At Roots Southern Table, Top Chef alum Tiffany Derry infuses her culinary prowess and passion for Southern flavors into every dish. Offering creative twists on family recipes, the menu features delicious bites like duck-fat fried chicken, fish and grits and Derry's mother's iconic gumbo with chicken, sausage, shrimp and blue crab. Sip on one of the creative cocktails (the Purple Rain with gin and blackberry is a must) and be sure to order the cast iron cornbread with sweet potato butter!

Casa Del Vegano is all about innovative, plant-based takes on Tex-Mex cuisine. Offering a trendy vibe with minimalist décor in an industrial-style setting, this vegan spot serves everything from veggie-packed burritos to Birria enchiladas stuffed with jackfruit. Try the house-made chalupas made with Beyond Meat, fresh cilantro, and pico de gallo. Indulge in crispy “fish” tacos. And don’t skip the cocktails, from vegan pina coladas to margaritas. On Saturdays, enjoy live music from local DJs.

Raised by her Aunt Irene, Dresha Harrison opened Aunt Irene’s Kitchen to honor her aunt’s passion for cooking. Nominated for Best Dallas Restaurant only six months after opening, this Dallas hotspot has amassed a devoted fanbase with its Cajun-inspired seafood boils, delicious sandwiches (try the pork chop) and famous crack sauce – a mix of mustard, vinegar, honey and love. Grab one of their best-selling Black Boxes, brimming with crab, shrimp, and lobster piled high with corn and potatoes!

Fair food year-round? Yes, please! If you love funnel cakes, this is the spot to beat. Known for serving the iconic fried fair staple throughout the year, Funnel Cake Paradise amps things up with unique and fun flavors. Low-key and no-frills (everything is served in a Styrofoam container), this grab-and-go spot is perfect for a quick bite. Try specialty funnel cakes like caramel apple or banana pudding. You can even get funnel cakes topped with peach cobbler and M&M’s.

Nestled on the outskirts of Dallas lies ITSO Vegan, a casual vegan soul food restaurant turning classic dishes into plant-based delicacies. Fan favorites include country-fried chicken, fish baskets, and "just the sides" (mac and cheese, yams, mashed potatoes, fries, cabbage, and cornbread). Looking for lunch on the go? Grab a cheesy “chiken” sandwich topped with mac and cheese! And don’t skip dessert! The cheesecake made from cashew cheese is positively sinful.

Don’t be surprised if you find a line out the door at Sweet Georgia Brown, a counter-style eatery serving Southern-style classics, such as fried chicken, hot links and tender ribs. A popular spot with Dallas locals, the restaurant is an excellent spot for a quick bite. Load up a to-go container with smothered turkey legs, mashed yams and crispy pork chops. Or, try the Polish sausage and fresh-baked cornbread. And don’t miss out on the sweeter fare, from the peach cobbler to sweet potato pie.

Gourmet chicken sandwiches meet an out-of-this-world vibe at Invasion, a trendy eatery in Old East Dallas. Easily identified by the colorful astronaut mural outside, this joint is all about fast service with a gourmet twist. Pull up a stool at the counter and chow down on sandwiches like the Cardi – buttermilk-fried chicken with dill mayo or the Hottitana, Nashville-style hot chicken topped with spiced sour cream. The menu also features burgers, veggie bowls and plates - seared prawns, anyone?

Escape to the Caribbean without leaving Dallas at The Island Spot, where the vibrant flavors of Jamaica come to life in every dish. Immerse yourself in a laid-back atmosphere filled with the rhythmic beats of reggae music and the aroma of island spices as you indulge in jerk chicken, hearty curry dishes, and fresh seafood. Bite into braised oxtails simmering in beef gravy. For something sweet, enjoy a slice of Jamaican rum breading pudding. Wash it all down with a rum-filled cocktail.  

At Chocolate Secrets, you can enjoy small-batch bonbons amidst the buzz of live entertainment and local art. Try the Brown Butter Caramel, a bonbon with creamy browned butter and butterscotch caramel ganache wrapped in crave-worthy milk chocolate. And if you're feeling adventurous, try the Ancho Chili chocolate for a subtle, fiery kick or the PB&J for classic, nostalgic flavors. They also offer savory options for brunch, lunch, and dinner on the weekends.