Budget-Friendly Bites: Dallas Specialty Grocers That Dish Out Value

Your new favorite restaurant may be hidden inside a grocery store. While Dallas has no shortage of incredible bars and restaurants, some grocery stores also boast some hidden gem meals. Barbecue, sushi and Italian beef sandwiches are some of our favorites from these local shops, and with restaurant appetizers costing as much as entrees these days, dining at a grocery store may just be the latest wave, according to New York Magazine.

But who’s complaining? Not us. With deals, daily specials and specialty fare, some of these grocery stores can’t be beat. We’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite grocery stores where shoppers can sit down and enjoy a meal.

99 Ranch Market

2532 Old Denton Road (Carrollton)
131 Spring Creek Parkway (Plano)
9292 Warren Parkway #200 (Frisco)

Asian food is always a good choice, but deciding which type can be tricky. Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese are all delicious, and thankfully, 99 Ranch Market has various food booths where you can order them all: ramen, pho, dumplings or sushi. The bakery also has buns, egg tarts and many sweet snacks. Ready-to-eat meals also include roast duck and bento boxes.

Ari’s Pantry

1800 Main St. #124 (Downtown)
1307 1/2 W. Davis St. (Oak Cliff)
3011 Gulden Lane (Trinity Groves)

With three locations in Dallas and more on the way, Ari’s Pantry offers an incredible selection of curated meats, cheeses, pastas, sauces (some house-made) and other gourmet Italian products. Shoppers can also purchase pasta dishes like lasagna and lemon chicken, along with sandwiches and bread from their prepared foods section. They also have fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. And we can vouch for the gelato at the downtown location, which is sold by the scoop(s) or pint.

Berkley's Market

3300 Knox St. #200 (Knox Henderson)
2822 McKinney Ave. (Uptown)
2001 Ross Ave., Suite 150 (Arts District)

At any time of the day, Berkley’s Market is a vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee and an almond croissant in the morning or relaxing with a book and a glass of wine in the evening, Berkley’s makes for a fun hangout spot. Good music plays throughout the store while you munch on light bites, like sandwiches and salads. And of course, grab whatever snacks and beauty products you need for the week on the way out.

Central Market

Various Locations

A subsidiary of H-E-B, Central Market boasts hearty and healthy options store-wide. Each location offers made-to-order burgers, Asian dishes, sandwiches and more. Additionally, the store’s meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes makes for a comforting plate in between meetings or after a stressful day of work.

Foxtrot

3130 Knox St. (Knox Henderson)
6565 Hillcrest Ave. (University Park)

While Foxtrot is always a good choice, the best time to go is in the morning. Nothing beats a chorizo and egg breakfast taco before a long day of work, or a coffee-date smoothie to grab while on the go. The store also offers plenty of desk snacks, like caramel popcorn and portable charcuterie.

H-E-B

Various Locations

We recently ranked our favorite dips from H-E-B, any of which make for an amazing and self-indulgent meal. You can also find an abundance of creative favorites in-store, like the buffalo wing flavored chips, the crock-pot brisket queso and the lemon pepper rotisserie chicken. But don’t sleep on the store’s barbecue restaurant. True Texas BBQ has consistently been named one of the best barbecue chains and has some of the best damn brisket and mac and cheese we’ve ever tasted. 

Henk’s European Deli & Black Forest Bakery

5811 Blackwell St. (Park Lane)

While guests of Henk’s can enjoy traditional European plates — like sausage samplers and wiener schnitzel — the desserts here are the star of the show. We wrote about "the cake of Dallas," the Swiss Madrissa a light and fruity cake. They also have apple strudel and Black Forest cake. You can purchase European items like lingonberry jams, meatball gravy and a variety of breads inside the shop. But mostly just go buy yourself a small, pretty cake. Adulting is hard and you deserve it.

Jimmy’s Food Store

4901 Bryan St. (Old East Dallas)

The Bear may be television’s hottest show right now, but you don’t have to go to Chicago to get a killer Italian beef sandwich. Earlier this year, we wrote about Jimmy’s Food Store having the most iconic sandwich in Dallas. The selection of beef, sausage, spices, sauces and pasta is ideal for those passionate about Italian food, and will make believers out of those who aren't. Head to the deli in the back for fresh paninis, beef sandwiches and more — most of the menu sits around 10 bucks. Also, keep an eye out for excellent deals on their niche Italian wine seleciton.

La Suprema Market

6726 Main St., Frisco

If there’s anything Texas loves as much as barbecue, it’s Mexican food. At La Suprema Market in Frisco, guests are encouraged to shop, then stay and eat. The restaurant located in the back of the store offers traditional Mexican plates, with tacos, tortas, sopita and more. Not to mention, large margaritas and michelada cocktails. Be sure to pop on over on Tuesdays, when you can get three or more tacos for $2 each.

Market Street

4268 Legacy Dr., Frisco

While many Market Street Stores have their own restaurants inside, we recommend Taphouse 16 at Market Street’s Frisco location. As its name suggests, Taphouse 16 offers 16 different beers on tap. Guests can sample a fine selection while munching on some zesty wings or flavorful brisket nachos.

Whole Foods

8190 Park Lane #35 (Park Lane)

Whole paycheck, right? But the Park Lane location actually offers outdoor and indoor seating options, along with a full-service coffee bar and a draft beer and wine bar. Additionally, the prepared food options are endless and there are always some sort of deals. On Tuesdays, Amazon Prime members can get $2 off a Whole Foods brand rotisserie chicken. On Fridays, Prime members can treat themselves to buy one, get one 50% off on packaged sushi rolls, as well as a $12 one-topping pizza.