What to Eat Now in Dallas

January is finally over and one good thing we can say is we ate well.

By Nick Reynolds, Chris Wolfgang, Desiree Gutierrez, Lauren Drewes Daniels and Hank Vaughn

February 3, 2025

Image: We liked a lot of things at Pan Pa Vos but this croissant stood out.

We liked a lot of things at Pan Pa Vos but this croissant stood out. Hank Vaughn

What happens on the ground matters — Your support makes it possible.

We’re aiming to raise $6,000 by August 10, so we can deepen our reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now: grassroots protests, immigration, politics and more.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$6,000

$1,900

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "21721571",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "21861991",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17105533",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18349797",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "22608066",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18349797",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17357520",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Finally. It's over. No more January Mondays. Not that February has much more to offer.

Despite our better judgment, we continued to try new spots and revisit old favorites all month long. We asked our writers for their favorite dishes in the past month, and here are their responses.

click to enlarge

This tray from Smokey Joe's BBQ made January a lot brighter.

Chris Wolfgang

Brisket and Boudin Link Sandwich

Smokey Joe's BBQ, 6403 S. RL Thorton FreewayOur Top 100 Restaurants was just updated with 18 new entries to our list, but throughout the year, we also stop by spots we've already recognized to make sure things are still up to par. Research, you know. And on a recent lunch at Smokey Joe's BBQ in South Dallas, we're happy to report that the barbecue is still top-notch. Our brisket sandwich was a succulent and smoky delight, but on this day, Smokey Joe's was serving up a brisket boudin link that would feel right at home in Cajun country. The combination of brisket, rice and just the right amount of spices popped in each snappy bite, and the saltines served with the link are exactly how they do it on the bayou. It's this kind of attention to detail that makes Smokey Joe's some of the best barbecue within the city limits. — Chris Wolfgang

Strawberries and Cream Croissant

Pan Pa Vos, 3855 Frankford RoadPan Pa Vos is a new bakery that does a lot well, but the high point of our recent visit was the strawberries and cream croissant, full of whipped cream with a hint of strawberry flavor in an extremely light, flaky and fresh, topped with a dollop of that same cream and a slice of strawberry. Just like grandma used to make, if grandma would have been an expert baker. — Hank Vaughn

click to enlarge

A comforting dish at Claremont Neighborhood Grill.

Desiree Gutierrez

Blackened Redfish

Claremont Neighborhood Grill, 4343 W. Northwest Highway Claremont's blackened redfish is a well-executed, yet simple comfort meal. The moist fish is evenly seasoned and delicately flakes apart. The potato puree is smooth without being watery, adding heartiness to the meal. The charred Brussels sprouts' earthy flavor add enticing contrast. — Desiree Gutierrez

click to enlarge

The spaghetti at CATCH is a sleeper hit.

Lauren Drewes Daniels

Truffle Mushroom Spaghetti

CATCH, 3005 Maple TerraceCATCH is mainly a steak and sushi spot. Curiously there's a truffle mushroom spaghetti in the starters section. While the two fish dishes we had were both great (keep reading), this creamy pasta thick with wild mushroom ragu, parmesan and a truffle cream was stellar. Put this bowl of pasta anywhere you want, just make sure it's on your table. I'd order this at the bar along with a drink and it'd be a perfect dinner if you're looking for a quick pop-in situation. — Lauren Drewes Daniels

click to enlarge

Be Home Soon is a place you should get too soon.

Nick Reynolds

Crudite and Green Goddess Dip

Be Home Soon, 9540 Garland RoadBe Home Soon, brought to you by talented singer-songwriter Madison King, is a new, brilliantly quirky East Dallas eatery with a rotating (and ever-evolving) menu. From steak fingers with kimchi cream gravy and gochujang ketchup to hoisin glazed eggplant banh mi sandwiches, you never know what you'll find on Be Home Soon's delightfully eclectic menu. But one constant is the crudite and green goddess dip found in the “snacks” portion of the menu. This perfectly tangy and vibrant light green dip blew us away on our recent visit to this Casa Linda Plaza neighborhood gem. And it's paired with veggies so fresh you'd swear they were picked out of the garden that morning. So, before you place your entree orders at Be Home Soon, have your server bring you a plate of crudite and green goddess dip. — Nick Reynolds

Miso Glazed Sea Bass

CATCH, 3005 Maple TerraceCATCH is the latest celebrity dining import to land in Dallas. We noted in our first look that Catch's locations in Miami, New York and LA are places to see and be seen. The need for yet another high-priced cocktail and dinner spot is a discussion for another time. But we can't deny that CATCH is turning out some spectacular dishes. At a recent media dinner, we ordered a miso-glazed sea bass, served with a side of crispy leeks boosted by jalapeño salsa and yuzu wasabi. Under a firm exterior, the bites of fish quite literally melted in our mouth, while the not-too-spicy leeks provided a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the miso glaze. Yes, the dish goes for $54 on the menu, but it's a splurge that we encourage you to make. — Chris Wolfgang

Chris Wolfgang started writing about barbecue for the Dallas Observer in 2015, and became the Observer’s restaurant critic in October 2021. In his free time, he’s a dog owner, plays a mediocre guitar and is likely recovering from his latest rec-league sports injury.

Desiree Gutierrez is a Dallas-based arts and culture journalist who dabbles in food writing. She joined the Dallas Observer as an arts and music intern in fall 2021. Since then, she has been a contributing writer and has written for D Magazine and SUCCESS Magazine.

Lauren Drewes Daniels is the food editor of the Dallas Observer. She started working as a freelance writer in 2013 and became editor in 2021. She covers Dallas' evolving dining scene, the many openings and closings as well as trends and breaking news. She oversees annual lists including Top 100 Bars and Top 100 Restaurants and contributes to the Best of Dallas. If you have a tip about an amazing pastry, pie or taco, let her know.

Hank Vaughn is a freelance writer who enjoys sharing and overthinking his food and drink experiences, both good and bad, from his culinary journeys with his wife across North Texas and beyond.