Alison McLean
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What does it take to become a longstanding restaurant in a city known for its churn-and-burn tendencies? Reputation, history and location are all important factors, but not for all of them.
“We get the wisdom from the generation above us,” David Campisi, the fourth-generation owner of Campisi’s, told the Observer.
“My uncle and aunt utilize what we call ‘true hospitality,’ taking care of our guests first. That’s been kind of our key. We’re not trying to be anybody. We are who we are. We’re a red sauce joint that serves unbelievable food and knows most of our guests who dine in with us.”
David Campisi, fourth-generation owner of Campisi’s
Often, original owners pass the torch and quality drops, but Campisi’s has returned to chopping, peeling, and cooking everything.
“What we’ve done at Campisi’s is that we’ve gone back to small-batch cooking at all of our locations,” David says. “Every location is done with more of a culinary component so that we’re making sure that we’re preserving our original recipes and high-quality food.”
Over the last century, Campisi’s and these other longtime Dallas institutions have remained steadfast in their approach to dining out in the city.
These are the oldest restaurants in Dallas that have passed the torch for generations and still serve the real deal.
Courtesy Local Favorites Restaurant/El Fenix
Est. 1918
El Fenix
1601 McKinney Ave.
El Fenix is the oldest restaurant in Dallas, having served its signature Tex-Mex since 1918. The original restaurant that owner Miguel “Mike” Martinez opened is long gone, so the location at 1601 McKinney Ave. near downtown Dallas is now referred to as the flagship. Over time, the restaurant menu evolved to help define what we consider modern Tex-Mex today, and there couldn’t be a more fitting dining room to order cheese enchiladas in Dallas.
Est. 1950
Campisi’s Egyptian Restaurant
5610 E. Mockingbird Lane
There are nine Campisi’s restaurants in Dallas, but none as well known as the one on Mockingbird Lane, which opened in 1950 (though they had opened a pizza shop at another location in 1946). Carlo “Papa” and Antonia Campisi had taken over the former “Egyptian Lounge” space, and with tight funds, kept much of the old decor up and did what they could to turn it into a place for authentic Italian cuisine. Inside is a throwback to a different time. The dark ambiance and deep red booths feel like a good place for secrets: Jack Ruby even had a booth. But you’ll have to go visit for more on that story.
Est. 1955
Dunston’s Steakhouse
8526 Harry Hines Blvd.
The owner of Dunston’s Steakhouse, Gene Dunston, might be the best thing on social media. He opines about the old days in short videos with the panache of a 20-something influencer. Sure, he might be a slightly vintage model, but he’s got more soul. The original name of this spot was the Wheel-In Drive-In, but he rebranded it Dunston’s Steakhouse after installing a mesquite grill, the heart of the space. You can get a 10-ounce rib-eye for about 30 bucks.
Est. 1956
Dairy-Ette
9785 Ferguson Road
You don’t get diner vibes like this anymore. Dairy-Ette has served retro-style hamburgers, fries and housemade root beer since 1956. The outside is about as hole-in-the-wall as you can get, but trust the curiously placed sign, you’re in the right place. Vintage red and white leather booths, wood-paneled walls and the bar-style seating facing the kitchen look as though they’ve been pulled right out of Pulp Fiction. Some things never change, even after nearing 70 years of nostalgic classics.
Lauren Drewes Daniels
Est. 1956
Norma’s Cafe
1123 W Davis St.
In 2026, Norma’s Cafe will celebrate 70 years of serving Southern comfort food in Dallas. This go-to for hearty plates opened its first location in Oak Cliff and has expanded to seven locations across the Dallas area. Find yourself in any of them, and the motto is the same: “Eat Dessert First.” Norma’s serves breakfast all day, and the popular mile-high pies are half-price after 7 p.m.
Est. 1961
Kuby’s Sausage House
6601 Snider Plaza
The history of Kuby’s Sausage House dates to the 18th century, when Friedrich Kuby opened a neighborhood meat market in Kaiserslautern, Germany. His passion for fine meats lived through two centuries, and his direct descendant, Karl Kuby, immigrated to the United States and opened his own specialty meat market in Dallas in 1961. It serves as a restaurant and European market under one roof. The house chicken salad and horseradish pickles are staples from the market, but you have to dine in for the Reuben and sausage plates. Best of all, the prices are nostalgic.
Est. 1965
Keller’s Drive-In
6537 E. Northwest Highway
We recently wrote about how a burger from Keller’s is one of the best bites in Dallas that’s under $10. Jack Keller opened his first burger stand around 1950, but the retro-style drive-in on Northwest Highway opened in 1965. Since that time, only the prices have changed (but just barely). Everything on the menu is $6 or less, which means you can get a stacked burger, shake and fries for under $15 before tip. Many of the carhops have worked there for decades, and even though the restaurant doesn’t advertise it, it does serve ice-cold beer. While some are too busy arguing about what’s “better,” the rest of us are appreciating this longstanding local gem and its thick milkshakes.
Alison McLean
Est. 1966
Jimmy’s Food Store
4901 Bryan St.
Everyone knows Jimmy’s Food Store sells some of the best sandwiches in Dallas. The meatball sub is particularly noteworthy, and the muffuletta, in a close tie with the former, is just as popular. The Italian bodega-style grocery and takeaway spot has been situated on the corner of Bryan Street and North Fitzhugh Avenue since 1966. The DiCarlo family has been running it for generations, even going as far as to resurrect the spot after it suffered from a fire in 2004. To this day, it’s a weekly ritual for most who stop by, and newcomers instantly fall in love with this East Dallas gem.
Est. 1976
S&D Oyster Company
2701 McKinney Ave.
S&D Oyster Company has been serving Gulf-style seafood at its one-and-only location since 1976. Uptown has reveled in its New Orleans-esque courtyard for $2 oysters on the half-shell during happy hour, shrimp done in a nearly infinite number of ways and properly made gumbo. Most diners have been coming here for over 20 years, while others have remained loyal for its entire 40-plus-year tenancy on McKinney Avenue.
Est. 1977
Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano
4912 Cole Ave.
Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano claims it’s a go-to for authentic Mexico City fare, but nothing screams Tex-Mex more than serving a small block of butter with chips and salsa and tableside cheese roll-ups. Since 1977, it has been a staple for its unique take on Mexican cuisine and was our Reader’s Choice for Best Mexican Restaurant in Dallas for 2025. No matter the day, crowds are flowing in eager for its moody dining room with lingering scents from the cigar lounge next door.
