more. The best part? It’s all in the most walkable part of Dallas, complete with an array of new bars, restaurants and entertainment venues to enjoy.
EAT
The city’s indie restaurant scene is a point of pride for Dallas residents, and there’s no better place than Uptown to sample the best of the best. Try:
- Lyla: This coastal Italian-inspired eatery channels the seaside with Mediterranean decor and dishes like spicy orecchiette, truffle carbonara and whole branzino. Enjoy it all in their chic yet casual dining room, cozy lounge or elegant patio.
- Bisous Bisous Patisserie: Serving delicious French-style pastries, this bakery is perfect for a sweet breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up — think cruffins, eclairs, fruit tarts and macarons.
- Las Palmas: Serious Tex-Mex and adventurous cocktails make this lunch and dinner spot a popular hangout well into the evening. Insider tip: the crowd favorite Wagyu beef fajitas do not disappoint. Trust us.
SEE
With stunning galleries, niche museums and plenty of street art, exploring Uptown Dallas is a treat for the entire family. Visit:
- The Ron Hall Gallery: Named after the veteran art dealer and best-selling author, this contemporary arts gallery features international and local artists, and is a favorite for in-the-know locals and art curators.
- The Samurai Collection at the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum for a glimpse into the lives of Japanese military nobility. With free admission to the collection of more than 1,000 items, you’ll get to admire the incredibly intricate armor of these soldiers. Oh, and on the first Saturday of each month, the museum offers free, kid-friendly programming for families.
- Kitchen Dog Theater: With more than 30 seasons under its belt, this intimate indie theater has focused on staging world premieres and thought-provoking regional plays with some of the city’s best actors.
SHOP
A combination of independent and national retailers makes it easy to have a fun and personalized shopping day Uptown. Browse:
- M.K.T.: Billed as a modern marketplace for local designers and artists, this store carries indie clothing, unique accessories and gifts to make the perfect souvenir.
- The Scent Room: As Dallas’ first niche perfumery for hard-to-find brands this highly curated shop has more than 350 scents to choose from. Stop by and with the help of a perfume pro, you’ll find the ideal bottle based on your likes and personality.
- Studs: Leave Dallas with an extra ear piercing — or at least some stylish earrings. The self-described experts in “earscaping” can help you customize a look by earring stacking with pieces that complement your unique ear anatomy and personal style.
In recent years, Uptown Dallas has transformed into one of the city’s trendiest areas. Be sure to explore the area’s adventurous dining scene, buzzy nightlife, unique shops and inviting green spaces. With so many locals moving to the area, the popular neighborhood gives visitors an authentic taste of Dallas without the crowds of downtown.
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends and dining. Her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian and other top publications. She lives in Chicago and has spent time living in New York, Europe and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. She has visited more than 50 countries.
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