Search Results for "pizza"

Just hitting the Dallas pizza scene this year is a new iteration of pizza called New Haven-style pizza, thanks to Fortunate Son, which recently opened in Garland. New Haven-style pizza, or “apizza,” is known for its thin, charred crust, and Fortunate Son achieves this by using a special dough recipe and baking the pizzas in a high-temperature oven. Our favorites are the white clam pizza topped with fresh clams, garlic and grated cheese, and the Meatzilla, which is loaded with pepperoni, Calabrese sausage, Italian sausage, Texas wagyu meatballs, pancetta, mozzarella, ricotta, spicy honey and Calabrian chiles. It’s a carnivore’s dream come true.

Chef Terrill Burnett at South Polk Pizzeria in Oak Cliff classifies his pizza as “Neo-New York style,” a cross between Neapolitan and New York. The result is a thin crust with a nice little bounce. The Detroit native, who was junior chef at Nobu and also worked in the kitchen at Knife, makes as much as he can from scratch, including the pizza sauce and ranch dressing. The sausage is from Jimmy’s, and he also carries halal beef, turkey pepperoni and vegan cheese as options. There’s a small dining room here, but many orders are to-go, which is made easy on the website. Try the cup-and-char pepperoni with sausage and a hot honey drizzle.

Dallas is a pizza haven with diverse styles: Neapolitan, Neo Neapolitan, Detroit, Deep Dish, St. Louis-style and New York-style. Choosing the “best pizza” is challenging, akin to picking between a Porsche and a Ferrari. For us, Zoli’s NY Pizza reigns supreme. It captures the essence of traditional New York-style pizza, with a masterpiece crust that stays firm despite hefty toppings while the edges remain light and airy. For added pizzazz, they offer the option of sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on the crust. In addition to the dozen or so pizzas on the regular menu, Zoli’s offers a creative new pizza each month that allows you to embark on a culinary journey and discover new flavor combinations.

For most Chicagoans, the real go-to Chicago-style pizza is not that thick overly sauced 5-pound slab of overpriced dough called “deep dish” but rather the thin, crispy perfectly topped tavern-style pizza so prevalent in local corner bars. Thankfully, the Dallas area has a few spots serving pizza in this manner, and Louie’s is perhaps the oldest and most beloved of the bunch, and understandably so. The pizza bears a rich and complex sauce that you know has been simmering slowly for hours on the back stove. It sits atop a crust that is thin but not overly cooked, with plump, fresh toppings.

Detroit-style pizza is carving out its place on the national pizza scene. Leading the charge on that forefront in the Dallas area is Lewisville’s Motor City Pizza. Owner Greg Tierney, who hails from the Motor City, started with a pop-up to test the waters. The venture was a success. In late 2021, he debuted the brick-and-mortar version of Motor City Pizza. Detroit-style pizza is a rectangular deep dish with a lighter and airier dough than Chicago-style. And the cheese must be Wisconsin brick cheese spread all the way to the edges, where it melts down the sides of the pan, caramelizing and crisping the crust. Yes, it’s as game-changing as it sounds.

Andrea’s Pizza first reeled us in at its Frisco location, and once it had us addicted, the place packed up its pans sometime around 2010 and left for the greener, much quieter pastures of Gunter. Never heard of it? It’s a small town up north near Van Alstyne. Never heard of that either? That’s OK; part of this restaurant’s charm is that we have to work so hard to get what we want. The small, father-and-son operated marvel is worth the tank of gas. The pizza crust is sweet and sensuously thick, making it the perfect base to hold its velvety bed of cheese and hot, crispy-fresh veggies or whatever meaty toppings fill your carnivorous dreams. The long ride back allows visitors extra time to reflect and reminisce on the memories of the best pizza they’ll probably ever have.

You might want to approach Thunderbird Pies with skin as thick as their Detroit-style pizzas. In addition to a sassy social media manager, they don’t care much for complaints. Especially, don’t ever ask to talk to corporate or you’ll likely get dinged with something like, “I am corporate, motherfucker.” Then they’ll make T-shirts to mock you, which they actually did, and blast it on an in-house billboard. It’s not at all ironic that one of their best pizzas is the Honey Bastard, named after the honey badger. Much like the similarly named mammal, they just don’t care, which they can get away with because the pizza is so good.

DL Mack’s is a slightly upscale eatery that likes to think of itself as a Chicago tavern, but unlike a tavern, reservations are usually required. They do, however, nail the thin-crust tavern-style Chicago pizza that has been the true pizza of choice for Chicagoans and ex-pats alike. Their version comes in only one size and is a bit pricy, but it hits all the marks in ingredient size and amount, sauce flavor and thinness and crispiness of crust.

Multiple locations pie-tap.com

It wasn’t easy for chef Ryan Ferguson to adapt to the road. Pasta and pizza seem like the ultimate takeout cuisine: They’re not. Pasta likes to sponge up whatever the liquid is around it. Thin-crust pizza can get as floppy as a rabbit’s ear after a drive home. Sprezza has considered this: Their pizzas crackle and blister and snap. The creamy tomato sauce pie — the vodka-spiked tomato base, studded with shishito pepper, fresh plum tomato, sharp provolone — is a stunner. There are zero other pies like it in Dallas. The crust is thin, rectangular, modest but giant fiery-huge in flavor. Keep an eye on their rotating, farm-to-table toppings. Fresh toppings and good tomatoes and crackling crust are how a good pizza is made.

The pizzas at Social Pie are served on thin, flavorful crust. If you choose a pie loaded with toppings, you might want to grab a fork to dig in. Build your own or choose from one of 10 flavors, like sausage and arugula, barbecue chicken, wild mushroom or the Tony, with garlic oil, chicken, spinach, Kalamata olives, goat cheese and pickled jalapeño. You can also order a few flavors by the slice, but beware — a slice here is more like a quarter of a pizza.

Oh, how happy we were when formerly Oak Cliff-based Zoli’s NY Pizza popped back up in Addison. Whether you’re looking for classic New York-style pies or something more adventurous — or even a foot-long brunch cannoli made with Nashville hot chicken — Zoli’s can accommodate. Try the CBR, a pizza topped with mozzarella, roasted chicken, bacon, pickled jalapeños, parsley, jalapeño ranch and an everything-bagel crust.

Pie Tap takes its dough seriously. Made with only flour, water, salt, olive oil and its proprietary yeast starter, which it feeds daily, this dough hits the spot without making you feel like you just binged on junk food. With a beautiful, crunchy but perfectly doughy crust and A-plus toppings like Calabrese salami and housemade mozzarella, this is better than the average pie. The fact that it’ll deliver pizzas with a six-pack of beer or bottle of wine makes this one of our favorite pizzerias right now.

Readers’ Pick: Cane Rosso

Thin-crust Italian-style pizza is asserting its dominance of the Dallas dining scene, with local chains Il Cane Rosso and Olivella’s duking it out for supremacy, and late entry Sprezza introducing us to Roman-style pies. Olivella’s gets the nod here for its sublimely crisp “metro” pizzas, especially the black truffle, with salty ham, black pepper and truffle oil, and the Dream, a fiesta of chicken, gorgonzola and jalapenos. With Peroni and a good selection of Italian wines by the glass, the Lakewood location’s spacious patio will beckon come fall.

Readers’ Pick:

Cane Rosso

Step aside, mediocre national pizza buffet chains — Stonedeck Pizza in Deep Ellum has reinvented the pizza buffet with one that, well, is actually good. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, $8.99 will net you all the thin-crust pizza and sides you want, and there’s plenty to choose from. Turkey sandwiches, cold soba noodle salad, chili-flecked marinated cucumbers — this is the pizza buffet that grew up, got a bachelor’s degree but still throws down hard on Friday nights. And did we mention Stonedeck sells beer?

Order a Neapolitan pizza of your choice and make sure to request that it stays in the oven till it’s extra crispy. You’ll be well on your way to enjoying the best pizza served in Dallas. The crust here has integrity and stands up to toppings without going limp. You can even fold one of the tiny slices and it will stand at attention. With three locations (the newest is in Victory Park), you shouldn’t have to travel far for perfection. Just make sure you dine in; great pizza seldom travels well.

For the past few years, Cane Rosso has reigned as the best pizzeria in all of Dallas. Leave it to owner Jay Jerrier to shoot himself in the flour sack, opening a New York-style pizzeria that would dethrone his very own pizza dynasty. Zoli’s is everything a pizzeria should be, and that’s forgiving the fact that they don’t serve pitchers of beer. You can get cans, though, and you can get crisp-crusted pies that you have to fold in half to get to your face without mucking up your shirt. There’s a Sicilian pie if you want something with a little more heft, and a grandma pie if you’re looking for square-shaped pizza with a thinner crust. Order by the slice if you must, but Zoli’s is the most fun when you bring some friends and work your way through an entire pie.

Consider Il Cane Rosso a pizza dynasty. Not even Jay Jerrier himself could top his original creation. His newest pizza shop in Oak Cliff does its best to bring a slice of New York to Oak Cliff, but Zoli’s still can’t top the carefully prepared Neapolitan pies Jerrier built his name on. The pizzas at Cane Rosso are light, soft-crusted and don’t go down like a 12-inch round of lead. Now with two locations serving up pies certified by the Vera Pizza Napoletana, Cane Rosso brings a taste of Naples to Dallas in a casual, relaxed atmosphere that’s as good for a laid-back date as it is for a family dinner with the kids or catching up with your friends over some beers.

Jay Jerrier just may be building a dynasty if his recently expanded Deep Ellum pizza restaurant can continue its run. His traditionally topped rounds are as authentic a Neapolitan pizza as you can get in Dallas, while more aggressively topped pies resonate with the pizzas we all grew up on, and occasional special pizzas are works of real culinary creativity. The best seat in the house is always the bar, where you can watch Dino Santonicola, the Italian-born pizza master, work his magic with hundreds of soft and pillowy dough balls. Ninety seconds later that fragile round of dough is a perfect leopard-spotted pizza pie you can pound completely on your own. Swill back a few Peronis while you’re at it and take in a Rangers game on the big screen. You’ll have a fan to either side of you.

Pizza in the morning? Pizza in the evening? Pizza at suppertime? Count us in. Until, that is, we can’t stomach the thought of once again traversing the dangerous Dallas waters of mediocre delivery pies and we’d-rather-not-discuss-it crusts. Enter Quesa-D-Ya’s, a business model so effin’ obvious that we don’t understand how it hasn’t yet swept the nation. Here’s how it works: They make quesadillas — big ones, filled with whatever ingredients you want — and you can order it for either pickup or delivery. There are a number of different options on the menu; we prefer the build-your-own. And, because we’re fatties, we prefer our orders with a side of the very-solid queso, so we can dip them sumbitches in the cheesy goodness for that little something extra. Oh, and speaking of extra: Order the large. You won’t come close to finishing it, but you’ll have leftovers that hold up shockingly well for days. If nothing else, consider it a way to avoid going to the grocery store for a bit. That’s why people order pizza anyway, right? C’mon, that can’t be just us.

The best pizza in Dallas isn’t a pizzeria, but a specific pie. Jay Jerrier’s much beloved pizza has won almost unanimous praise from Dallas pizza freaks with only a few complaining about soggy crust. Neapolitan style crust is notoriously delicate and appreciated best when it’s not heavily assaulted with sauce and embellishments. Unfortunately, locals prefer heavy-handed pizza topping, resulting in a round which might be better described as Texapolitan pie. Not so with Cane Rosso’s Regina Margherita, which places quality above quantity, leveraging mozzerella di bufala instead of the restaurant’s regular cow’s milk cheese. The buffalo version is richer, more dense and has less water content, which protects from a soggy crust. It’s really the best way to let Dallas’ top pizza shine.

We’re certain this pick will elicit a fair amount of folks telling us that we didn’t have to travel to a suburb to find top-notch pizza, and those people are right. There’s plenty of it right here in Big D. But when we want the best pizza around, we know it can be found in the old shopping center just east of Central Expressway near Belt Line Road in Richardson. Make no mistake, Pizza Villa has its drawbacks: The interior shows little change from when it opened more than 40 years ago; there’s little seating; it charges for drink refills; it won’t accept credit cards; and there’s no delivery. However, a perfectly crafted and cooked thin crust that’s crispy and buttery easily makes up for any shortcomings, as does the homemade sausage and array of other fine toppings. So before crying foul on this one, give it a shot, if for no other reason than to get a glimpse into the past.

There’s a time and place for fancy gourmet thin-crusts or pricey wood-fired pies with goat cheese and pine nuts. But when you just want a simple, New York-style big, floppy, chewy slice with house-made sauce and fresh high-quality toppings, Oak Cliff Pizza is the place to go. Be sure to get sausage, as the place offers nice thick slices of Jimmy’s Italian sausage rather than the crumbled generic stuff so common at lesser pizza joints. Also recommended is roasted red pepper. Best of all, they offer single slices, with two costing you less than a five-spot, or a full meal deal with two slices, a soda and salad for $5.

Picasso’s Pizza & Grill

OK, so it’s a cram-packed little joint. So it doesn’t take reservations, and there’s no comfortable place to wait. And maybe Campania suits your tastes better. But there’s just something about the crust at this tiny SMU destination. Owner Charlie Green supposedly plucked chef Salvatore Olivella from a New York establishment because he refused to start a pie until the wood-fired oven reached the proper temperature…which he checked by reaching in with a bare arm. This kind of care (or monomaniacal lunacy) leads to pizzas set on beautifully charred, smoky, crisp but chewy rounds of dough. So what if they cure their own mozzarella and find the best ingredients? The crust—it’s all about the crust.

The Oak Cliff restaurant caught everyone’s attention by offering a menu that changed daily based upon whatever a slate of farmers brought in. They also earned some notice because of their refusal to buy such conveniences as a deep fryer. But we really didn’t care about any of that once we tried Bolsa’s flatbreads—essentially cracker-crust pizzas, only far more expressive. We’re talking about smoky bread covered in spicy Jimmy’s sausage or basil that explodes on the palate, local and very fresh cheeses, tomatoes that taste as if they were picked that very day. They’re just really damn good.

Earlier this summer, the folks who run Greenville Avenue Pizza Company decided that they needed to bring some entertainment into their Lowest Greenville restaurant. Who knows why—the lines for their slices are so long after the neighborhood’s bars let out, but maybe they were just sick of missing out on the pre-2 a.m. crowd. Along the way somehow, the owners got hooked up with a group of semi-professional magicians. And before long, the restaurant’s newest, um, attraction was born: Every Wednesday night, a group of five or more magicians stop by and try out some new tricks for a curious, pizza-eating audience. Because it’s not an official performance, the show’s pretty informal—so much so that you’ve got a damn good chance of seeing a few tricks fail while you laugh silently to yourself and smugly make your slice of pizza disappear before the magician’s eyes.

When fired for power, coal has a bad rep. It’s a spitter of soot, a puker of sulfur, a farter of greenhouse flatus. But when firing pizza, it transforms into fossilized sublimity. Founded in East Harlem in 1931 and spread from New York to Arizona, Nevada and Texas, Grimaldi’s cooks its pizzas in a coal-fired brick oven—just as the local parlor Coal Vines does. But the Neapolitan-style pizzas Gramaldi’s makes are more focused, with chewy crusts that are smoky without the bitter char. They’re aromatic pies with slightly cauterized toppings that fuse tenuously with the crust, creating a mosaic of exquisite stink. These are pies you want in your face.

These guys definitely have it down for pizza that’s just oily and rich enough to taste great without turning into tomato soup on a tortilla. Crusts here are done the Old World way—tossed and flopped and smushed around the way dough ought to be done. It used to be called just “Brothers Pizza,” but they added the “Primo” after a bunch of other brothers decided to go into the biz at various locations. Nothing against the other brothers, some of whom are pretty good too, but Primo—well, they were the first brothers. Try their calzone and stromboli too. Very delicious.

There’s nothing wrong with trendy upscale pizza restaurants, but sometimes all you want is a classic, simple slice that doesn’t stray from its roots or require an hour-long wait and valet parking. Carmine’s, like any self-respecting New York pizza joint, has red and white checkered tablecloths and pizzas displayed on those round silver platters by the register. Best of all, of course, is the pie itself—the crust is relatively thin but incredibly soft, with just the right quotient of chewiness. We recommend the cheese and pepperoni, which is flavorful, a little spicy and a lot garlicky. And since there’s rarely a wait, you can grab a slice on the run.

There are many reasons Piggie Pies takes home this award, as well as receiving similar ones in the past. Here are a few: the mozzarella cheese, the fresh mushrooms, the pepperoni, the feta cheese, the Canadian bacon, the just-right crust, the goat cheese, the fresh garlic…the list goes on. And that’s just the regular, choose-your-own adventure pizzas. Piggie Pies also has a list of gourmet pies that are equally as good. With options such as the meatball pizza, the Mediterranean, the Milano and the pizza al pesto, among many others, the menu is almost overwhelming. Pizza Hut this ain’t. Besides all the pies, there’s a long list of pasta choices as well. We suggest the blackened chicken pasta: It’s Roma tomatoes, mushrooms, penne pasta and blackened chicken in a marinara cream sauce, and it’s big enough and rich enough to split. Unless you’re greedy, and then you can just save half for breakfast. It’s good that way too.

We admit, we found out about this place in the “Sentence Restaurant Guide,” a highly critical survey of local restaurants by a Dallas author we’d never heard of, one Ralph Robert Moore, who posts a moody, authorly pic of himself on his Web site (www.ralphrobertmoore.com/dallasrestaurants.html) as well as personal essays and diary entries that fall in the category of Too Much Information. We have to agree, however, with everything the straight-shooting Mr. Moore says about Sam’s Pizza and Pasta, an unprepossessing place in a Duncanville strip mall: “Sam’s pizzas are superior to those obtained elsewhere in the Dallas area, the emphasis placed on the flavor of the dough, and the freshness of the toppings.” We can add that this is the best we’ve tasted in Texas, where pizza seems to suffer from a lack of family eateries with the old-world ethos and ethnic connections. Nothing fancy about the range of toppings here; just the usual suspects (except our prized green olives). Straight out of the oven, Sam’s pizzas are stunning. Try it for yourself and you’ll wonder why more people don’t make the short jaunt down to Duncanville for a great traditional pizza. (But please, Sam, would you do something about those scary restrooms?)


Readers’ Pick
Campisi’s Multiple locations

Lots of Americans are suspicious of thin-crust pizza. It’s hardwired into our brains to want the most stuff for the least amount of money, and nobody but nobody is gonna skimp on my pizza dough. But for those of us willing to transcend our capitalist heritage, a good thin-crust pizza is manna from heaven. Cooked just right, crispy but not brittle, a thin crust is the perfect cheese-and-meat delivery vehicle, and Scalini’s is the Cadillac of thin crusts. The toppings are fresh and the service is friendly, too. To those thugs and killers who would force us to eat thin crusts, we enthusiastically say: “Bring it on!”

There are a few magic words when it comes to pizza: “delivery,” “wood-burning oven,” “stuffed crust,” “extra pepperoni.” The new spot at Josey Lane and Keller Springs Road forces you to pick up the damn pie. We don’t see a big open flame anywhere behind the counter. Guess you can order extra pepperoni, though. And pay with a credit card–the other magic words. Paparazzi Pizza serves the usual “works” and “supreme” pies heaped with meat, olives, tomato sauce, etc. But they also bake six different olive oil-based pizzas. These are unique and flavorful. No red sauce, just a nice crust and a dollop of olive oil supporting such ingredients as roasted eggplant, kalamata olives, capers, tarragon, pine nuts and whole roasted garlic. The eggplant version sits on an amazing black pepper crust. A pie called “tomato tango” features both sweet sun-dried and herbal seasoned veget…fruits. Whatever. There’s other stuff, too, including babaganoush, kabobs and gyros. Think the owners must be furriners or something. After all, no Texan thinks of the Mediterranean when they ponder the origins of pizza.

The spicy Greek pizza at this takeout-only spot near Lakewood is the best excuse to forgo pepperoni in town: crisp crust with a garlic-olive oil base, mozzarella, seasoned chicken, kalamata olives, tomatoes, red onions, pepperoncinis and feta cheese. Owners Omar Dibe and his wife, Sadie Ayers, opened shop last spring and offer traditional Italian pizza as well, but their Lebanese-inspired pies are standouts: Try rosemary chicken, margarita and ardalino with baked eggplant slices. Dibe and Ayers are beefing up their imaginative menu all the time. They’ve just added oven-baked paninis, subs, pita wraps and gyros. Order and take home, or slip into Lota’s Goat next door for some liquid and musical accompaniment.

This is a tough category, because everyone has a different version of what makes a great pizza: thin crust, chunky toppings, lots of sauce, extra cheese, blah blah blah. Tell you what: Just go to Nick Badovinus’ hip and happenin’ joint (next to his Cuba Libra) and scan the menu. You’ll find just the right pie for you. If you don’t (our little one just wanted “plain ol’ pepperoni pizza”), they’ll make it for you. Fantastic flamed pies and big salads are the attraction here, as is the star-packed patio. The scene and the slices are worth the wait.

Readers’ Pick

Campisi’s

Various locations

The spicy Greek pizza at this takeout-only spot near Lakewood is the best excuse to forgo pepperoni in town: crisp crust with a garlic-olive oil base, mozzarella, seasoned chicken, kalamata olives, tomatoes, red onions, pepperoncinis and feta cheese. Owners Omar Dibe and his wife, Sadie Ayers, opened shop last spring and offer traditional Italian pizza as well, but their Lebanese-inspired pies are standouts: Try rosemary chicken, margarita and ardalino with baked eggplant slices. Dibe and Ayers are beefing up their imaginative menu all the time. They’ve just added oven-baked paninis, subs, pita wraps and gyros. Order and take home, or slip into Lota’s Goat next door for some liquid and musical accompaniment.

This is a tough category, because everyone has a different version of what makes a great pizza: thin crust, chunky toppings, lots of sauce, extra cheese, blah blah blah. Tell you what: Just go to Nick Badovinus’ hip and happenin’ joint (next to his Cuba Libra) and scan the menu. You’ll find just the right pie for you. If you don’t (our little one just wanted “plain ol’ pepperoni pizza”), they’ll make it for you. Fantastic flamed pies and big salads are the attraction here, as is the star-packed patio. The scene and the slices are worth the wait.

Readers’ Pick

Campisi’s

Various locations

There’s just something about ordering a small pizza the size of a large child that gets us hot and bothered; better still if we’re eating it alone (and we usually are, wah). This venerable establishment, which has been facing Bachman Lake since it was a puddle, feels like a slice of Manhattan in the middle of Northwest Dallas. The pies are enormous and juicy (dare not say greasy), served so hot and sloppy you need 10 napkins for just a slice–and a fork, too, unless you’ve brought a change of clothes, which we highly recommend. The pizza’s available by the slice, but like the commercial says, you can’t have just one. Close runners-up: Marco’s in Preston Royal, various Campisi’s locations and Sal’s on Wycliff Avenue. Close, that is, but no calzone.

Even people who aren’t fans of pizza will surreptitiously try to sneak a slice of Scalini’s. It’s thin, not too delicate and the options for topping allow creative license for personal pizza heaven. For dining in, delivery or carryout, the family folks at Scalini’s serve up the best thin-crust pie we’ve ever masticated. Although incredible when direct from the oven, the cheesy goodness is never compromised by a quick car ride. A favorite with us is one with sausage, fresh basil and fresh tomatoes (for veggie-lovers, eighty-six the sausage and add pine nuts). The flavor is robust, and the aroma is divine. Order up; just don’t forget a side Greek salad.

You may think you need to live near this White Rock eatery to order its pizza, but we would argue that the trip is worth it unless you live in Wylie or Red Oak–and even then, it may be a good idea to give it a go. Alfonso’s is a small Italian restaurant that serves pretty good pasta, but it’s the pizza that distinguishes this place. Generous portions, fresh vegetables, enough (but not too much) tomato sauce, sausage to die for…oh, sweet Mama, we’re gettin’ hungry. Our fave? Difficult to say, but it’s hard to go wrong with a large sausage, onion and mushroom.

There’s just something about ordering a small pizza the size of a large child that gets us hot and bothered; better still if we’re eating it alone (and we usually are, wah). This venerable establishment, which has been facing Bachman Lake since it was a puddle, feels like a slice of Manhattan in the middle of Northwest Dallas. The pies are enormous and juicy (dare not say greasy), served so hot and sloppy you need 10 napkins for just a slice–and a fork, too, unless you’ve brought a change of clothes, which we highly recommend. The pizza’s available by the slice, but like the commercial says, you can’t have just one. Close runners-up: Marco’s in Preston Royal, various Campisi’s locations and Sal’s on Wycliff Avenue. Close, that is, but no calzone.

Even people who aren’t fans of pizza will surreptitiously try to sneak a slice of Scalini’s. It’s thin, not too delicate and the options for topping allow creative license for personal pizza heaven. For dining in, delivery or carryout, the family folks at Scalini’s serve up the best thin-crust pie we’ve ever masticated. Although incredible when direct from the oven, the cheesy goodness is never compromised by a quick car ride. A favorite with us is one with sausage, fresh basil and fresh tomatoes (for veggie-lovers, eighty-six the sausage and add pine nuts). The flavor is robust, and the aroma is divine. Order up; just don’t forget a side Greek salad.

You may think you need to live near this White Rock eatery to order its pizza, but we would argue that the trip is worth it unless you live in Wylie or Red Oak–and even then, it may be a good idea to give it a go. Alfonso’s is a small Italian restaurant that serves pretty good pasta, but it’s the pizza that distinguishes this place. Generous portions, fresh vegetables, enough (but not too much) tomato sauce, sausage to die for…oh, sweet Mama, we’re gettin’ hungry. Our fave? Difficult to say, but it’s hard to go wrong with a large sausage, onion and mushroom.

Yes, we’re Yankee enough to know what people are talking about when they utter the words “New York” and “pizza” in the same sentence. Thin crust. Big slices. Pizza expertise going back to the days when Uncle Dom came over on the boat. Dallas finally has someone from the old neighborhood making pizza for us prairie dwellers–brash New Yorkers with pictures of the Statue of Liberty and the Twin Towers on the walls and some decent cannolis in the dessert box. Pastazio’s is reason enough to move to Addison Circle, or at least into the delivery area of the best pizza joint this town has ever known. Our favorite: the “special,” which includes a bit of everything on a wide, thin wedge.

Yes, we’re Yankee enough to know what people are talking about when they utter the words “New York” and “pizza” in the same sentence. Thin crust. Big slices. Pizza expertise going back to the days when Uncle Dom came over on the boat. Dallas finally has someone from the old neighborhood making pizza for us prairie dwellers–brash New Yorkers with pictures of the Statue of Liberty and the Twin Towers on the walls and some decent cannolis in the dessert box. Pastazio’s is reason enough to move to Addison Circle, or at least into the delivery area of the best pizza joint this town has ever known. Our favorite: the “special,” which includes a bit of everything on a wide, thin wedge.

So what makes a good pizza? Some say it’s fresh toppings, others the crust. Piggie Pies has both. The crust is neither thin nor thick, but cooked perfectly in between. And there’s no skimping on the toppings, which are cut large (no canned veggies here) and piled so high atop a gooey wad of mozzarella that one’s shirt is in danger of permanent stains with every crust-bending bite. Piggie Pies also delivers. Never mind that thermo-wrapped approach some other pizza companies use, Piggie Pies’ delivery is hot and always on time.

Forget those stampeding brass bulls near City Hall: Pizza joints are the best thing downtown has going for it. Porta di Roma is the newest addition, located in a renovated storefront across from the Bank One building. We’re a fan of any pizza by the slice, but this one is exceptional: wide, melting triangles of heavenly goo supported by a strong, thin, slightly crispy crust. Perfection. As a bonus–like we need one–Porta di Roma offers huge, fresh plates of pasta, cheap. We’re hot on the “spaghetti olio” dish, a mound of pasta flavored with olive oil, garlic, chili pepper and a dash of Parmesan. Even comes with hot bread. Lunchtime price: $4.25.

So what makes a good pizza? Some say it’s fresh toppings, others the crust. Piggie Pies has both. The crust is neither thin nor thick, but cooked perfectly in between. And there’s no skimping on the toppings, which are cut large (no canned veggies here) and piled so high atop a gooey wad of mozzarella that one’s shirt is in danger of permanent stains with every crust-bending bite. Piggie Pies also delivers. Never mind that thermo-wrapped approach some other pizza companies use, Piggie Pies’ delivery is hot and always on time.

Forget those stampeding brass bulls near City Hall: Pizza joints are the best thing downtown has going for it. Porta di Roma is the newest addition, located in a renovated storefront across from the Bank One building. We’re a fan of any pizza by the slice, but this one is exceptional: wide, melting triangles of heavenly goo supported by a strong, thin, slightly crispy crust. Perfection. As a bonus–like we need one–Porta di Roma offers huge, fresh plates of pasta, cheap. We’re hot on the “spaghetti olio” dish, a mound of pasta flavored with olive oil, garlic, chili pepper and a dash of Parmesan. Even comes with hot bread. Lunchtime price: $4.25.

You say New York pizza doesn’t exist in Dallas? You say it’s all in the Manhattan tap water, or in the way Italian-American males, who act like they are right off the set of The Sopranos, fling the dough high over their heads and beat the hell out of the crust until it surrenders its thickness? Or maybe it’s in the tomato sauce, Mama’s own sweet family secret. Well, the closest approximation to the mozzarella dream cake in Big D can be found at Brother’s Pizza on Montfort. Sometimes greasy, always tasty, it strikes the right New York ratio of crust to sauce to cheese. But order it to go. The confines are small, and the cigarette smoke gets in your eyes and stays there.

You say New York pizza doesn’t exist in Dallas? You say it’s all in the Manhattan tap water, or in the way Italian-American males, who act like they are right off the set of The Sopranos, fling the dough high over their heads and beat the hell out of the crust until it surrenders its thickness? Or maybe it’s in the tomato sauce, Mama’s own sweet family secret. Well, the closest approximation to the mozzarella dream cake in Big D can be found at Brother’s Pizza on Montfort. Sometimes greasy, always tasty, it strikes the right New York ratio of crust to sauce to cheese. But order it to go. The confines are small, and the cigarette smoke gets in your eyes and stays there.

Gone are the days when downtown’s dining scene was dull and unimaginative. Dino Santonicola is the chef and owner of Partenope, just one of the gems that calls downtown home. Tucked into one end of the historic Titche-Goettinger Building, Partenope doles out pizzas certified as Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN), signifying that it meets true Neapolitan-style standards. The slightly chewy and airy crust, the bright sauces and classic toppings turn any dull workday into a bit of culinary escapism. Partenope offers excellent antipasti, salads and pastas, too. After a lunch at Partenope, you might never want to brown-bag it ever again.

Next time you head out for pizza in Oak Cliff, Cenzo’s should be at the top of your mind. And, your pooch would love to tag along. In Cenzo’s, Chad Dolezal, Vinne Sherman and Jason Smith have created a perfect homey haunt that feels like it’s been there for decades. This little hipster spot has cozy neighborhood vibes where an equal number of kids and dogs stroll through the door like they own the place. Head to the patio after placing your order, and your furry four legged friend will have plenty of room to romp and sniff while you scarf down on arguably some of the best pizza in the city.

Shakespeare probably didn’t actually say, “expectation is the root of all heartache.” If that’s the case, what happens when you have none walking into Cane Rosso? You order a sandwich that will go down in your taste buds’ history. A sandwich so legendary, it doesn’t even have a fancy name. On their brunch menu is the “breakfast sandwich,” which is a toasted sesame hoagie bun filled with sausage and egg scramble, soppressata, bacon and provolone, and served with tots. Would you believe the sandwich, nor the tots, even need sauce? It’s a successful marriage between the staples of breakfast and good pizza. We’d bet they have matching shirts. 

Dallas Book and Sip Club is not your average book club. The flagship Book and Sip Club was founded in Houston in August 2023. In less than a year, the community-focused book club has exploded with 26 chapters worldwide. Mallory Jordan founded Dallas’ chapter in April 2024 and has since accumulated a membership waitlist of hundreds of eager readers. It’s no surprise why. Jordan selflessly invests in the aesthetics and community-building aspects of the Dallas chapter. There are various socializing opportunities around the city, including pizza making, happy hours and movie outings. Once a month, the club gathers for an intricately planned, themed book club meeting. It’s the perfect opportunity to make new friends, visit Dallas hot spots and dive into engaging conversations about books with a diverse group of literary aficionados.

If you’ve seen The Big Lebowski, you know what’s going on here. Bowlski’s says so themselves. Walking into this East Dallas bowling alley feels like stepping into another era, thanks, in part, to its location inside the historic Lakewood Theater. Aside from the architectural intrigue, the alley’s ten vintage bowling lanes are lit up by ambient blue and purple neon lights, solidifying the totally vibey ambiance. There’s also a pizza spot and a bar, in case you need to loosen up before letting it roll.

Before you serious crate diggers come for our heads, we’re not saying that Growl Records has the greatest vinyl inventory in all of DFW, though its selection is pretty cool. We will confidently say, however, that this Arlington record shop provides everything we want in one night: It has live bands and is connected to a pizza shop and to a brewery that has trivia nights. So you can go back and forth among all these places in a few steps and indulge in your hobbies at one stop. The shop is a punk oasis in a sports-heavy town and sells other things you can play: scary toys called “deadly dolls,” for starters.

Paradiso’s recently renovated patio certainly claims a top spot on the list of must-visit sites in the Dallas summertime. The coastal Mediterranean restaurant’s central courtyard space boasts a grand allure, studded with colorful umbrellas, seating and a central fountain that just calls for pictures. Drop by for weekend brunch, when views are complemented by biscuits and gravy or the signature apricot-ricotta French toast, or at dinnertime, when the wood-fired pizza selection and handmade pastas make their debut. Unwind with $16 all-day cocktails, all while appreciating the quiet chatter and light music of the patio space.

Kids, right? So great. Never annoying. If you have little ones in your keep who need to burn off a little energy, Cenzo’s has an enclosed area for frolicking. But who says going out with the kids means settling for bad chicken nuggets? You’re the boss. Take control. Start with an appetizer like whipped ricotta or fried artichokes and crispy salami. The pizza menu is broken into red and white options; the Clinton comes with mozzarella, lemon ricotta, Calabrian chili crisp and pistachios. Sandwiches include an Italian deli, meatball, Italian beef and fancy fried bologna. There’s soft serve too.

It seems like forever now that Fred’s Downtown Philly has been slinging its greasy, meaty delights in North Texas. Although it’s tempting to stick with the classic option, we highly suggest looking a bit farther down the menu to option No. 9, the Pizza Cheesesteak. The sizzling sliced steak, sauteed onions and cheese encased in the soft, chewy roll never knew it needed a stream of tangy pizza sauce so bad, but it did, and it’s heavenly.

This vegan restaurant just off West Davis near the Bishop Arts District offers a variety of plant-based mains such as pizza, burgers, boudin balls and wings. This great date-night spot is in an old house with a warm and inviting atmosphere, thanks to its stylish wooden plank decor. Go for the Southern Dinner Catch with fried oyster mushrooms, corn, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and garlic toast. The Cajun nacho fries come with cheese sauce, peppers, pico and jalapeño ranch.

We love a good story of survival. Better yet, we love a good survival story that comes with amazing beer and pizza. Vector Brewing almost didn’t open thanks to the 2019 federal government shutdown, but then in March 2020, of all months, it started slinging pints and pies. And boy has the Lake Highlands brewery been on a roll since. In 2023, Vector was named Brewery of the Year by the Texas Craft Brewers Association, and this year, the same group awarded Vector a bronze medal for its Rubus Rex barrel-aged saison-style ale. We think their Fine Swine pizza, packed with pig meat, is also award-worthy.

The first Eataly opened in Torino, Italy, in 2007 and eventually found its way to New York with locations near the Flatiron, Downtown and SoHo. Opening in Dallas at NorthPark Center late in 2020, this destination for all things Italian quickly became the go-to spot for those searching for hard-to-find ingredients, artisanal products or just a good prepared meal at one of its three sit-down restaurants. You can also have some wine at the wine bar, sample freshly made pasta or grab a slice of pizza after you pick up that pound of prosciutto from the extensive deli.

It’s been a good year for Italian food in Dallas. A number of big-name places have opened, but at the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with this cozy and charming corner spot downtown with Neapolitan pizzas from the owner-chef who is a Naples native. Also, don’t miss the from-scratch pastas, including the lasagna Napoletana. It’s made with smoked mozzarella, meatballs and ricotta and is available only on Friday and Saturday. Or go for the ziti alla Genovese, a quintessential Neapolitan pasta dish. Try to snag a seat so that you can watch the massive pizza oven.

We’ve all been there: Your extended family is in town and you have no idea how to keep them all entertained, let alone how to feed them. Aunt Shirley is on a juice cleanse and Uncle Frank is a carnivore, plus some of your cousins tell you that they’re fully gluten-free. Don’t stress: Take your folks to Dallas Farmers Market. This sprawling bazaar is fun to browse and includes a vast array of cuisines. There’s the always-excellent Mexican joint Taqueria La Ventana, featuring tasty handmade tacos. Pizza lovers can indulge in an authentic Neapolitan pie fresh from BellaTrino’s famed wood-burning oven. And JuiceBabe’s delish smoothies are perfect for sipping as you stop by some of the market’s specialty shops. No matter where you eat, you can’t go wrong with Dallas Farmers Market.

Jimmy’s, of course, is more than a sandwich shop. It’s a small grocery store that sells Italian wines, cheeses, snacks and olive oils that’s also a full deli selling house-made sausages, sauces, pizzas, lasagnas and meatballs. There is even a wine-tasting room in the back. The freshly prepared sandwiches, such as the Italian sub, muffuletta, Calabrese and Italian beef, are unmatched in Dallas. Seating is limited, lines can be long, and parking is always a challenge, but nothing this good is easy.

While Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar is primarily known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas, the brunch options on the weekend should be noted as well. If you have a sweet tooth, the glazed cinnamon rolls are a meal by themselves. If a brunch pizza is on your mind, then try the smoked salmon pie topped with Icelandic smoked salmon, ricotta, red onion, dill, capers, a house-cured egg yolk and lemon zest. If you prefer more traditional breakfast fare, the chicken and biscuit or the breakfast sandwich is the way to go. Whatever you do, order the roasted Calabrian potatoes with spicy ketchup.

If you’ve been to Sylvan Thirty, you might have easily missed the two bocce ball courts that line the parking lot in front of CiboDivino. Those two giant blue rectangles on the ground aren’t there to trip you, rather an opportunity for you to channel your inner-Italian and spend some time learning this highly underappreciated sport. There are some great amenities that come with these courts, which start with miso lobster ramen at TEN Ramen and a cold draft beer. Or grab a pizza or giant charcuterie board from CiboDivino. Picnic tables near the court allow for the perfect setting for a friendly game of bocce ball and a pleasant meal. It’s BYOB.

No, we’re not saying that if you want to let your kids run wild at a restaurant you should take them to Fort Worth, but, sure, why not? Zoli’s is a dream for tired parents who desperately need to sit down to a nice meal with a strong drink as their kids are entertained within sight, but not necessarily within reach. The large playground is almost as big as the restaurant with brightly colored balls for throwing at strangers and all sorts of good monkeying around. What’s better is that parents can use the adjacent Tipping Cow Creamery as a bribe for well-behaved children.

When the pandemic sent downtown workers scurrying to the safety of the ‘burbs, restaurants that normally fed those commuters took a hit, among them Sloane’s Corner at the bottom of the Trammell Crow Center. Chef Ji Kang also had another problem; the catering he’d done for tenants in the building towering above him left part of his kitchen dormant. With extra space and time, Kang experimented with recipes and developed Sicilian-style pizzas for delivery. Not a single sign outside announced that Pizza Leila was working out of the second line in Sloane’s Corner; it was all virtual. Best, he was able to keep his kitchen staff employed and pushed out some fantastic pizza in the process.

Food courts, or food halls as they’re apt to be called now, are back and better than ever. There are several around DFW including Legacy Food Hall in Plano, The Exchange at AT&T Discovery District in downtown and, the most fascinating flavor trip of all, Asia Times Square in Grand Prairie. The offerings here are nothing like the Sbarro Pizzas and baked potatoes we used to find at food courts in malls, but rather a flavorful celebration in culinary diversity. The highlight reel at Asia Times Square’s food court includes Beard Papa’s cream-stuffed pastry pockets from Osaka, Japan, Two Hands Seoul Fresh Corn Dogs, CM Chicken’s famous snow chicken and Apsara, which serves authentic Thai and Cambodian dishes.

The Exchange Hall at the AT&T Discovery District in downtown Dallas takes the cake when it comes to shaking off the workday blues. A collection of some of the city’s best offerings all within one space includes Revolver Tacos, Monkey King Noodle Company, La Duni and Zalat Pizza plus some new spots like Bobbers and Whips and The Dock. Add in the full bar, TVs and a spacious plaza with art, a large lawn and a babbling water feature, and it’s a lunch slam dunk. Bonus: complimentary parking is available at 1212 Jackson St.; get your ticket validated at any host stand.

Encina’s tiny kitchen is notorious in the restaurant industry. It’s got just eight burners, one pizza oven and a portable home-cook-sized deep fryer. Maybe that’s why the appetizers are so creative and versatile. Take the mezze platter: It’s got pre-made items like white bean hummus and goat’s milk labneh dips, plus a big handful of addictive fried olives. There’s a sampler of pastrami and pimento cheese, too, and a fabulous steak tartare with cutting vinegar action from pickled celery, served on big chunks of toast. To save kitchen space for the main courses, Encina has to get creative, combining fresh items, salads and deep-fried goodness, and that strategy means that the restaurant’s appetizers are as cool as its cocktails.

We invented this category a few years ago when our restaurant critic had his birthday on a Monday — the day of the week on which most of Dallas’ best restaurants take a break. But some are still serving food on Monday nights, including Partenope, downtown’s terrific Neapolitan pizza and pasta spot. Chef-owner Dino Santonicola grew up making and eating pizzas in Naples, worked at Dallas chain Il Cane Rosso and now has his own place to show off his skills. You can have a fancy night out with fine wines and pastas, or you can grab a pizza to go. In the early summer, Partenope served a Neapolitan traditional delicacy called the “Pizza Americana,” topped with hot dogs and french fries.

921 N Riverfront Blvd. Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75207 doordash.com/store/bellini‘s-italian-cafe-and-pizza-dallas-17112

Reliable pizza dough, bountiful salads and craving-fulfilling pastas are just what we needed downtown. “When I cook something for you, I want to remind you of your childhood. If you’ve been somewhere and you had a dish, I want this dish to take you back there,” owner Dino Santonicola says. “I’ve got people who drive here from Frisco because they’ve been to Naples, and they had a dish there and say, ‘This is exactly what it tasted like in Naples.’ That’s the best compliment.”

This West Dallas spot has plenty of treats for parents and kids. Next to the parking lot is a grassy area for kids to run around, which means they’re not running among diners who may not have arrived with or ever want to be around kids. There’s pizza for the kids (and adults) but there’s also plenty of wine to choose from. Sounds like a win-win.

Go for beer, go for pizza, whatever you do, do not go without ordering wings here. You order per wing, each of which is the full cut — no choosing between a flat or drum here. You’ll get the drummette, ringette and tip. The salt and pepper rub is a must with an easy seasoning on the juicy chicken, or go for the classic Buffalo.

For four days every September, Grapevine shuts down its historic Main Street to car traffic and throws what it bills as the largest wine festival in the Southwest. Admission gets you a wine glass and access to the wine tasting area, where more than 100 Texas wines are on offer. For a full glass and a shaded place to sit, head to the champagne terrace or the wine and brew pavilions. Food vendors offer pizza, kettle corn and other treats from booths along Main Street, and local artists are on hand to show off their work. Other highlights include a grape stomp, a Champagne cork-shooting contest and a tennis tournament.

In the year of our Lord 2019, it’s nearly impossible to get a decent adult beverage for under $10. Thankfully, Bryan Street Tavern has us covered. A vodka soda will set you back only $3.25 during happy hour, which is Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. They also run daily specials like half-price pizza on Mondays and half-price Texas drafts on Tuesdays. It’s also a great date spot. When you get bored of all that awkward small talk and you need something to do with your hands, you can play darts or pool. Plus the cavernous lighting is flattering, no matter the time of day. As an added bonus, the bar is a stand-alone establishment with plenty of parking, and they’re conveniently located in East Dallas.

Chef Jeff Bekavac’s first burger memory is two all-beef patties and special sauce. Years ago, he sat at his grandma’s dinner table and took enormous bites into the smashed, pickle-forward, bread-middled Big Mac. It stuck with him through the years. His double cheeseburger at the Addison pizza joint is stunning and rich, a tower draped by a flag of American cheese. It’s delicious until there’s nothing left. Mustard seeds pop when you take a bite, bursting through the rich, buttery flavors. The secret-sauce homage is a creamy marvel. This is food that’s enjoying itself.

Cosmo’s is a little slice of East Dallas history. The bar itself has been around for a few years, but now more than ever it reflects a lesser-known chapter in the city’s past, when Southeast Asian immigrants moved into the neighborhood, escaping the Vietnam War and various bloody dictatorships. It’s only logical that Cosmo’s now boasts a Vietnamese chef and a full menu of pho, banh mi, stir-fried noodles and rice dishes, all made from scratch. Yes, the kitchen is so tiny that Jackson Tran’s food can take a while to arrive. But one bite of super-fresh banh mi baguette, with pork meatballs that still taste like charcoal flame, and you’ll know why you came. It’s not all Vietnamese, either: There’s a silly-good plate of kimchi-and-cheese tots, and some regulars still prefer the old-school bar-style pizza.

Sachet embodies the way that many of us want to eat now: vegetable-focused but not vegetarian, strongly seasonal, focused on small mezze-style plates so that we can sample a little of everything, healthy but with a sense of indulgence. Sachet’s consistency is a marvel, and so is the way that the restaurant filters the entire Mediterranean basin through an American lens. Pastas like green garlic tortiglioni are outstanding, as is the single miniature pizza that features fontina, aromatic thyme and crispy roasted kale. Add in one of the city’s most adventurous wine programs, an entire menu of gin-and-tonics featuring liquors from Spain and an irresistible almond cake, and it’s clear that Sachet is a new Dallas classic.

Ddong Ggo has enough gimmicks for a dozen restaurants, including its name, which its owner says is Korean for “chicken butthole”; its cocktails, which include popsicles dunked in pint glasses of booze; and its atmosphere, carefully designed to mimic the street-side bar carts of Korea. But Ddong Ggo’s kitchen is serious about producing truly great fried chicken, tender seafood, shareable soups and addicting bar snacks like the “kimchi cheese pizza pancake,” which is even better than it sounds. There may be no meal in Dallas more joyous to eat than Cheese Island, a skillet on which an island of fried chicken and potatoes floats on an ocean of molten cheese.

If you can drink while grocery shopping, you have just hacked time and pain. There’s nothing wrong with regular grocery shopping per se, but the aisles and aisles of impossible choices and the screaming kids running around don’t exactly make things easy. Luckily, God invented alcohol, and even better, Whole Foods has the option to sip on some wine from the bar and continue shopping for all your favorite gluten-free crackers along the way. Once you discover this hack, there truly is no going back. Rosé while picking out the best take-home frozen pizza is basically the equivalent of eating in Italy, and you’re welcome forever.

Technically, progressive dinners are meant to traverse a neighborhood or a city, but since Legacy Hall features three floors of food and bar stalls, it feels like its own little neighborhood. Even better, whether it’s a date, double date or family night, everyone can choose their noshes and meet at the table to share or just mow down their own. Even a quick lunch hour at the Hall can be a culinary adventure. Start with a soft, savory steamed bun from Enter the Bao and some crunchy flautas from FAQ, then for the entrée, grab a healthy poke bowl from Freshfin Poke Co., a burger from John Tesar’s Knife, yakitori from Red Stix Asian Street Food, and duck-fat fried chicken (wings, sandwiches, salad — try them all) from Tiffany Derry’s Roots Chicken Shack. Then end the meal with French macarons and ice cream sandwiches from Haute Sweets Patisserie and small-batch doughnuts from Glazed Donut Works. Crèpes, barbecue, waffles, pizza, noodles and more — it’s all there, ready for the ordering.

When choosing the restaurant with the best brunch drinks, we had three qualifiers. First, the drinks must be cheap. Second, the drinks must stand on their own — good enough to merit a trip solely to consume one. Third, the food must also be merit worthy, for even the most devout of drinkers will inevitably wind up ordering some sustenance. The White Rock location of Cane Rosso checks all three boxes and does so with great panache. With $1 mimosas and $3 micheladas and bloody marys, it’s beating the majority of the competition when it comes to price and to quality. That, coupled with the fact that you can chow down on a Neapolitan-style pizza or potato-batter waffles, makes this choice easy.

Dallas’ Italian food scene could use a boost, especially after the closure this year of 50-year-old home-cooking classic Pietro’s. A series of new openings focusing on housemade pasta and Mediterranean vegetables is a welcome development, and one such newcomer, Sassetta, is off to a promising start. The wine list, all Italian and loaded with interesting varietals and neat bargains, is a joy, with a number of tempting by-the-glass options. The generous glass pours accompany can’t-go-wrong salads such as one combining arugula, mushrooms, shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette. But Sassetta’s best feature is its pizzas, which have crisp, bubbly thin crusts and toppings that don’t go overkill. Sassetta is new, but we’re excited to see how it develops.

Readers’ Pick: Lucia

This West Village patisserie is so much more than macarons. From ice cream sandwich pop-ups with fresh-baked cookies to fun hybrid desserts like croissant waffles, Bisous Bisous keeps experimenting in delicious ways. Classic desserts such as chocolate croissants shine, but we particularly love chef-owner Andrea Meyer’s quirky collaborations with local chefs such as Brian Luscher, who helped Bisous Bisous create savory “cruffins” (croissant muffins) in flavors like cheeseburger and pizza.

Readers’ Pick: Village Baking Co.

This happy Far North Dallas Indian fast-food and takeout spot serves North Indian fare and chaat, inexpensive Indian snacks such as dahi bhalle, chilled lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and topped with chutney. Try the specialty, “Desi-style” pizzas topped with everything from paneer to tandoori chicken.

Readers’ Pick: Kalachandji’s

This year has been transitional for Denton, and that may be putting it nicely. Since the start of the year, the college town/music hub to the north has lost two of its longest-running and storied music venues, Hailey’s Club (which closed after one last New Year’s Eve party) and J&J’s Pizza, which lost access to the basement that had been home to free all-ages shows for two decades. But no loss hurt more than that of Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios, the rough-and-tumble embodiment of Denton’s gritty DIY roots and the soul of the music scene since Fry Street went to Valhalla. It even doubled as a practice space for local bands. Denton can certainly recover, but clubs like Rubber Gloves can never truly be replaced.

A dimly lit bar with retro fixtures that hearken back to the 1960s would be, not surprisingly, the best place to forget the daily struggles of 2016. Tucked in a strip center in Lakewood that’s just far enough removed from the madness of Lower Greenville, Cosmo’s is off the beaten path, which makes it less likely that you’ll run into your boss or an ex that you’re trying to avoid. (They’ll probably be next door at the Landing.) Cosmo’s serves up an array of strong signature martinis and pizzas that are half-off on Sundays. It’s easy to lose yourself in the mesmerizing flames of the indoor fireplace or outdoor fire pit, especially in those cold weather months. All the more reason Cosmo’s is the best place to hide away from the world.

It’s been a big year for the man leading Dallas’ Italian restaurant empire. In spring, Julian Barsotti opened Sprezza, crafting a menu of inventive Roman-style pizzas, highly seasonal fresh pasta bowls and the standout squash blossoms in tomato-anchovy sauce. Business at Sprezza has been booming ever since it opened, and justly so, since it treats Italian country cooking with such a sense of fun. Barsotti’s first restaurant, the more formal Nonna, took a vacation from serving fresh fish and lobster ravioli to go through a full remodel. Only at the third of Barsotti’s landmarks, Carbone’s, does it feel like nothing has changed; they’re still lavishing unusual care on red-sauce comfort foods like eggplant Parmesan or spaghetti and meatballs. Barsotti, who is shy about the spotlight, now offers Dallas expressions of Italian food as eaten in both the trattorias of Rome and the checkered-tablecloth eateries of New York. In May, he told the Observer that “the whole idea” of Sprezza “was to create something fun and energetic but with no compromise in the seriousness of the food and hospitality.” Dallas could use a little more of that thinking.

Readers’ Pick:

Brian Luscher, The Grape and Luscher’s Red Hots

Sprezza brings true Roman flavor to Dallas, and it turns out to be a cuisine the city badly needed. Fresh-made pastas are prepared with seasonal ingredients, like tortellini alla primavera, capturing the essence of spring, or an unforgettable bowl of fusilli tossed in brandy cream sauce and served with sausage and greens. The pizzas, with crisp crusts, inventive toppings and one-hungry-person sizing, might be even better still. Desserts are not Sprezza’s strong suit, which is all the more reason to binge on snacks like the fried squash blossoms, graceful salads and the restaurant’s addicting fresh bread. Everything on the affordable wine list is from southern Italy, including Sicily and Sardinia.

Readers’ Pick:

Campisi’s

Early this year, Cane Rosso/Zoli’s pizza master Jay Jerrier decided to expand into the ice cream biz by buying creative Austin soft-serve food truck Cow Tipping Creamery and expanding the business into Dallas. Cow Tipping Creamery opened inside Good 2 Go Taco in East Dallas in March with creative confections like the High Tea (vanilla soft serve, fresh lemon curd, crushed tea biscuits and honey dust in a cinnamon cone). CTC specializes in “stackers,” which are basically sundaes with the toppings layered throughout the ice cream to create a more even distribution of toppings. It’s like ice cream socialism, and it tastes mighty fine.

Readers’ Pick:

Steel City Pops

You’re on your way home from work and in need of a quick dinner and a decent bottle of wine. CiboDivino Marketplace can accommodate with pre-made side dishes, a wine selection that’s priced competitively and 44 Farms beef in the meat case. Grab a steak and some sides or settle in for Neapolitan pizza and a bottle of wine, which you can drink in-house for retail price. Cap off your market run with Paciugo gelato or by grabbing groceries for tomorrow.

For all that Dallas’ dining scene does well, late-night food service is not a strong point. Beyond the usual pancake joints and freeway greasy spoons, there isn’t much to pick from for eats after last call. When Zalat opened this spring, that changed. Five nights a week — Wednesday through Sunday — the New York- style pizza joint will serve you a pie as late as 4 a.m. The pizza, especially the creative and delicious Reuben, is way better than it should be for an after-midnight nosh. Worth staying out late for.

There comes a time in every parent’s life when the invitation arrives for a child’s birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese’s. Kids may love the soggy pizza and animatronic rodent, but it’s misery for adults. Amazing Jake’s, which occupies an old department store space in Collin Creek Mall, is a much nicer place for kiddies to gather. Buffet-style food includes pizzas, pastas, soups, salads and desserts. An open layout relieves claustrophobia, and there’s a wide array of games and activities. If one must go to a kid-centric arcade, Amazing Jake’s beats the rat-hole.

Nothing says kid-friendly dining more than pizzas and a patio, which Cane Rosso has in spades across multiple locations. Throw in a third “P” for prosecco and you’ve got the makings of a relaxed family evening that won’t break the bank — not to mention there’s rumor of buried treasure in the garden at the Lakewood location. Order a few pizzas, wrap things up with some of the best sugar-dusted doughnuts in Dallas and wait for the kids to sugar crash. Your Friday night is complete.

Restaurants are notorious for breaking diets and causing allergic reactions. Grocery store delis are a little easier to navigate, but for questionable dishes, good luck tracking down an employee able to tell you all the ingredients. Green Grocer is different. This tiny neighborhood market sells only pasture-raised local meat and organic produce from nearby farmers. At Green Grocer’s awesome deli, selections change daily, but popular regulars behind the counter include vegetarian kale and black rice salad, gluten-free “pizza” on top of a hearty portabello mushroom instead of a crust, pasture-raised egg salad and paleo-friendly dishes like cauliflower mash, coconut chicken or apple pie crumble, just to name a few. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and paleo items are all clearly labeled, and staff is happy to help customers unsure about anything. The workers behind the deli also man a juice and coffee bar, and a fridge on the other side of the store sells hearty pre-made paleo dinners like meatballs and “spaghetti” made from squash.

You Dallas Observer readers out there really know how to have a good time, don’t you? Gracious, so many ideas for great food, drinks, shopping, nightlife and culture in Big D. How do you fit it all in? Seriously, don’t you people have JOBS? Don’t you have to go to … Sorry. Sorry. Just had a touch of envy there. What we meant to say is thank you, readers, for pointing us out to all the great places we really should visit soon to relax, and congratulations and thanks to the many Readers’ Choice Contest winners who make this place a Big D-light. And there’s more to come. If you don’t see your favorite place on this list, stay tuned. We’ll have plenty more to say about the Best of Dallas on our blogs.

FOOD & DRINK

BEST BAKERY
Bread Winners Cafe and Bakery
3301 McKinney Ave.
214-754-4940
breadwinnerscafe.com

BEST BARBECUE
Pecan Lodge
2702 Main St.
214-748-8900
pecanlodge.com

BEST BEER SELECTION
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
14999 Montfort Drive
972- 991-7093
beerknurd.com

BEST BLOODY MARY
Anvil Pub
2638 Elm St. 214-741-1271

BEST BREAKFAST
The Original Pancake House
2900 Lemmon Ave.
214-528-7215
originalpancakehouse.com

BEST BURGER
Twisted Root Burger Co.
2615 Commerce St.
214-741-7668
twistedrootburgerco.com

BEST CHEF
Stephan Pyles
stephanpyles.com

BEST CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
1006 W Main St., Carrollton
972- 245-7773
babeschicken.com

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
Royal China Restaurant
6025 Royal Lane
214-361-1771
royalchinadallas.com

BEST COFFEE SHOP
Mudsmith Coffee
2114 Greenville Ave.
214-370-9535
mudsmithdallas.com

BEST DINER
Norma’s Cafe
1123 W Davis St.
214-946-2111
normascafe.com

BEST FOOD TRUCK
Easy Slider
easyslidertruck.com

BEST FRIED CHICKEN
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
1006 W Main St, Carrollton
972-245-7773
babeschicken.com

BEST GREEK RESTAURANT
Ziziki’s Taverna
5000 Belt Line Road, No. 30
972- 233-1199
zizikistaverna.com

BEST HOT DOG
Angry Dog
2726 Commerce St.
214-741-4406
angrydog.com

BEST ICE CREAM SHOP
Paciugo Gelato
2115 Abrams Road
214-828-8777
paciugo.com

BEST INDIAN
Kalachandji’s Palace & Restaurant
5430 Gurley Ave.
214-821-1048
kalachandjis.com

BEST ITALIAN
Campisi’s
5610 E. Mockingbird Lane
214-827-0355
campisis.us

BEST LOCAL BEER
Deep Ellum Brewing Co.
2823 St Louis St.
214-888-3322
deepellumbrewing.com

BEST MARGARITA
Gloria’s
214-303-1166
gloriascuisine.com

BEST MIDDLE-EAST RESTAURANT
Ali Baba
1901 Abrams Road
214-823-8235
alibabamedgrill.com

BEST NEW RESTAURANT
The Local Oak
409 N. Zang Blvd.
214-946-4625
thelocaloak.com

BEST PIE
Emporium Pies
314 N Bishop Ave.
469-206-6126
emporiumpies.com

BEST PIZZA
Il Cane Rosso
2612 Commerce St., No. 101
214-741-1188
ilcanerosso.com

BEST RESTAURANT FOR KIDS
Magic Time Machine
5003 Belt Line Road
972-980-1903
magictimemachine.com

BEST SALSA
Gloria’s
3223 Lemmon Ave.
214-303-1166
gloriascuisine.com

BEST SANDWICH RESTAURANT
Jimmy’s Food Store
4901 Bryan St.
214-823-6180
jimmysfoodstore.com

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
3520 Oak Lawn Ave.
214-521-4700
pappadeaux.com

BEST STEAKHOUSE
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
4300 Lemmon Ave.
214-528-9446
bobs-steakandchop.com

BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH
Blue Mesa Grill
7700 W Northwest Highway
214-378-8686
bluemesagrill.com

BEST SUSHI
The Blue Fish
3519 Greenville Ave.
214-824-3474
thebluefishsushi.com

BEST TAQUERIA
Torchy’s Tacos
5600 SMU Blvd.
972- 993-8226
torchystacos.com

BEST TEX-MEX
Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant
4544 McKinney Ave.
214-559-2489
chuys.com

BEST THAI RESTAURANT
Royal Thai
5500 Greenville Ave. No. 608
214-691-3555
royalthaitexas.com

BEST VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN
Cosmic Café
2912 Oak Lawn Ave.
214-521-6157
cosmiccafedallas.com

BEST WINGS
Plucker’s
5500 Greenville Ave.
214-363-9464
pluckers.com

NIGHTLIFE & MUSIC

BEST BARTENDER
Andrew Thompson, The Twilite Lounge
2640 Elm St.
214-741-2121
thetwilitelounge.com

BEST BLUES BAR
Poor David’s Pub
1313 S Lamar St.
214-565-1295
poordavidspub.com

BEST CLUB DJ
DJ Sober
djsober.com

BEST DANCE CLUB
Lizard Lounge
2424 Swiss Ave.
214-826-4768
thelizardlounge.com

BEST DIVE BAR
Lee Harvey’s
1807 Gould St.
214-428-1555
leeharveys.com

BEST GAY BAR
Round-Up Saloon
3912 Cedar Springs Road
214-522-9611
roundupsaloon.com

BEST HAPPY HOUR
Gloria’s
3223 Lemmon Ave.
214-303-1166
gloriascuisine.com

BEST HONKY-TONK
Billy Bob’s Texas
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
817-624-7117
billybobstexas.com

BEST KARAOKE
The Goat
7248 Gaston Ave.
214-327-8119
thegoatdallas.com

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Granada Theater
3524 Greenville Ave.
214-824-9933
granadatheater.com

BEST LOCAL MUSIC RELEASE
Don’t Disconnect by Sarah Jaffe
sarahjaffe.com

BEST METAL BAR
Trees
2709 Elm St.
214-741-1122
treesdallas.com

BEST OUTDOOR PATIO OR DECK
The Truck Yard
5624 Sears St.
469-500-0139
texastruckyard.com

BEST ROCK BAR
Trees
2709 Elm St.
214-741-1122
treesdallas.com

BEST STRIP CLUB
The Lodge
10530 Spangler Road
972-506-9229
the-lodge.com

SHOPPING & SERVICES

BEST AFFORDABLE JEWELRY
Sam Moon Trading Company
11826 Harry Hines Blvd
972- 484-3084
sammoon.com

BEST DALLAS FASHION DESIGNER
Lucy Dang
lucydang.com

BEST DAY SPA
King Spa and Sauna
2154 Royal Lane
214-420-9070
kingspa.com

BEST EYEWEAR SELECTION
Warby Parker
2008 N Henderson Ave.
972- 426-7272
warbyparker.com

BEST FARMERS MARKET
Dallas Farmers Market
1010 S Pearl Expressway
214-664-9110
dallasfarmersmarket.org

BEST FURNITURE STORE
IKEA
7171 Ikea Drive, Frisco
888-888-4532
ikea.com

BEST HOTEL
The Belmont Hotel
901 Fort Worth Ave.
214-393-2300
belmontdallas.com

BEST GIFT SHOP
We Are 1976
1902 N Henderson Ave.
214-821-1976
weare1976.com

BEST GUN RANGE
DFW Gun Range
1607 W Mockingbird Lane
214-630-4866
dfwgun.com

BEST HAIR SALON
Avalon Salon
3699 McKinney Ave.
214-969-1901
avalon-salon.com

BEST HOME DECORATIONS AND ART
DFW M’Antiques
424 W Davis St.
214-941-4195

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Culwell & Son
6319 Hillcrest Ave.
214-522-7000
culwell.com

BEST NAIL SALON
Onyx Nail Bar
4123 Cedar Springs Road, No. 109
214-599-0255
onyxnailbar.com

BEST RECORD STORE
Good Records
1808 Greenville Ave.
214-752-4663
goodrecords.com

BEST TATTOOS
Elm Street Tattoo
2811 Elm St.
214-653-1392
elmstreettattoo.com

BEST VAPING SHOP
Vape Lounge
2741 Belt Line Road, Carrollton
972- 416-5181
vapeloungellc.com

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING
Dolly Python
1916 N Haskell Ave.
214-887-3434
dollypythonvintage.com

BEST WINE/LIQUOR STORE
Spec’s
9500 N. Central Expressway
214-369-2800
specsonline.com

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Milk & Honey Boutique
1906 N. Henderson Ave.
214-826-1700
milkandhoneyboutique.com

CULTURE & PEOPLE

BEST ART EVENT
Deep Ellum Arts Festival
214-855-1881
deepellumartsfestival.com

BEST ART GALLERY
Kettle Art Gallery
Kettle Art Gallery
2650-B Main St.
kettleart.com

BEST ARTS AND CRAFTS TEACHERS
Oil & Cotton
837 W 7th St.
214-942-0474
oilandcotton.com

BEST DISD SCHOOL
Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts
2501 Flora St.
972- 925-1200
dallasisd.org

BEST EXHIBITION
Aurora Dallas 2013
dallasaurora.com

BEST FESTIVAL
Deep Ellum Arts Festival
deepellumartsfestival.com

BEST LOCAL ACTOR
Justin Locklear

BEST LOCAL ACTRESS
Liz Mikel

BEST MOVIE THEATER
Angelika Dallas
5321 E Mockingbird Lane. No. 230
214-841-4713

BEST MURAL
Robot vs. Dinosaur by Frank Campagna

BEST MUSEUM
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N. Field St.
214-428-5555
perotmuseum.org

BEST MUSIC RADIO STATION
KKXT-FM 91.7
kxt.org

BEST MUSICAL
Wicked

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD
Bishop Arts District
bishopartsdistrict.weebly.com

BEST NEW THING IN TOWN
The Truck Yard
5624 Sears St.
469-500-0139
texastruckyard.com

BEST NEWS RADIO STATION
KERA-FM 90.1
kera.org

BEST PARK FOR NATURE LOVERS
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
8525 Garland Road
214-515-6500
dallasarboretum.org

BEST RADIO TALK SHOW
Kidd Kraddick in the Morning
kiddnation.com

BEST PLAY
Barbecue Apocalypse

BEST THEATER COMPANY
Dallas Summer Musicals
dallassummermusicals.org

BEST THEATER DIRECTOR
Kevin Moriarty

BEST TV NEWS ANCHOR
Clarice Tinsley

BEST TV NEWS SHOW
Good Day on FOX

SPORTS & RECREATION

BEST BIKE SHOP
Richardson Bike Mart
9040 Garland Road
214-321-0705 bikemart.com

BEST BIKE TRAILS
White Rock Trail
whiterocktrail.org

BEST GYM
24 Hour Fitness
5706 East Mockingbird Lane
214-827-8700
24hourfitness.com

BEST HIKING TRAILS
White Rock Lake whiterockdallas.org

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Tenison Park Golf Club
3501 Samuell Blvd.
214-670-1402
tenisonpark.com

BEST SPORTS BAR
Bryan Street Tavern
4315 Bryan St.
214-821-4447
bryanstreettavern.com

BEST SPORTS COLUMNIST
Randy Galloway

BEST TV SPORTS ANCHOR
Dale Hansen

BEST SPORTS RADIO STATION
KTCK-AM 1310 The Ticket
www.theticket.com

BEST YOGA STUDIO
Sunstone Yoga
2907 Routh St.
214-764-2119
sunstoneyoga.com

It doesn’t matter which one you order. Every flatbread at Bolsa is a flavorful and delicious dish that’s great for splitting as an appetizer during happy hour or scarfing as a main plate for dinner. The margherita flatbread with amazing smoked tomatoes and fresh basil makes for a safe, favorite starter for any pizza — er, well, flatbread-lover (we all know these crusty, salty bread and cheese things are just a thin-crust pizza, right?). And while the sausage and shishito pepper flatbread and the bacon and blue cheese one with charred pineapple and kale make our mouths water, our favorite is the “Twig & Branch” topped with wild arugula, caprino chevre and roasted grapes.

Three hours a day, seven days a week, you can get a $10 pizza and $3 beer and sit on a patio perfectly situated to watch the Beautiful People of the West Village stroll by. And these are great pies and great suds — you’d expect nothing less from the folks who brought you Eno’s Pizza Tavern. Normally $14 or $15, 15-inch pizzas with toppings ranging from back bacon, pineapple and jalapeño to toasted pistachio and goat cheese to lamb are yours for a sawbuck. And if you find the sausage too spicy, it’s easy to soothe the burn with select “fire sale” draft beers at $3. The deal lasts 3 to 6 p.m. daily, so you can unwind after work, get your Saturday night started early or consider it the afterparty to your Sunday brunch.

Dallas Observer readers went wild this year, coming out in large numbers to give us their picks for the best food, drink, shopping, nightlife and culture in Big D. That should make this year’s Readers’ Choice Contest winners feel especially proud. Congrats to you all. Dallas likes you. They really, really like you. And if you don’t see your favorite place on this list, stay tuned. We’ll have plenty more to say about the greatest things in Big D on our blogs.

FOOD & DRINK

BEST BAKERY
Casa Linda Bakery
10819 Garland Road
214-321-0355
casalindabakerydallas.com

BEST BARBECUE
Pecan Lodge
1010 S. Pearl Expressway
214-748-8900
pecanlodge.com

BEST BEER SELECTION
Flying Saucer Draft Emporium
14999 Montfort Drive
972-934-2537
beerknurd.com

BEST BREAKFAST
Cafe Brazil
Multiple locations
cafebrazil.com

BEST BURGER
Twisted Root Burger Co.
Multiple locations
twistedrootburgerco.com

BEST CHEF
Kent Rathbun
kentrathbun.com

BEST CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
Multiple locations
babeschicken.com

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
PF Chang’s
Multiple locations
pfchangs.com

BEST COFFEE SHOP
Starbucks
Multiple locations
starbucks.com

BEST FRIED CHICKEN
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
Multiple locations
babeschicken.com

BEST GREEK RESTAURANT
Kostas Cafe
Multiple locations
kostascafe.com

BEST HOT DOG
Angry Dog
2726 Commerce St.
214-741-4406
angrydog.com

BEST ICE CREAM
Paciugo
Multiple locations
paciugo.com

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
Kalachandji’s Palace & Restaurant
5430 Gurley Ave.
214-821-1048
kalachandjis.com

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Campisi’s
Multiple locations
campisis.us

BEST LATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT
Cafe Brazil
Multiple locations
cafebrazil.com

BEST BREWERY
Deep Ellum Brewing Co.
2823 St. Louis St.
214-888-3322
deepellumbrewing.com

BEST MAC AND CHEESE
The Porch
2912 N. Henderson Ave.
214-828-2916
theporchrestaurant.com

BEST MARGARITA
Gloria’s
Multiple locations
gloriasrestaurants.com

BEST MARTINI
Cosmo’s Bar & Lounge
1212 Skillman St.
214-826-4200
cosmosbar.com

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT
Ali Baba
1901 Abrams Road
214-823-8235
alibabamedgrill.com

BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Boulevardier
408 N. Bishop Ave.
214-942-1828
dallasboulevardier.com

BEST PIZZA
Il Cane Rosso
2612 Commerce St., 214-660-3644
7328 Gaston Ave., Suite 100,
214-660-3644
ilcanerosso.com

BEST RESTAURANT FOR KIDS
Rainforest Cafe
3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway
972-539-5001
rainforestcafe.com

BEST SALAD
eatZi’s Market & Bakery
3403 Oak Lawn Ave.
214-526-1515
5600 W. Lovers Lane
214-358-3100
eatzis.com

BEST SALSA
El Fenix
Multiple locations
elfenix.com

BEST SANDWICH
Jimmy’s Food Store
4901 Bryan St.
214-823-6180
jimmysfoodstore.com

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Multiple locations
pappadeaux.com

BEST STEAKHOUSE
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
4300 Lemmon Ave.
214-528-9446
555 S. Lamar St.
214-652-4800
bobs-steakandchop.com

BEST BRUNCH
Blue Mesa Grill
Multiple locations
bluemesagrill.com

BEST SUSHI
Deep Sushi
2624 Elm St.
214-651-1177
deepsushi.com

BEST TAQUERIA
Torchy’s Tacos
Multiple locations
torchystacos.com

BEST TEX-MEX
Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant
4554 McKinney Ave., 214-559-2489
chuys.com

BEST THAI RESTAURANT
Royal Thai
5500 Greenville Ave.
214-691-3555
royalthaitexas.com

BEST VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN
Cosmic Cafe
2912 Oak Lawn Ave.
214-521-6157
cosmiccafedallas.com

BEST BARTENDER
Gabe Sanchez
Black Swan Saloon
2708 Elm St.
214-749-4848
blackswansaloon.com

BEST OUTDOOR PATIO OR DECK
Katy Trail Ice House
3136B Routh St.
214-468-0600
katyicehouse.com

BEST LATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT
Cafe Brazil
Multiple locations
cafebrazil.com

BEST HAPPY HOUR
The Libertine Bar
2101 Greenville Ave.
214-824-7900
libertinebar.com

BEST LOCAL FARMER
Urban Acres
1301B W. Davis St.
469-248-2270
urbanacresmarket.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST BLUES BAR
Poor David’s Pub
1313 S. Lamar St.
214-565-1295
poordavidspub.com

BEST CLUB DJ
DJ Sober

BEST KARAOKE
Double-Wide
3510 Commerce St.
214-887-6510
thedoublewidebar.com

BEST DANCE CLUB
It’ll Do Dallas
4322 Elm St.
214-827-0262

BEST DIVE BAR
Lee Harvey’s
1807 Gould St.
214-428-1555
leeharveys.com

BEST GAY BAR
The Grapevine Bar
3902 Maple Ave.
214-522-8466
grapevinebar.com

BEST HONKY-TONK
Adair’s Saloon
2624 Commerce St.
214-939-9900
adairssaloon.com

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Granada Theater
3524 Greenville Ave.
214-824-9933
granadatheater.com

BEST NEW BAR
Twilite Lounge
2640 Elm St.
214-741-2121
thetwilitelounge.com

BEST ROCK BAR
Trees
2709 Elm St.
214-741-1122
treesdallas.com

BEST SPORTS BAR
Stan’s Blue Note
2908 Greenville Ave.
214-827-1977

BEST STRIP CLUB
The Lodge
10530 Spangler Road
214-506-9229
the-lodge.com

BEST ART GALLERY
Kettle Art Gallery
2650-B Main St.
kettleart.com

BEST ART-RELATED EVENT
Deep Ellum Arts Festival

BEST DALLAS BLOG
Central Track
centraltrack.com

BEST EXHIBITION
Chihuly
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
214-515-6500
dallasarboretum.org

BEST MURAL
Robot/Dinosaur
Good Latimer Street in Deep Ellum

BEST MUSEUM
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N Field St.
214-428-5555
perotmuseum.org

BEST LOCAL ACTOR
Max Hartman

BEST LOCAL ACTRESS
Liz Mikel

BEST LOCAL MUSIC RELEASE
Polyphonic Spree, Yes It’s True

BEST MUSIC RADIO STATION
KKXT-FM 91.7
kxt.org

BEST NEWS RADIO STATION
KERA-FM 90.1
kera.org

BEST RADIO DJ
Kidd Kraddick, who died in 2013

BEST RADIO TALK SHOW
Russ Martin
KEGL 97.1-FM, The Eagle
russmartin.iheart.com

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Justin Terveen
flickr.com/photos/ninjatune

BEST THEATER COMPANY
Dallas Summer Musicals
909 1st Ave.
214-421-5678
dallassummermusicals.org

BEST THEATER DIRECTOR
Kevin Moriarty

BEST TV NEWS ANCHOR
Gloria Campos
WFAA TV
wfaa.com

BEST TV NEWS SHOW
WFAA TV
wfaa.com

BEST TV SPORTS ANCHOR
Dale Hansen wfaa.com

BEST FESTIVAL
State Fair of Texas
Fair Park
September 27-October 20
bigtex.com

BEST MOVIE THEATER
Angelika Dallas
5321 E. Mockingbird Lane
214-841-4713
angelikafilmcenter.com

BEST CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
Angela Hunt, who term-limited out of office in 2013

SHOPPING & SERVICES

BEST ACCESSORIES
Charming Charlies
8190 Park Lane
214-361-2801
charmingcharlie.com

BEST BIKE SHOP
Richardson Bike Mart
9040 Garland Road
214-321-0705
bikemart.com

BEST DAY SPA
Avalon Salon and Spa
Multiple locations
avalon-salon.com

BEST EYEWEAR SELECTION
Warby Parker Tour Bus
warbyparkerclasstrip.com

BEST FURNITURE STORE
IKEA
7171 Ikea Drive
888-888-4532
ikea.com

BEST GIFT SHOP
We Are 1976
1902 N. Henderson Ave.,
214-821-1976
313 N. Bishop Ave.
weare1976.com

BEST GUN RANGE
DFW Gun Range
1607 W. Mockingbird Lane
214-630-4866
dfwgun.com

BEST PLACE TO WORK OUT
24 Hour Fitness
Multiple locations
24hourfitness.com

BEST HAIR SALON
Avalon Salon and Spa
Multiple locations
avalon-salon.com

BEST PLACE TO BUY VINYL
Good Records
1808 Greenville Ave.
214-752-4663
goodrecords.com

BEST SHOE SELECTION
DSW
Multiple locations
dsw.com

BEST SMOKE SHOP
The Gas Pipe
thegaspipe.net

BEST WINE/LIQUOR STORE
Spec’s
Multiple locations
specsonline.com

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING
Dolly Python
1916 N. Haskell Ave.
214-887-3434
dollypythonvintage.com

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Milk & Honey Boutique
1906 N. Henderson Ave.
214-826-1700
milkandhoneyboutique.com

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Nordstrom
Multiple locations
shop.nordstrom.com

BEST YOGA STUDIO
Sunstone Yoga
Multiple locations
sunstoneyoga.com

BEST HOTEL
The Belmont Hotel
901 Fort Worth Ave.
214-393-2300
belmontdallas.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

BEST PRO SPORTS COACH
Ron Washington
Texas Rangers

BEST BATTING CAGES
TopGolf
Multiple locations
topgolf.com

BEST BIKE TRAILS
White Rock Lake
whiterockdallas.org

BEST HIKING TRAILS
White Rock Lake
whiterockdallas.org

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Stevens Park Golf Course
1005 N. Montclair Ave.
214-670-7506
stevensparkgolf.com

BEST SPORTS COLUMNIST
Randy Galloway
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

BEST SPORTS RADIO STATION
KTCK-AM 1310 The Ticket
1310 AM and 104.1 FM

BEST TENNIS COURTS
Village Country Club
8308 Southwestern Blvd.
214-772-3100
myvillageapts.com

This town’s greatest sideshow of late-night humanity is situated at the swirling nexus in Serious Pizza and the area between the shop and its two next-door neighbors: July Alley (bar) and Elm Street Tattoo (inkery). Deep Ellum’s rock ‘n’ roll finery is all on display, as hungry, sweaty, drunk, music-buzzed people wait patiently in line to put ludicrously large slices of pie in their faces. The tattoos, the piercings, the ill-advised leather trousers, the incredible awkwardness of standing 6 inches from a be-mohawked couple fighting furiously over toppings! It’s a glorious scene, and it’s available every weekend and a fair number of weeknights too. Watch too for the ever-present row of dudes looking on enviously as the pizza guys twirl and toss dough high above them. “Does that get chicks?” one sodden young patron asked us earnestly not long ago. We told him the obvious answer and turned back to the show.

Nonna may also deserve an award for best strip-mall conversion. While the exterior of the restaurant is frighteningly dull, as soon as you step through the doors you forget that a liquor store and a tailor flank the restaurant and realize you’re in one of Dallas’ more romantic restaurant spaces. A white pizza with clams and a reduction sauce will always please, but Nonna may be best known for its tender and delicate pasta dishes. Chef Julian Barsotti’s most popular creation is likely the lobster ravioli, which stuffs sweet crustacean into pasta purses rolled so thin you can almost see the contents. Pappardelle al ragu Bolognese and a lasagna are also winners, as refined as they are hearty. Save room for dessert, though. Barsotti’s sweet creations show restraint in the sugar department, resulting in closers that are almost guilt-free. Anything with semifreddo in the description is a guaranteed win.

There’s no reason Besa’s should be good. It’s tucked into the farthest corner of an obscure North Dallas shopping strip, sandwiched between a vacant storefront and a Hobby Lobby; the prices hover just above Little Caesars levels; the guys who run it are Armenian, not Italian. Ignore all that. Order the baked ziti. Eat it. Find yourself in a state of bliss. Besa’s menu is a no-nonsense collection of Italian standbys, many of which, like the baked ziti are hit out of the park. Matter of fact, the only thing about Besa’s in keeping with its humble exterior is its prices. Try finding a $6 Italian dish somewhere else that even comes close to Besa’s. You won’t.

Maybe it’s because this is an election year, or maybe you’re just feeling loads of affection for Big D, but something prompted you readers to come to this website by the boatload to share your opinions on the city’s best food, booze, shops, people and places. In fact, in the finest of traditions of Texas politics, some of you told us repeatedly what you specifically like about Dallas in 2012. (The late Duke of Duval County would be proud.) Read on to see what readers loved best and check out our own picks to see how we compared. Here’s hoping that the other major election this year has the same sort of turnout.

See also: The Best Of Dallas Full Issue

FOOD & DRINK

Best Chef
Dean Fearing
Fearing’s
2121 McKinney Ave.
214-922-4848, fearingsrestaurant.com

Best New Restaurant
Coffee House Cafe
6150 Frankford Road
214-232-2333
coffeehousecafe.com

Best Breakfast
Norma’s
1123 W. Davis St.
214-946-4711
normascafe.com

Best Late-Night Restaurant
Cafe Brazil
Multiple locations
cafebrazil.com

Best Sunday Brunch
Smoke
901 Fort Worth Ave.
214-393-4141
smokerestaurant.com

Best Coffeehouse
Pearl Cup
1900 Henderson Ave.
214-824-9500

Best Chinese Restaurant
Royal China
6025 Royal Lane No. 201
214-361-1771
royalchinadallas.com

Best Indian Restaurant
Taj Mahal
10455 N. Central Expressway No. 120
214-692-0535
tajmahaldallas.com

Best Italian Restaurant
Lucia
408 W. 8th St.
214-948-4998
luciadallas.com

Best Tex-Mex Restaurant
Chuy’s
Multiple locations
chuys.com

Best BBQ
Pecan Lodge
1010 S. Pearl Expressway
214-748-8900
pecanlodge.com

Best Burger
Twisted Root
Multiple locations
twistedrootburgerco.com

Best Pizza
Il Cane Rosso
2612 Commerce St.
214-741-1188
ilcanerosso.com

Best Steak
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
Multiple locations
bobs-steakandchop.com

Best Sushi/> Blue Fish
Multiple locations
thebluefishsushi.com

Best Margarita
Gloria’s
Multiple locations
gloriasrestaurants.com

Best Beer Selection
Flying Saucer
Multiple locations
beerknurd.com

Best Cocktails (Tie)
Bolsa
614 W. Davis St.
214-943-1883
bolsadallas.com

The Cedars Social
1326 S. Lamar St.
214-928-7700
thecedarssocial.com

Best Taqueria
Fuel City
801 S. Riverfront Blvd.
214-426-0011
fuelcity-tacos.com

Best Meal Under $15
Capriotti’s
Multiple locations
capriottis.com

Best Chicken-Fried Steak
Norma’s
1123 W. Davis St.
214-946-4711
normascafe.com

Best Ice Cream/Yogurt
Paciugo
Multiple locations
paciugo.com

NIGHTLIFE

Best Bar
The Libertine 2101 Greenville Ave.
214-824-7900
libertinebar.com

Best Dive Bar
Lee Harvey’s
1807 Gould St.
214-428-1555
leeharveys.com

Best Happy Hour
Gloria’s
Multiple locations
gloriasrestaurants.com

Best Outdoor Patio or Deck
Ozona
4615 Greenville Ave.
214-265-9105
ozonagrill.com

Best Gay Bar
Round Up Saloon
3912 Cedar Springs Road
214-522-9611
roundupsaloon.com

Best Rock Bar
La Grange
2407 Elm St.
214-741-2008
lagrangedallas.com

Best Honky-Tonk
Adair’s Saloon
2624 Commerce St.
214-939-9900
adairssaloon.com

Best Dance Club
S4
3911 Cedar Springs Road
214-526-7171
partyattheblock.com

Best Live Music Venue
Granada Theater
3524 Greenville Ave.
214-824-9933
granadatheater.com

Best Strip Club Baby Dolls
10250 Shady Trail
214-358-5511
babydolls.com

Best Karaoke
Family Karaoke
11433 Goodnight Lane
469-522-0365
familydfw.com

Best Sports Bar
Frankie’s
Multiple locations
frankiesbar.com

ARTS & CULTURE

Best Art Gallery
Kettle
2714 Elm St.
kettleart.com

Best Salon
Avalon
3699 McKinney Avenue
avalon-salon.com

Best Museum
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 North Harwood St.
214-922-1200
dm-art.org

Best Theater Company
Dallas Theater Center
2400 Flora St.
214-526-8210
dallastheatercenter.org

Best Local Actor (Tie)
Steve Walters and Chamblee Ferguson

Best Local Actress
Liz Mikel

Best Theater Director (Tie) Joel Ferrell and Tom Parr IV

Best Television News Show
WFAA-TV Channel 8

Best Television News Personality
Ron Corning
WFAA-TV Channel 8

Best Television Sports Personality
Dale Hansen
WFAA-TV Channel 8

Best Radio Station (Talk)
The Ticket
KTCK-AM 1310

Best Radio Station (Music)
KXT
KKXT-FM 91.7

Best Radio Talk Show
Kid Kraddick
KISS-FM 106.1

Best Radio Personality
Gordon Keith
KTCK-AM 1310 The Ticket

Best Local Music Release
Sarah Jaffe
The Body Wins

Best Local Band
The O’s

Best Columnist
Steve Blow
The Dallas Morning News

MARKET

Best Men’s Clothing Store
H&M
NorthPark Center
8687 N. Central Expressway
214-265-0015, hm.com

Best Women’s Clothing Store
Nordstrom
Multiple locations
shop.nordstrom.com

Best Kid’s Clothing Store
GAP
Multiple locations
gap.com

Best Wine/Liquor Store
Spec’s
9500 N. Central Expressway
214-369-2800
specsonline.com

Best Grocery Store
Central Market
Multiple locations
centralmarket.com

Best Vintage Shop
Dolly Python
1916 North Haskell Ave.
214-887-3434
dollypythonvintage.com

Best Shoe Store
SAS
9665 North Central Expressway
214-696-0548
sasshoes.com

Best Car Wash (Tie)
Vintage
Multiple locations
vintagecarwash.com

Fuel City
801 S. Riverfront Blvd.
214-426-0011
fuelcitywash.com

Best Furniture Store
Weir’s
Multiple locations
weirsfurniture.com

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Best Neighborhood
Oak Cliff

Best Hotel
Belmont
901 Fort Worth Ave., 214-393-2300, belmontdallas.com

Best Movie Theater
Angelika Film Center
5321 East Mockingbird Lane
214-841-4700
angelikafilmcenter.com

Best Politician
Angela Hunt
City Council District 14

Best Blog or Website
Gorilla vs. Bear
gorillavsbear.net

Best Pro Sports Coach
Ron Washington
Texas Rangers

Best Dallas Maverick
Dirk Nowitzki

Best Dallas Cowboy
Jason Witten

Best Dallas Star
Jamie Benn

Best Texas Ranger
Josh Hamilton

Best Place to Work out
LA Fitness Multiple locations
lafitness.com

Just when we were wrapping our hearts and minds around Dallas-bred soccer idol Kenny Cooper, he up and went overseas to play real fútbol. Like my grandma used to say, “Nothing wrong with leftovers.” And so it is with Colombia-born midfielder David Ferreira. In just his second season playing up at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Ferreira earned Major League Soccer’s MVP and led the surprising team to the MLS Cup. With him out of their lineup because of a broken ankle, FC Dallas was merely an average side early in 2011. Professional soccer still isn’t popular out in the ‘burbs, but with Ferreira, FC Dallas has a chance to again do something that transcends sports and cities — win.

Much debate has occurred over the varying brilliance of Jay Ferrier’s pizza pies. Their crusts range between crispy and cooked-seconds-ago soft. It’s kind of a fickle oven. What’s immune to criticism, however, is the perfect, creamy Caesar salad. It doesn’t go anywhere near the temperamental oven, and they put fresh white anchovies on it. A pretty little chorus line of salty goodness sitting on top of field greens, Parmigiano and crostini. (Food’s so much better with ini as a suffix, isn’t it?) Ditch those awful grocery salads and stop through Deep Ellum before the sun goes red. Oh, and ask for extra dressing — you’ll want to dip your finger in it later.

Choosing a winner for this prestigious category was an exercise in the process of elimination. Fast-food chains were dropped right off the bat. Douchebag meeting grounds were disqualified next. Lastly, places where you could be shot (distressingly numerous) were the last to fall out of consideration. In the end, one of life’s very simplest of truths was what determined Serious Pizza as our winner: A slice of pizza and drunken gluttonous yearning go hand in hand. This place is called what it’s called for a reason. Few things can kill a drunken craving and sop up all the exorbitant amounts of alcohol as well as a notoriously monstrous Serious Pizza slice. Open until 3 a.m. on the weekends, the lively after-hours atmosphere, HD televisions and interesting people-watching are exactly the stimulation needed for some sobering up. Understandably, with crowds comes a wait, so be patient and don’t end up like one of the drunken knuckleheads who are thrown out on the busier nights.

While kids may clamor for a trip to Chuck E. Cheese and other shrines to sensory overload, it’s hard to call such establishments “restaurants.” “Arcades that happen to serve pizza” is more like it. But Babe’s — a perennial Best Of candidate for its fried chicken — definitely qualifies. The unlimited refills of sides, including the sweet creamy corn and green beans with enough salt to get kids to actually ask for seconds, let them enjoy opulence on the cheap, while the catfish, enormous chicken-fried steak and crispy, moist chicken ensure that parents enjoy it just as much. Kids can distract themselves counting chickens in the eaves, reading the country-fried signs hanging everywhere, trying to find the “hidden” bathroom doors or watching the creepy man-sized stuffed Easter Bunny costume morph into an equally uncanny cat costume. Most entertaining of all is when the servers serenade birthday boys and girls (of all ages) and make them put on a stuffed chicken hat and beak, flap their arms and dance like a yardbird.

Birth control is free! Yay! But, if you ever need a supplement, a serious kick in the “Ya know, maybe it’s time to have another kid” brain, stroll on into a Gatti Town and pay admission to the combo pizza buffet and shit show. The screaming. Oh, the screaming. And the crying. And the running-full-speed-into-walls over and over again. But enough about what you’ll be doing. Let’s talk about why parents love Gatti Town: No matter how much “Daddy, I want it now!” full-on Veruca Salt-ing your own kid is doing, there’s always someone else’s booger-soaked, sugar-highed kid there doing something worse. High five! You’re an awesome parent! Plus, there’s “All-You-Care-To-Eat” pizza! So, you leave with a full belly and a full heart. (And an empty wallet, but whatever.) Oh, the power of arcade games and a carb buffet.

Located in Denton right off the square, J&J’s pizza has been serving up gourmet slices since 1997. For a flat rate of $5 you can load up a slice of pie (one slice is actually two slices) with as many toppings as you’d like. And if you’re feeling parched, you can grab a $2 can of Schlitz. Not only does J&J’s have delicious, affordable pizza and cheap beer, the basement provides an intimate venue space and hosts bands most days of the week.

We know. Taverna, right? No? Nonna, then. Or Daniele Osteria? Oh, right, it’s changed hands. Note to self: We should go back. Though, to be honest, we’re true believers in making our own, which is why we were going to say Jimmy’s Food Store. They’ve already made the meatballs; the lobster ravioli’s in the freezer; the best tomato sauce in the world’s sitting on shelves; the cannoli’s ready to serve. Just grab the wine and go. The hard part’s been … wait, there is no hard part. But, look, we natives go to Campisi’s. That’s the way it is. Our grandfather ate here; our dad ate here; we eat here; our kids’ll eat here. And we mean the Mockingbird original, incidentally, not one of the suburban spin-offs. Good Italian eateries come and go; this town’s littered with the ghosts of Best Italian Restaurant award-winners. But the crab claws and Randy White ravioli live forever. And don’t you dare say a friggin’ bad word about the pizza. You must be from out of town.

With everyone swearing that the end is near, we got busy enjoying the best things life in Dallas has to offer. But you readers didn’t go quietly into that good night, either. You flocked to this web site in record numbers to record for future ape-dominated civilizations you own thoughts about what was grand in Dallas in 2011, singling out the city’s best food, booze, shops, athletes, and plenty of other favorites. Read on to see the rundown of your winners, and browse the categories to see how our picks stack up with your own Dallas gems.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Best Art Gallery
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N. Harwood St.
214-922-1200
dallasmuseumofart.org

Best Theater Company
Dallas Theater Center
214-526-8210
dallastheatercenter.org

Best Local Actor
Steven Walters

Best Local Actress
Liz Mikel

Best Theater Director
Joel Ferrell

Best TV News Show
Fox 4 News at 9
KDFW

Best Radio Station
KKXT-FM 91.7 KXT

Best Radio Talk Show
The Hardline
KTCK-AM 1310 The Ticket

Best Radio DJ
Kidd Kraddick
KISS-FM 106.1

Best Local Music Release
Old 97’s
The Grand Theatre Volume 2

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Best Neighborhood
Lakewood
lakewoodneighborhood.org

Best Hotel
Belmont
901 Fort Worth Ave.
214-393-2300, belmontdallas.com

Best Movie Theater
Angelika Theater
5321 E. Mockingbird Lane,
214-841-4713, angelikafilmcenter.com

Best City Council Member
Angela Hunt
District 14

Best Dallas Blog
Gorilla vs. Bear
gorillavsbear.net

Best TV News Anchor (TIE)
John McCaa
WFAA-TV

Tim Ryan
KDFW-TV

Best TV Sports Anchor
Dale Hansen
WFAA-TV

Best Pro Sports Coach
Rick Carlisle
Dallas Mavericks

Best Dallas Maverick
Dirk Nowitzki

Best Dallas Cowboy (TIE)
DeMarcus Ware
Jason Witten

Best Dallas Star
Brenden Morrow

Best Texas Ranger
Josh Hamilton

Best Sports Talk Show
The Hardline
KTCK-AM 1310 The Ticket

Best Sports Columnist
Evan Grant
The Dallas Morning News

Best Place to Work Out (TIE)
24 Hour Fitness
11100 N. Central Expressway
214-360-0024, 24hourfitness.com
White Rock Lake

SHOPPING

Best Men’s Clothing Store
Nordstrom
8687 N. Central Expressway
214-231-3900, shop.nordstrom.com

Best Women’s
Clothing Store
Nordstrom
8687 N. Central Expressway
214-231-3900, shop.nordstrom.com

Best Wine/Liquor Store
Goody Goody
3316 Oak Lawn Ave.
214-252-0805, goodygoody.com

Best Vintage Clothes

Buffalo Exchange

3424 Greenville Ave.

214-826-7544, buffaloexchange.com

Best Eyewear Selection (TIE)
Pearle Vision
10720 Preston Road, Suite 1003
214-696-4614, pearlevision.com

Eye Pieces
3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 321
214-219-4402, eyepieces.net

Best Vintage Shop

Dolly Python
1914-1916 N. Haskell Ave.
214-887-3434, dollypythonvintage.com

Best Texas Collectables
Curiosities
2025 Abrams Road,
214-828-1886, getcuriosities.com

Best Hair Salon
Avalon
3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 412
214-969-1901, avalon-salon.com

FOOD AND DRINK

Best Chef
Stephan Pyles
Stephan Pyles Restaurant,
1807 Ross Ave., Suite 200
214-580-7000, stephanpyles.com

Best New Restaurant
Mamma Pita
5800 Legacy Drive, Suite C6, Plano
972-403-1609, mamapita.com

Best Late-Night Restaurant
Buzzbrews
2801 Commerce St.
214-741-2801, buzzbrews.com

Best Breakfast
Buzzbrews
2801 Commerce St.
214-741-2801, buzzbrews.com

Best Brunch
Blue Mesa Grill
7700 W. Northwest Highway
214-378-8686, bluemesagrill.com

Best Coffee Shop
The Pearl Cup
1900 N Henderson Ave., Suite B,
214-824-9500, thepearlcup.com

Best Restaurant For Kids
Dream Cafe
2800 Routh St., Suite 170
214-954-0486, thedreamcafe.com

Best Chinese Restaurant
Royal China
6025 Royal Lane, Suite 201
214-361-1771, royalchinadallas.com

Best Mediterranean
Restaurant
Mama Pita
5800 Legacy Drive, Suite C6, Plano
972-403-1609, mamapita.com

Best Indian Restaurant
Roti Grill
4438 McKinney Ave., Suite 100
214-521-3655, freshindianfood.com

Best Italian Restaurant
Campisi’s
5610 E. Mockingbird Lane
214-827-0355, campisis.us

Best Tex-Mex Restaurant
Matt’s Rancho Martinez
6332 La Vista Road
214-823-5517, mattstexmex.com

Best Thai Restaurant
Royal Thai
5500 Greenville Ave., Suite 608
214-691-3555, royalthaitexas.com

Best Seafood Restaurant
Pappadeaux
3520 Oak Lawn Ave.
214-521-4700, pappadeaux.com

Best Hot Dog
Angry Dog
2726 Commerce St.
214-741-4406, angrydog.com

Best Barbecue
Lockhart Smokehouse
400 W. Davis St.
214-944-5521, lockhartsmokehouse.com

Best Burger
Twisted Root Burger Co.
2615 Commerce St.
214-741-7668, twistedrootburgerco.com

Best Pizza
Il Cane Rosso
2612 Commerce St.
214-741-1188, ilcanerosso.com

Best Steakhouse
Bob’s Steak and Chop House
4300 Lemmon Ave.
214-528-9446, bobssteakandchop.com

Best Sushi
The Blue Fish
3519 Greenville Ave.
214-824-3474, thebluefishsushi.com

Best Margarita
Gloria’s
600 N. Bishop Ave.
214-942-1831, gloriasrestaurants.com

Best Taqueria
Good 2 Go Taco
1146 Peavy Road
214-519-9110, good2gotaco.com

Best Meal Under $15
Nuevo Leon
12895 Josey Lane, Suite 100
972-488-1984, nuevoleonrestaurant.net

Best Chicken-Fried Steak
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
1006 W. Main St., Carrollton
972-245-7773, babeschicken.com

BARS AND NIGHTLIFE

Best Beer Selection
The Flying Saucer
14999 Montfort Drive
972-991-7093, beerknurd.com

Best Dive Bar
Lakewood Landing
5818 Live Oak St.
214-823-2410, lakewood-landing.com

Best Happy Hour
Gloria’s
600 N. Bishop Ave.
214-942-1831, gloriasrestaurants.com

Best Outdoor Patio
Ozona Grill & Bar
4615 Greenville Ave.
214-265-9105, ozonagrill.com

Best Gay Bar
JR’s Bar & Grill
3923 Cedar Springs Road
214-528-1004, JR’s Bar & Grill

Best Honky-Tonk
Adair’s Saloon
2624 Commerce St.
214-939-9900, adairssaloon.com

Best Dance Club
Station 4
3911 Cedar Springs
214-526-7170, caven.com

Best Live Music Venue
Granada Theater
3524 Greenville Ave.
214-824-9933, granadatheater.com

Best Strip Club
The Lodge
10530 Spangler Road
972-506-9229, the-lodge.com

Best Karaoke
The Goat
7248 Gaston Ave.
214-327-8119, thegoatdallas.com

Best Sports Bar
Plucker’s
5500 Greenville Ave., Suite 406
214-363-9464, pluckers.net

Best Rock Bar (TIE)
Trees
2709 Elm St.
214-741-1122, treesdallas.com

The Double Wide
3510 Commerce St.
214-887-6510, thedoublewidebar.com

Just when we were wrapping our hearts and minds around Dallas-bred soccer idol Kenny Cooper, he up and goes overseas to play real futbol. Like my grandma used to say, “Nothing wrong with leftovers.” And so it is with Colombian-born midfielder David Ferreira. In just his second season playing up at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Ferreira scored four goals during FC Dallas’ mid-season six-game unbeaten streak and earned his first Major League Soccer All-Star appearance. Professional soccer still isn’t popular out in the ‘burbs, but with Ferreira FC Dallas has a chance to do something that transcends sports and cities—win.

Pizza Lounge opened its doors late last year at the corner of Exposition Park Boulevard and Parry Avenue (across the street from the DART Rail Green Line’s Fair Park Station), and the pizzeria and lounge quickly made a name for itself in the Expo Park area thanks to its made-from-scratch gourmet pizza pies, with names like the Sofa King and the Nickel Bag, and a very tweet-friendly drink special. The Po Boy Special includes a shot of tequila and a can of Schlitz for $3 and you can add a slice of pizza for $4. A perfect late-night trio, but if you’re worried that one slice won’t be enough, then add an order of the spot’s popular “sauerkraut balls,” an appy made with sausage and sauerkraut that’s then breaded and fried.

Northeasterners, as a general rule, like to complain that there’s no good pizza—and no good Italian food as a whole—to be found south or west of Pennsylvania. But while Greenville Avenue Pizza Company’s pizza capably shuts the haters up, offering them delectable pies with crispy crusts and a wide array of fresh toppings, the restaurant’s real treat comes with its other piece of Italian perfection. Really: You’ve got to try this place’s meatball sub—like, yesterday. The meatballs on their own are to die for, made from a passed-down-in-the-family recipe, but when smacked within the confines of a lightly toasted roll and topped off with a healthy dose of smoky marinara sauce and gobs of melted cheese, this sucker is last-meal-on-death-row good. Your doctor probably won’t recommend it, but we wholeheartedly do. And for an added artery-clogging delight, we suggest you get yours with a side of Alfredo sauce to dip it in.

This gastropub in Oak Cliff in the former Kavala location just opened its doors, and chef Kelly Hightower made a big impression on us on the first night of business. The blowtorch salmon with yuzu miso glaze on the “Small Plates” menu was a standout item. Fresh fish was coated with the sweet and savory Japanese sauce and torched to a perfect texture, with the tacky glaze clinging to the flaky exterior while the interior remained soft. We’ve heard of desserts being caramelized with a blowtorch, but now we’re wondering if the tool is underutilized in most kitchens. As the salmon is served with a spinach salad, it would be tempting to just order two or three plates of it and call it a meal—if the hummus, pizzas and entrées weren’t so tempting as well.

If you haven’t heard of Hypnotic Donuts, we don’t blame you. There’s no sign at the storefront it shares with The Pizza Guy in far North Dallas, and it operates from only 7 to 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Heck, even when you find it and it’s open, Hypnotic can be frustrating, as it only accepts cash, and owner James St. Peter prepares the doughnuts while you wait. But we knew this upstart was on to something when we heard St. Peter was making doughnuts with bacon and jalapeños, and we soon realized he offered the best-tasting doughnuts we’ve found, highlighted by an imaginative menu that includes The Hypnotic (featuring crushed Cap’n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch cereal and pretzels), Lucy in the Sky with Lemons (topped with Lemon Heads candy) and Special High in the Mountains (chilled to 40 degrees with fresh strawberries).

For years, Frisco residents have had to drive to Denton, Dallas or Fort Worth to hear worthwhile live music. Now, while you couldn’t quite say the tables have turned, Dallas music fans actually have a reason to take their turns doing the 45-minute drive, and we’re not talking about Jimmy Buffet concerts at Pizza Hut Park. Thanks in part to a booking partnership with Spune Productions, Lochrann’s has started inviting original folk, rock and country acts to perform on its stage, including some of our favorite Dallas Observer Music Award nominees. In fact, the bill for the Oysterfest Gulf Aid benefit show September 25 includes the frontman of Old 97’s himself, Rhett Miller, along with a host of other great acts. Here’s hoping more Frisco bars follow suit and give the cover bands a night off once in a while.

When Eno’s upstairs tavern opened up back in March, it became a favored destination for Oak Cliff’s movers and shakers in a few short weeks, combining the pizza joint’s already robust craft beer selection with big windows, a great view of downtown and a gorgeous, all-wood décor. There’s not a TV to be found in here, so it’s a nice place to meet friends or get to know your date with no Rangers-, Stars-, Mavs- or Cowboys-related distractions. And since Eno’s full menu is available upstairs, the long wait for tables that once greeted hungry patrons is now largely a thing of the past. Parking is scarce on the weekends, though, so be prepared to walk a block or two. Or better yet, do the Oak Cliff thing and ride over on your bike—there’s a nice rack on the side for parking, and it’s one of the few places in Dallas where walking in with your helmet won’t earn you funny looks from the locals.

Watching billionaires scrap over millions is almost as fun as watching bikini-clad women mud wrestle. Almost. When Perot sold the Mavericks to Cuban in 2000, he held on to a small slice of the pizza. And when his Hillwood Development Co. lost its ass in the failed Victory Park ghost town, he decided it was Cuban’s illegal shenanigans that were keeping him from being delivered extra toppings. Clueless as an owner, Perot was also naïve trying to pick what he thought would be a private fight with a very public figure. Cuban’s response to Perot’s lawsuit was akin to Samuel L. Jackson’s Pulp Fiction character commanding, “Well, allow me to retort.” Cuban accused Perot of being “desperate” and looking for “nickels in the sofa” while lamenting not buying out Perot’s ownership stake in 2000. Ouch.

Web extra: Take a video tour of Henderson Avenue development with Marc and Roger Andres.

It seems so damn Dallas: I’m with the Andres brothers, Marc and Roger, and they’ve agreed to give me a brief tour of their holdings on Henderson Avenue—one of the more walkable neighborhoods in the city—and we are driving.

We have just finished a lengthy interview on the second-floor offices of Andres Properties, conveniently located at a midway point on the 1.1-mile narrow strip of tree-lined street that connects the 35 restaurant and retail properties they own, developed, lease and love. The street contains some of the trendiest scene-driven restaurants in Dallas—Park, The Porch, Soley! Sushi Axiom—and some of the busiest neighborhood bars—Old Monk, Capitol Pub. But it’s late August. It’s ridiculously hot. Getting out of the heat and into a car is as natural in Texas as gas. Like other sectors of the economy, commercial real estate in Dallas has taken a beating. Hillwood turned over the keys to its Victory Park development to German investors, occupancy rates at shopping malls are plummeting and restaurant closures fill the entries of food bloggers.

Yet the Andres brothers, who own about 80 percent of the retail and restaurant space on Henderson, say they rarely lose tenants, and they project that in 2009 the street should do $60 million in sales, up from $10 million just three years ago. “Last Saturday and Sunday, we had 14 calls on our voicemail of people wanting to get on Henderson Avenue,” Marc said earlier. “A lot of people want to be in this area.”

I pepper them with the same line of questioning: Why Henderson? Why now? Why them? They seem uncomfortable answering, getting all modest on me, and saying that none of this could have been possible without a confluence of contributors: restaurateur Tristan Simon for one, who took a risk in 2000 by opening Cuba Libre (not Andres property) on Henderson Avenue, which was still a transitional neighborhood. He followed with two nightclubs and four restaurants, including Fireside Pies (2004) and The Porch (2007) on property leased from the brothers. Blake Pogue of Phoenix Property Company was also a game-changer. In 1999, he began building apartments and condos in the surrounding neighborhood, offering restaurants and retail, both existing and prospective, some much-needed density so people could live where they played.

But isn’t that integral to their success—the new urbanism concept of walkability? Singles and couples without children, attracted to housing close to downtown rather than the suburbs, coming home from work, strolling to dinner, drinking a beer on the patio of their favorite neighborhood bar, no cars—and no cares about getting a DWI.

The Andres brothers tell me that yes, walkability was exactly what they were going for, only they didn’t know it when they started because the term hadn’t been coined yet.

What they did know from the time they were young boys was Henderson Avenue. They drove up and down the street with their father, tagging along as he met with tenants of the income-producing property he owned. Until the 1970s, their father had run a family grocery business on the outskirts of downtown, which closed when the city condemned the property to build Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Then he plunged himself into the real estate business full-time, buying property housing mom-and-pop shops, 7-Elevens, gas stations—many along Lemmon and McKinney Avenues, Lower Greenville and Henderson.

In the mid-’80s, Marc and Roger joined their father’s business. While many of their real estate friends focused on the new, developing “primary corners” of shopping centers and leasing to national credit tenants such as the Gap, what excited them, they say, was stripping their father’s properties down to their 1920s selves and making them look new again.

“We wanted everything to remain organic. For the most part, everything would be brick and natural materials,” Marc stresses. “We didn’t want a Starbucks on Henderson, or a Brinker concept like Chili’s, something you could see on any corner of the city. We wanted everything on Henderson to be one-of-a-kind.”

From revenue generated by selling their holdings in the Bishop Arts District, they purchased more property on Henderson and by September 2006 had gained a critical mass of land that enabled them to control development on the street. “Everything we do is intentional,” Marc says. “We strategically slot the tenants, and we don’t do conflicting uses. You won’t find two yogurt shops on the same block, or two Italian restaurants. If we don’t have the right tenant, then the space will stay vacant until the right one comes along.”

It seems to be working. On our little tour after we finally get out of the car, the Andres brothers aren’t just recognized by their tenants, they’re celebrated by them. Valet parkers go out of their way to make eye contact and wave. Operators at Sushi Axiom, Veritas (a wine bar) and Urbino (pizza and pasta) extend hearty handshakes.

“The Andres Brothers are on the street all the time—they are very involved participants,” says Brooks Anderson, who owns Veritas with his brother Bradley. “When you see all the crowded patios on a Friday or Saturday night, the eclectic crowd, the energy, you know they have cobbled this thing together in the right way.”

Though the density from the nearby apartments isn’t where they want it yet and they suffered a setback when a neighborhood group beat back their efforts to transform a former Hispanic grocery store into a mixed-use development that included 250 apartments, there remains an undeniable momentum to Henderson Avenue that appears to defy economic slumps and bumps. There’s also a feel to the street that it is authentic, almost soulful, a sentiment that the Andres brothers are not just helping build a sense of community, but a community outright.

“Ten years ago, if you saw a girl running down Henderson, someone was chasing her,” Roger says. “Now she is jogging. Now every morning when we come to work, there are people walking their dogs, cyclists having coffee at the Pearl Cup and joggers. It’s pretty unbelievable.” Mark Donald

OK, let’s get this out of the way: Gas station food scares us. It just seems like food preparation is the last thing the guy behind the counter is concerned about, which is why we generally stick to buying packaged snacks. So when 7-Eleven last year introduced a menu of hot foods including pizza, chicken wings and chicken tenders, we were skeptical to say the least. But desperation makes you do funny things sometimes, and one day we pulled the trigger on a slice of pizza. Was it Campisi’s good? Hell no, but it was good. We mixed in some chicken taquitos and other items here and there throughout the year, further allaying our fears. Eventually we determined that when you throw in the snack selection and Slurpees, 7-Eleven isn’t such a scary place to pick up a quick meal after all.

Always among the contenders for best burger, Snuffer’s has so many good ones that it’s hard to pull the trigger. Do you stick with the classic? Add cheese or bacon? Or do you consider the green chili Swiss, mushroom Swiss, pizza, barbecue, blue cheese bacon, turkey or veggie burger? And if you’re not in the mood for a burger, there’s always our favorite: the spicy chicken strips. With a menu full of tough choices, including their famous cheddar fries, and one of the city’s most attentive waitstaff, there’s no better place to seek hangover relief from a night on Lower Greenville than Snuffer’s.

This Bishop Arts District restaurant put everyone interested in Greek food through a scare earlier this year when they abruptly shut down. Fortunately, chef Kelly Hightower reopened his café a few days later. Times are tough, especially for chef-run joints. But one taste of his spanakopita or souvlaki or juicy strips of gyro meat and you’ll wonder why the place encounters such trouble. Hightower learned his trade at places like The Mansion and Tei Tei—and you can tell. Wood-fired pizzas, extraordinary octopus carpaccio…we only hope it’s around next year.

It’s not like we have some kind of Little Italy around these parts, from whose neighborhood confines an indigenous Italian restaurant might spring up. So we have to take our Italian food as we do much of our ethnic fares, one restaurant at a time. This time, we bestow the honor of Best Italian Food on Villo-O, a trendy, Travis Walk venue where everything is made from scratch and at a good price point. The “O” in Villa-O stands for three things: organic, original and oddly enough, oceanic, which comports with the yacht-like feel of the place, all dolled up nicely in rich mahoganies and the blue and white décor of an Italian seaside cafe. You’ll quickly forget the seafaring scheme, recalling instead a great patio for imbibing and the great food. You’ll remember the brick oven pizza—light, not overly cheesy and, well, original; the fried calamari and the mussels marinara, both cooked to near perfection and, well, organic; and the variety of sauces—among them, Wagyu beef Bolognese, puttanesca, vodka tomato—that flow through the many pasta dishes, nothing heavy, nothing overdone, just a delicate balance of flavor that is downright oceanic.

Movie ticket prices are into the double digits at most theaters, but there’s still at least one theater in the area where you can see not just one but two new films for just $6. Galaxy Drive-In offers eight new movies on four screens every night, and you can watch two for less than some theaters charge for a single matinee ticket—from your car, folding chair or picnic blanket. Better yet, there are surprisingly affordable snack-bar munchies such as pizza, nachos and funnel cakes. The prices aren’t the only thing that’s retro, either. Promotional ads at intermission are straight out of the ’50s, upping the nostalgia factor. Get there early to ensure you snag a good spot with time to spare for a $3 round of miniature golf.

You can only chuckle at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram‘s Randy Galloway referring to Deion Sanders as “nine toe”—yeah, still—so many times, right? Cowlishaw has developed a definitive, authoritative voice as the lead columnist at The Dallas Morning News. Already with strong backgrounds in hockey and football, he even tuned up on NASCAR to the point where ESPN values his opinions on left turns. And, of course, his daily jousts on Around the Horn make him a bit of a cult hero in some frat circles. But most important, he’s added some color—some pizzazz—to his daily writing. In describing the tribulations of Pacman Jones, Cowlishaw suggested the Cowboy carry no more than $10 in his wallet. “Pretty hard to make it rain in a club,” he wrote, “with a pair of fives.” Bravo.

We know this guy from Boston. Sort of The Friends of Eddie Coyle meets The Departed. We’re not saying he’s a wiseguy, ’cause there’s a little Fever Pitch thrown in there too, but the dude knows his meatball sandwiches. It’s no surprise, really, that he found one at the Greenville Avenue Pizza Company, ’cause whoever runs the place has got a little Goodfellas in him. The restaurant opened last October, and already it has a reputation. More than one person has come up to us and said, “You won’t believe this pizza, it’s the best pizza you’ve ever had.” And it’s nothing compared with the meatball sandwich. Trust our friend from Boston. He knows a meatball when he sees one.

We used to be satisfied with the greasy calzones at your standard mall food court pizza joints (Famous Famiglia, Sbarro, etc.), but now that we’ve sampled the Italian staple at Picasso’s, we just can’t go back. There are those of us who’d argue Picasso’s serves up the best pizza pie in town, but fold the crust over and it’s just as good, if not better. You can choose from the normal toppings—pepperoni, sausage, olives, etc.—but Picasso’s also gives you the added advantage of “deluxe toppings” (artichoke hearts, feta cheese, pine nuts, etc.) and “gourmet toppings” (steak fajita meat, portabella mushroom, smoked Gouda, etc.), allowing you to take your calzone experience to the limit. We highly recommend the large—not only will it feed you for a couple days, but if some freak snowstorm blew up, you could probably crawl in the thing and survive. It’s that big, people.

If you’ve ever had the Jimmy’s Sausage flatbread pizza at Bolsa in Oak Cliff, you know how perfect the sausage is—just the right combination of sweet tenderness and spicy-hot piquancy. “Jimmy’s Spicy” is one of several sausages made on the premises at Jimmy’s Food Store, one of the treasures of Old East Dallas. You can get your own frozen pizza dough while you’re there, so you can go home and make your own flatbread pizza. You might pick up a bottle of good Italian wine, some bitters and maybe a liter of limonata, as well. But it’s that spicy Italian sausage that will stay with you the longest—in a good way.

In the new shopping center across the street from the old Divino’s location, on Gaston between Peak and Haskell a few blocks from Baylor Medical Center, the new Divino’s sells a lunch that’s one slice with two toppings and a drink for $2.30. How can you beat that? And this is not lukewarm pizza that tastes like it came frozen from Tom Thumb. This is real-deal, oven-baked Italian pizza—rich, creamy cheese on thin, crisp crusts with all the standard topping choices. They also offer a good Italian menu including baked ziti (five bucks), linguini with white or red clam sauce, $5.95, and other dishes, served with salad and bread. That’s cheap.

This isn’t strictly authentic regional Italian food. Instead, Nonna—carved out of the foyer of The Food Company catering firm—employs a strict Italian approach (freshness, simplicity) while borrowing and combining ingredients and influences and techniques from all over the Italian landscape. House-cured salumi. Fresh-kneaded and -extruded pastas. House-ground and -cased sausages. Wood-fired meats and pizzas and breads. The best inauthentic authentic Italian in Dallas, which means we can finally say goodbye to spaghetti Western dining.

Not that trying to locate an Indian restaurant that serves only kosher vegetarian fare is something many people struggle with, but Madras Pavilion offers diners enough options that you can find something savory enough to satisfy within the bounds of any dietary restrictions. They have several sampler-style entrees that make for easy grazing, and there are several safe items to start with, like the flawlessly flaky samosas or the tasty uthappams, which are often referred to as Indian pizzas. But if you want to be sure to find something you’ll like, then show up for the lunch buffet, the shining star of the restaurant. Seven days a week, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. an immense buffet table, nearly the entire width of the dining area, is continuously filled with items from veggie curries and naan to soups and dosai. Everything they serve is prepared fresh daily, and make sure you order their mango lassi. Theirs is one of the best we’ve ever had and the perfect sip to soothe one’s stomach after the spiciness of the food.

In the late ’50s, Joseph Marco Nuccio started serving pizza at his Marco Pollo Lounge on Carroll Avenue. Then in ’62, he moved his pizzeria to its current location at Preston Road and Royal Lane. Not sure how much a piece of pie and a cold drink cost back then, but today Pizza By Marco will serve you up a slice of pizza loaded with three topping of your choice and a soda for a measly $2—yeah, you read that right. A family business since the day they served their first piping-hot pie, Marco’s doesn’t serve up a greasy, cheap-o slice either. Every morning, Joseph’s son, Frank Nuccio gets up early to prepare the pizza sauce and dough fresh from a closely guarded family recipe. The slices are amazing, and the crust is perfectly thin and crispy, and they offer all the standard toppings to choose from plus vegan soy versions of cheese, pepperoni, sausage and hamburger. Frank has recently opened two other locations that offer a one-topping slice of pizza and drink special for $2.50, which we still think qualifies as a best deal.

For stand-up comedians, stage time trumps all, including spouses, children, international incidents and most major sporting events. There’s nothing more important than the opportunity to make drunk people laugh. It’s about gaining experience, about learning what makes the masses guffaw. Nobody knows this better than Linda Stogner and Jan Norton, who, for the past 15 years, have hosted comedy shows in the backs of bowling alleys, delis, pizza parlors and other unlikely venues. Calling their operation the “Backdoor Comedy Showcase,” Stogner and Norton have championed both up-and-coming and veteran comics. They were booted from their first official comedy-only space on Ross Avenue this year to make room for another soulless corporate headquarters, but that hasn’t stopped the pair, who continue to host shows anywhere they can draw a crowd. For that, we give them our most sincere rubber chicken salute.

Actually, we had hoped there would never be a “best big box” category. We had hoped these multi-acre stores one day would all disappear and yield their sprawling asphalt parking lots to clever, Frenchy little shops with leaded glass windows and geraniums on the sill. But then we found out you could buy stuff cheap in a big box. Très bien. Sam’s Club is where you get your toilet tissue by the case and your frozen pizzas in wagon wheel sizes. You can also pick up discounted best-selling books and other luxuries. For parties, get that seven-layer dip in a tub and those chips in sacks as big as pillowcases. You can also get pillowcases. Save a bunch, spend a lot. It’s the big box that rox.

Sprouts may not be as flashy as Central Market or as hippie-dippy as Whole Foods, but what they lack in pizzazz they more than make up for in price and convenience. Have you ever actually tried to shop at Whole Foods or Central Market at 7 p.m. on a weeknight? You’d be lucky to get out of there alive without being trampled by ravenous Uptowners. But at Sprouts you can pick up the same Kashi cereals, vegetarian chick’n patties and tofu cream cheeses, often for less money, and be out of there in no time. Their produce selection may not be as extensive as some of their hoity-toity competitors, but their fruits and vegetables are always fresh and cheap, and their meals-to-go and bulk departments aren’t shabby either. And if you’re running low on dough, check out their weekly ad at sprouts.com, where they let you in on all the best deals. Bartlett pears at 69 cents a pound?! Check and mate, Whole Foods.

Sali’s doesn’t have much of an atmosphere, despite the large mural of Venice on one wall, complete with canals and gondoliers. You’ll see lots of big families and kids’ soccer teams, usually there for the excellent hand-thrown thin crust New York-style pizza. But if you want a quick gourmet lunch and you have only a tenner in your pocket, Sali’s will fill you up. Start with the salad and spicy house dressing. Peel off a piece of the yummy, garlicky bread. Then dig into manicotti, lasagna, eggplant, stuffed shells, spaghetti or fettucine Alfredo, served in individual casseroles bubbling hot straight from the oven. The bill tops out at $4.75 plus tip, $7 if you get iced tea or a soda.

Atop a lunch line tray sits a simple work of gastronomical delight. Delicate, crispy crust (the best kind if you ask us) spread with a thin layer of pesto bright with basil and just a touch on the salty side. Fresh mozzarella is ooey gooey in an intimate cuddle with a diced trio of red onion, grilled chicken breast and fresh tomato. The edge pieces of the thin, rectangular pie are sparse on melty goo, so you have a retreat from the middle, more heavily topped squares. It is, dare we say, a perfect exercise in balance. Scalini’s neighborhood joint already had us for its dark, friendly retreat-like atmosphere, but it keeps us coming for the pesto pizza.

Founded in Austin in 1998, Clay Pit is a modernization of this ancient exotic cuisine of hundreds of potent and sultry aromas and flavors somehow subdued into harmonious beatitude. Indian cuisine is a marvel that sorts through coriander, fennel, cumin, cilantro, turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, cocoa, nuts, garlic and chilies, somehow keeping them from erupting into Diet Coke-Mentos chaos. Chef and managing partner Tinku Saini once slandered his creation, referring to it as the P.F. Chang’s of Indian cuisine, but Clay Pit is not as overtly mainstream as all of that. Sure Clay Pit has a Caesar and naan pizzas; it has naan wraps busting seams with lettuce, rice, cilantro and onions plus either chicken or lamb; it goes Indie-Mex with naan quesadillas with three cheeses. But it also has well-crafted tradition such as moist tandoori chicken that is more bird than burlap; mushroom and pea paneer simmered in smooth onion curry; moist beef vindaloo; and samosas and pakoras along with match and mingle curries and sauces for the meats, which include a nicely done bone-in goat—a thing P.F. Chang’s wouldn’t touch with 10-foot training chopsticks.

Most people are born with salty meat urges, the kind of meat with generous sequins of fat. Nove assembles them on a wooden board with timepiece precision, tiny slices of red and pink and blood black overlapping their way toward your cravings. The board hosts salamis and ruffles of prosciutto di Parma, sweet and salt tangy; mortadella folds, reeking of delicate pepper and coriander; and wedges of aged cheese with a little blot of seasoned ricotta. There’s a mole, an intensely extracted explosion of cured salami musk from Seattle’s Salumi Artisan Cured Meats. These slivery wafers are laced with chocolate, cinnamon and ancho and chipotle pepper gently hoisted on wisps of smoke. It comes with pizza bread. But why muck it thusly? Man can live on salted meat alone.

Tired of Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville? Sick of getting hit up for change, paying eight bucks to park and constantly watching for muggers? Then head up Interstate 35 a piece and enjoy a night on the Denton town square, where the parking’s free and the streets are considerably safer. For starters, we’d suggest a slice or two of delicious J&J’s pizza (118 W. Oak St.). Follow that up with a shake at Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain (117 W. Hickory St.), which you can work off with a stroll on the grounds of the picturesque courthouse. Finally, take in a show at Hailey’s, Dan’s or the basement of J&J’s; there’s bound to be a good one somewhere. If all else fails, keep your eyes peeled for a kid or two busking on the sidewalk.

You’ll spot her dressed in expensive workout clothes as she comes in search of yogurt-covered pecans, free-range chicken and organic strawberries. She looks a little harried and more than a little forlorn. Her husband is working late while her kids are easily placated with a frozen pizza from Minyard’s. She’s not here for anyone but herself, looking for fresh produce and lean turkey so she can retain her youthful figure. Not that he’ll notice, but that won’t stop her from trying. The Whole Foods Market on Lower Greenville offers the freshest grapefruit juice, the richest chocolate, a range of natural foods and some of the best-looking older women in Dallas, many of whom seem like they’re looking for love in all the organic places. Maybe it’s Whole Foods’ close proximity to Lakewood or the surrounding M Streets neighborhood, or perhaps the allure of Lower Greenville reminds many a MILF of a more exciting period in their lives, but this particular natural grocery store brings all the girls to the yard.

Nestled in a low-profile strip center near Maple Avenue, this modest cabaret fairly bursts with the hottest local talent. Fancy-schmancy it isn’t, but cozy and comfy it is, and the friendly staff and patrons make everyone feel wanted and welcome. Although smoking is permitted, a state-of-the-art ventilation system keeps the air breathable for non-smokers, and the music is never too loud to inhibit conversation. Oh yeah, the music. Night after night, Phases has Dallas’ most outstanding cabaret performers singing and playing their hearts out. Performer lineups and time schedules are somewhat flexible, so give a call or visit the Web site (phasesbar.com) for the current information. Open seven days a week, there are regular drink specials and even a complimentary Happy Hour buffet Fridays at 5 p.m. But it’s the sublime music that will keep you coming back. Oh, had too much to drink or just feeling peckish? Walk a few doors down and carry out a pizza from Domino’s. Gotta love it.

You have to give it to Frisco: They think big. Their city hall is a giant faux-Parisian hulk framed by pastures. They have two professional sports franchises when most towns their size are lucky to have a bowling league. And the sculptures at Pizza Hut Park, home of FC Dallas soccer team? Yep, they’re big. “Golden Goal,” the installation at the south gate, is 32 feet high and weighs 8,500 pounds, yet the rotating sphere-within-a-sphere design still looks delicate, like some ancient alchemist’s instrument. “Frisco Flyer,” at the north end, is 27 feet high and tips the scales at 12,000 pounds. The winged foot is meant to represent global soccer, and it certainly would take the world’s largest cleat.

If you ask us, kids these days already know too much stuff. We blame it on those Internets, or maybe MTV. And that is why we love Celebration Station. The family fun zone is not educational, nor is it culturally significant. Not one brain cell will be taxed during an entire day there. Kids can drive bumper boats and go-karts, play paintball and miniature golf, hit the batting cages and the pizza counter. And when they’re tired of getting hot and sweaty from physical activity, they can head inside and feed tokens into the arcade games in exchange for little yellow tickets. Come to think of it, there may be a lesson to be learned: No matter how hard you try or how much money you spend, you’ll forever be 40,000 tickets shy of taking home that awesome lava lamp.

There’s no reason for meat-eaters and vegetarians to come to blows over who gets to choose the restaurant this time. Granted, vegetarians most often get the raw end of the deal, forced to eat a limp afterthought of a salad whenever their pals want to hit the steak house. And our heart goes out to flesh-eaters who are forced to eat a delicious meal of tofu or noodles at a veggie place…sorta. But at Clay Pit, no one has to compromise; vegetarians can choose from tandoori vegetables, vegetable naan pizza and all manner of curries and more, while meatatarians can have beef, chicken, lamb and seafood cooked up in myriad ways. Worried it’ll be too spicy? Just tell your server you want it mild and your dish will be so smooth even your grandma with an ulcer could eat it.

If we were on death row we’d request Scalini’s chocolate cappuccino pie as a last meal because it’s so unbelievably delicious. In fact, it’s so awesome that if given the chance between having a wild night with Scarlett Johansson and having a slice of this pie, we’d choose, oh come on, obviously Scarlett Johansson. But we’d still take her to Scalini’s, order her the chocolate cappuccino pie for dessert. Gotta get lucky after that.

We love the pizza; it just may be the best in town, come to think of it (and we often do think about it–like, every other day). But, look. We hate to give this away. It’s a pretty well-kept secret. It’s not like we’ve seen you there at 11 a.m. on Sundays. We’ve looked, danged near every weekend. But, like, Coal Vines has a pretty extraordinary brunch. Three words: eggs Benedict pizza. Three more: sunny-side up pizza. Who woulda thunk it? Eggs on a pizza; almost sounds like a Sam Jackson movie. The sausage-broccoli rabe-banana peppers frittata’s almost extraordinary; same goes for the one with crab and spinach. And we know one 3-year-old who can’t get enough of the French toast; he thinks it’s dessert, since it probably would pass as such at most other places. And did we mention the mimosas? No? Probably because after we have a few, we kinda get all quiet and reflective. Full, I think you call it. No–buzzed. Actually, they’re kinda the same thing at Coal Vines.

Edie Brickell is still shooting at the stars

She was just 14 years old when the very first issues of the Dallas Observer showed up in the lobby of her favorite movie theater. Back then, Edie Brickell was still a couple of years away from enrolling at the Booker T. Washington School for Performing and Visual Arts, where she had planned to study painting and drawing. At the time, her circle of friends was relatively small. “I was too shy to interact with people at the time, and visual art was really the best way for me to express myself,” she explains.
Her teenage years were spent delivering pizza (“Gosh, what was that place at Mockingbird and Greenville around the corner from Campisi’s? I can’t even remember the name of it now.”), working the box office at the Granada Theater (where she returned to headline a solo show last year) and waiting tables at the Dixie House in Lakewood. She erupts in laughter as she remembers that the latter proved to be the most dangerous. “I had to quit ’cause I was gettin’ a big ol’ butt from standin’ around on break eatin’ all those delicious dinner rolls.”
At the time, Brickell had no idea that popular music would become her profession. She developed a distinctive style of painting at a young age; close friends would anxiously await her delicately drawn personalized birthday cards every year, and her funky sense of aesthetic would later drive the art direction for the New Bohemians album cover artwork.
By now, most have heard the story of how she downed a shot of Jack Daniel’s at the old 500 Café and then climbed onstage with a bunch of schoolmates for an improvised jam session. She had never been behind a microphone, had never been onstage, never even held aspirations of being a professional musician. But there she was, in front of an outdoor patio filled with her closest friends, stepping into a storybook future that would eventually find her opening for Bob Dylan, appearing in Oliver Stone’s film Born on the Fourth of July, collaborating musically with artists such as Jerry Garcia, Barry White and Dr. John and, most important, starting a family with Paul Simon.
Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians had two major label releases during the early ’90s–the platinum Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars and its introspective follow-up, Ghost of a Dog. The group had a top 10 hit (“What I Am”), appeared on Saturday Night Live (where she met Simon) and toured the world before she ultimately chose spending time with her children over making music full time.
Still, she has never set her music aside for good. Her first solo album, Picture Perfect Morning, which was produced by Simon and Roy Halee, was released in 1994. Longtime New Bohemians fans were caught a little off guard by the succinct arrangements and polished sound, but the record seemed to connect with a more mature “adult contemporary” audience. Because of her commitment to her family, she didn’t tour extensively to promote the album, and Geffen Records seemed at a loss on how best to promote the work. After eventually severing ties with the label, she continued writing songs and studying the guitar but chose not to solicit another major label record deal in the meantime.
In 1999, Brickell invited the original members of New Bohemians and local producer/engineer David Castell up to Montauk, Long Island, to try to recapture some of that original improvisational magic. The result was the self-released The Live Montauk Sessions, which included an early version of “Rush Around,” a song that would later be the first single from her 2003 solo album Volcano. The Montauk album satisfied the loyal fans who had been with Brickell and the band since the beginning but never reached the vast audience that had embraced the first two New Bo’s albums. Still, the group continued to perform on occasion, including a number of benefit shows and a handful of amazing “reunion” shows in Deep Ellum.
Amazingly, given all the twists and turns of her “accidental” career, Brickell has always maintained her humility and sharp sense of humor. Creatively, she also seems to have shifted into overdrive once again, with three different projects moving forward at once. Brickell has written and recorded a follow-up to Volcano, with Charlie Sexton producing and local musicians Carter Albrecht and David Monsey contributing. This new solo record, however, might have to wait, as she has also been writing and recording with the original members of New Bohemians once again, this time in Brooklyn with Pavement’s Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain producer Bryce Goggin. She sounds excited as she explains how this all came about.
“Well, first of all, I met Bryce through Paul’s son Harper, who I have been collaborating with, too. Harper’s great. He’s got Paul’s ear, you know, so he hears everything. He really understands melody and harmony and texture. And Harper introduced me to Bryce, who has worked with Phish and Pavement and a few other jam bands…and a light just went off. I just knew that after all these years, this was the guy who could really capture what the New Bohemians are all about. I really wanted to re-create that old sound that we had live during the early days. So I’ve been working with Bryce on both projects, this new thing with Harper and the next New Bohemians record.”
The next solo record with Charlie Sexton might have to simmer on the back burner for a few more months. “I love working with Charlie, and we recorded quite a bit of stuff with the band from my last tour, but the first time we actually sat down and listened to it, it hadn’t been mixed, it was kinda rough. I really like the songs, but it just hadn’t really been produced. Then not too long ago Charlie went in and did some new mixes, and now it sounds great. But I’m just so excited about this stuff the New Bohemians just did with Bryce that the solo stuff might have to wait for just a little while.”
Her family is still top priority, of course. Shortly after 9/11, they moved from a tense and fractured Manhattan to the Connecticut countryside, where the kids can play on a Slip-n-Slide during the summer, and everybody can make as much noise as they want. These days, Brickell is also becoming an exceptional jazz-influenced guitarist. She has been studying the piano and is reading far more than she ever had before.
It is rather hard to imagine how a shy kid from East Dallas went from delivering pizza in an old yellow pick-up truck to living a life that few of us could dream of. Even harder to imagine is how a gifted artist like Edie Brickell could do all of this without becoming a pretentious diva or a blatant parody of herself. She’s still grounded, she can still pass for a 25-year-old and is so well-adjusted mentally that you have to wonder how she does it. To borrow the simple theme from her biggest hit single, what she is is what she is. –Jeff Liles

For a venue, short of staying financially afloat, there’s nothing more important than treating the talent hospitably. It’s not hard, really. Give a band a nice place to sit, give them a few drink tickets, or even better, put some iced-down beverages in their backstage area. That’s really all you gotta do. If you can offer food, that’s even better. A shower? They’ll all be thanking you in the van later. To be honest, there’s more than one spot in Dallas that has these amenities to offer, but it’s the vibe at the Granada that separates them from the rest. Owner Mike Schoder and his staff go out of their way to accommodate bands, and it shows. A local band member recently divulged that it was the best backstage he’s ever been privy to. “The pizza was awesome, there was a good couch and the guys were really cool helping us out. Oh, and there was a couch!”

It’s loud. It’s crass. It’s overrun with grubby kids begging for more tokens. But every visit gets compliments from the most demanding customer of all–the kids themselves. On the food chain of kids’ entertainment venues, it’s a notch above Chuck E. Cheese but located in Mesquite, the epicenter of blue-collar Dallas County. So what do the kids see in it? A set price gets you wristbands that allow unlimited use of rides such as bumper cars, water bumper cars (the consensus favorite; the littlest kids must ride with an adult or older child) and a few kiddie rides, as well as two pieces of edible pizza per child and a handful of tokens for two floors of arcade games. We judge it by the results: Some kids at the birthday party we threw stayed for five hours and practically had to be lassoed and dragged out.

Readers’ Pick
Chuck E. Cheese Multiple locations