Brian Nagele
Are you looking for somewhere fun to visit during your stay in Dallas? Then, consider visiting the city’s Deep Ellum neighborhood if you’re interested in the visual or performing arts.
It’s known as one of Texas’s best live music hubs and has many performance venues you can visit, from jazz and blues nightclubs to contemporary theaters.
Additionally, if you walk around the neighborhood, you can find plenty of art galleries and street murals that make the place stand out from other areas in Dallas.
Deep Ellum is also a go-to destination for any craving creative dining options. While you can find several Tex-Mex and BBQ eateries scattered around the neighborhood, other international options are available if you search hard enough.
If you’re having trouble deciding where to eat, check out my list of the best restaurants in Deep Ellum to help you simplify your search and sample the best flavors in the neighborhood before checking out their best music.
Best Restaurants in Deep Ellum, Dallas
- Cane Rosso
- Pecan Lodge
- Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop
- Elm & Good
- Shoals
- Revolver Taco Lounge
- Local
- Vidorra
- Terry Black’s Barbecue
- Ichigoh Ramen Lounge
- Twisted Root Burger Co.
Cane Rosso
2612 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-741-1188
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First up on my list of the top restaurants in Deep Ellum is Cane Rosso, a casual yet stylish pizzeria found near The Penthouse venue and Bark Park Central.
They use an Italian wood-fired oven for cooking thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas to perfection within minutes.
They also offer a private dining room for sizable private events for anyone craving to experience Deep Ellum’s vibrant nightlife.
I love starting with their Cheesy Garlic Bread and ordering their Chopped Meatball Sandwich, Margherita Pizza, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, or CBF Pizza with a tasty Cherry Limeade or Spiked Sangria cocktail.
They also offer brunch-themed pizzas on the weekends. If you have room for dessert, try their Zeppole or S’mores Calzone.
Pecan Lodge
2702 Main, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-748-8900
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Next up on my list of the best restaurants in Deep Ellum is Pecan Lodge, found around a mile east of Majestic Theater.
This BBQ restaurant has a casual and rustic feel and serves smoked meats prepared on a wood-burning BBQ pit. They also offer scratch-made Southern entrees and sides that ensure authentic flavors in every bite.
I recommend sampling their Chopped Brisket Sandwich, Beef Ribs, Southern Fried Chicken, or Pulled Pork Sandwich with Potato Salad or Collard Greens on the side.
If you’re extra hungry, consider trying their Two-Meat or Three-Meat Plates for a satisfying, filling meal. After that, treat yourself to their peach cobbler or banana pudding for dessert.
Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop
2713 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-653-8237
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Minutes away from The Studio at the Factory stands Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop, your best dining option for sandwiches or bar bites in a funky, nostalgic setting.
I consider it one of the best places to eat in Deep Ellum if you’re looking for reasonably-priced food that you can enjoy alone or with others.
Consider trying their Nacho Fries, Shaved Ribeye Sandwich, Double Burger topped with bacon or Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich with a side of sweet potato waffle fries or house-made chili.
Don’t forget to visit their bar and sample their best draft beer options to complement your meal’s meaty flavors.
Elm & Good
2551 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 469-498-2525
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Nestled inside the Kimpton Pittman Hotel Dallas, Elm & Good is one of the best restaurants in Deep Ellum offering upscale American farm-to-table fare in a stylish setting.
They offer breakfast every day, along with lunch and dinner throughout most of the week. You can also enjoy live jazz every Wednesday and Friday night.
I love ordering their Avocado Toast or Brisket Hash for breakfast with their specialty coffee and smoked bacon.
If you stop by later in the day, start with their Grilled Texas Quail and order their Mushroom Paella, Blackened Redfish, or Akaushi Short Rib Pot Roast. Don’t forget to browse their wine and spirits list.
Shoals
2614 Elm St #110, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 469-677-0176
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Shoals is a Latin American restaurant located a short walk away from Dada Dallas. I recommend this eatery for anyone interested in menus offering more vegan options whenever they’re craving tasty arepas and cocktails. I also enjoy its rustic yet cozy atmosphere.
Shoals has a wide selection of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly dishes to sample. After starting with their Sweet Plantains or Latin Fried Potatoes, I typically order their Curried Chickpea Empanada, Smoked Jaca & Pineapple Arepa, Cubano Sandwich. Keep in mind that many of these dishes are pretty spicy.
They host happy hour every weekday, so be sure to try their Paloma or Moscow Mule cocktail.
Revolver Taco Lounge
2701 Main #120, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-272-7163
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If you’re having trouble finding any restaurants in Deep Ellum offering quality Mexican cuisine, consider stopping by Revolver Taco Lounge for a zesty night out.
This restaurant lets guests enjoy tacos casually in an over-the-counter setting. They also offer fine dining options with their signature tasting menu if you’re interested in booking their private room.
Try their Carne Asada, Pato, or Al Pastor Tacos if you’re curious about their signature tacos. You should also consider trying their Puerco Con Chile, Nayarit Style Ceviche, or Churipo with a side of chips and salsa. I prefer pairing these dishes with a Frozen Mezcalita or Mexican Manhattan.
Local
2936 Elm St # A, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-752-7500
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You can find Local a few minutes away from Dallas Comedy Club, inside the historical Boyd Hotel.
This eatery has a retro-chic ambiance and serves seasonal New American fare for anyone interested in dishes with contemporary flair. Chef Tracy Miller prepares each dish carefully to ensure that guests embrace a vast menu of bursting flavors.
Local offers a seven-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. However, I prefer Pinot Noir-Glazed Salmon, Grilled Grass-Fed Tenderloin Filet, Herb-Marinated Seared Scallops, or Slow-Cooked Pork Osso Bucco with a side of Panko-Crusted Tater Tots or Creamy Parmesan Lemon Risotto. Then, finish with their Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake.
Vidorra Dallas
2642 Main, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 972-215-0640
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Another one of the best Mexican restaurants in Deep Ellum, 15 minutes away from the Lighthouse Dallas Art Center. Enjoy tasty Mexican dishes on this stylish restaurant’s spacious rooftop patio if you prefer fresh air with an excellent view of the city.
In my opinion, Vidorra serves the best Chili Con Carne Enchiladas, Smothered Sirloin Burritos, Grilled Shrimp Fajitas, and Smoked Brisket Tamales in the neighborhood. I prefer ordering these dishes with a side of street fries or chimichurri rice.
Feel free to book a reservation for Tacos & Tequila Tuesdays for discounts, Salsa Wednesdays for beginner salsa dance lessons, or Margarita Mondays for half-priced margaritas.
Terry Black’s Barbecue
3025 Main, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 469-399-0081
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Are you interested in Deep Ellum’s finest smoked meats? Then, consider booking your next dinner reservation at Terry Black’s Barbecue, near Dallas Comedy Club.
This restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for enjoying Austin-style BBQ dishes after a long day of exploring the city’s most bustling tourism destinations.
They also have spacious private dining areas for large gatherings.
I’m a fan of their Pork Ribs, Chopped Beef Sandwich, Jalapeño Cheese Sausage, and Prime Sliced Brisket with a side of Pinto Beans, Baked Potato Salad, or Cream Corn. They also offer chilled meats you can prepare at home. Finally, treat yourself to their mini pecan pie.
Ichigoh Ramen Lounge
2724 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 972-707-0732
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If you and your friends are in the mood for Japanese small plates or ramen, Ichigoh Ramen Lounge is the best option you should consider booking a reservation for.
Its hip ambiance is an excellent backdrop for unwinding after sightseeing around Deep Ellum.
If you’re dining with friends, consider trying any of their shareable appetizers if you’re looking for variety or prefer something lighter that night.
However, if you’re feeling extra hungry, I recommend starting with their Yaki Mochi, Apple Fennel Shio, or Edamame and ordering their Tori Paitan Ramen, Abura Soba, or Pork Chashu Don for your main course.
Twisted Root Burger Co.
2615 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: 214-741-7668
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The final place on my list of the best restaurants in Deep Ellum that I recommend checking out when you’re hungry is Twisted Root Burger Co.
You can find it near the Deep Ellum Neon Sign. It has a casual atmosphere that encourages guests to customize their burgers with the toppings they love.
In my opinion, you should consider trying their Big Tex Burger, topped with cheddar, guacamole, fried onion strings, and chipotle sauce, or Freshman Burger, topped with smashed fries, melted cheddar, bacon, and a fried egg with a side of fried pickles. Try their Twisted Cheese Fries or Chocolate Shake if you’re craving more.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving dishes as creative as the neighborhood’s best artwork and music, many restaurants in Deep Ellum offer a wide selection of treats that will exceed your expectations. After all, no trip is worthwhile if it’s not fun or attention-grabbing.
Hopefully, this list can help you narrow down where to eat if you or your friends are interested in trying the neighborhood’s best tacos or pulled pork. No matter where you go, each place has something unique to offer.
Looking for a place to have brunch this Sunday? Check out our recommendation for the best places to have brunch in Dallas.
Did I miss any restaurants on this list? Leave a comment below, and I’ll check them out.