Readers Share Their Favorite Old Dallas Restaurants

Last week, we dove into the oldest restaurants in Dallas that have passed the torch from one generation to another and still draw a crowd. It’s an ode to places that have figured out that staying power lies in execution, customer service and sticking to what you know rather than hype and Instagram walls.

We posted the article on social media and asked readers to share their favorite old Dallas restaurant. I grew up — in part — in Houston and would do anything for an enchilada plate at Monterrey House, which closed a long time ago. Others chimed in, providing a trip down many memory lanes, and we thought we’d share them here.

These are a mix of closed restaurants and many that are still thriving. Notably, the person who figures out how to bring back a cafeteria might be onto something.

“Favorite OLD restaurant in Dallas, still in business: CAMPISI’S, hands down. I love their food, but whether you do or not, the original interior on Mockingbird is great.” – Ellen Wesbrooks

Dairy-Ette
Two Guys from Italy
Wyatt’s
Luby’s
Furr’s
Steak and Ale
Circle Grill
Norma’s
The Hole in the Wall
Pete’s Dinner
Ojeda’s
Highland Park Cafeteria
Brownie’s
Salih’s Barbecue

“Well I dearly miss ‘Bonanzas Steak house’ when they were really good. WE used to LOVE going there to eat. It’s really great when you can find a place to Walk in, sit down & eat. Not many like it nowadays. Everything’s fast food & poor service. I also miss ‘Carter’s BBQ’ in Old South Dallas. If you didn’t get there early you missed those tender ribs. Brings bk good memories.💯💕☺️🤤” – Yvonne Lyons

Galvan’s Tex-Mex
El Fenix, Oak Cliff
Charcoal Broiler
Bonanza Steakhouse
Carter’s BBQ
Prego Pasta House
Louie’s
Kostas Cafe
Mia’s
The Old Warsaw
Brink’s Coffee Shop
The Clover Club
The Hot Biscuit
The Mecca
Club Schmitz
Chili’s on Greenville, Original
Tejano
Keller’s
Austin’s Barbecue
Prince Hamburgers
The Randy Tar
Bellini’s
Luca’s B&B

“Lucas B&B on Oak Lawn. Sign is all that’s left but still remember the biscuits & gravy as well as the servers with hair as big as Marge Simpson’s.” – Yolanda Dimas

Zuider Zee
Traildust Steakhouse
Spaghetti Warehouse
Laura’s on Shady Grove
Candlelite Inn
Southern Kitchen
Here ‘Tis Hamburgers

“Here ‘Tis Hamburgers at corner of Knox and Central in the ’50s. Not a drive-in, but you could park your car practically right where you ordered. Then it moved east on Henderson a couple of blocks for about 10 years. In the ’50s the burgers were 5/$1. Best because the meat was thin and perfectly seasoned and the bun wasn’t too big. Hated when they closed.” – Arlene Colbert

Barbec’s
Chubby’s
Houlihan’s
Kathleen’s Art Bakery
Fuddrucker’s
Spanish Galleon
The Golden Ox
Antoine’s
Dixie House

“Vickery Feed Store, Judge Roy Bean’s and The Filling Station, all on Greenville Avenue back in the ’80s.” – Kelly Skrivanek

Vickery Feed Store
Judge Roy Bean’s
The Filling Station
Dan’s Lakewood Cafe
Snuffer’s (Original location)