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Live Like a Local in Dallas

New to Dallas? Lucky you. You’ve got a big, vibrant and fun city to explore. Once you’ve done the must-see tourist and newcomer highlights like Pioneer Plaza, the Sixth Floor Museum and Reunion Tower, it’s time to explore off the beaten path. Call up your local friends, tell them you’re going to go out for a day on the town, and invite them to join you at these local favorites.

Dine Like A Dallasite

Stephan Pyles is the go-to place for a great lunch. The renowned chef’s eponymous eatery offers wood-fired pizza, a ceviche of the day, salads with locally sourced goat cheese, and more in the Arts District near Beck Park. On your own for the day? Southern Living described Stephan Pyles as the best place in Dallas for a solo lunch break.

Enjoy what’s arguably the best barbecue in Dallas at Pecan Lodge, a family-run pit BBQ joint in Deep Ellum where there’s always a line of folks looking to fill up before the kitchen sells out. Go early for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays and enjoy brisket, pulled pork, hand-stuffed jalapeno sausage, a side of greens, and peach cobbler.

When you want a simple burger, a fountain-style soda or some really good ice cream, check out one of the Braum’s locations in Dallas. The Oklahoma City-based chain also sells packaged ice creams and cheeses from its private dairy herd.

Shop Like It’s Dallas

The Galleria represents the pinnacle of 1980s mall culture, with its indoor ice rink, vaulted glass ceiling, full-service dining, and upscale stores. Window shop or pick up a new outfit at Nordstrom, BCBG, Michael Kors, Coach or Gucci. Stock up on basics at H&M and Old Navy.

A few miles south of the Galleria, NorthPark Center has an even older pedigree. Built in the 1960s by local construction magnate and art collector Raymond Nasher, NorthPark Center today offers a mix of upscale and mass-market shops (such as Cartier, Neiman Marcus, GAP, and Nike). You’ll also find an extensive collection of modern art on display, including works by Frank Stella, Marc Chagall, Anish Kapoor, and Andy Warhol. Download a map for a self-guided art tour while you shop.

If you want a wearable conversation starter, drop by the James Avery Jewelry store in NorthPark Center and pick yourself out a statement piece in sterling silver or gold. Put it on and see how long it takes a Texas-bred Avery aficionada to remark on it. You’ll have a new pal in no time.

Where To Get Dallas Hair

Dallas used to be synonymous with big hair, but today’s stylish Dallasites are more interested in being pampered and staying on trend. Long-time favorite salon Osgood O’Neil has 3 locations that offer cuts, color, extensions, up-dos for special events along with makeup application and lessons.

Salon Pompeo is popular with women and men for its talented stylists, valet parking and a bar where clients can relax with a glass of wine. Mani-pedis, airbrush tanning, and makeup complete the offerings.

This list is just the very tip of the iceberg when it comes to local favorites in Dallas. Start with these ideas and see where they lead you next.

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