DBU Students' Favorite Restaurants around Dallas

Looking for a tasty bite to eat near Dallas Baptist University? Look no further! We consulted the experts on good eating – our students. Whether you're looking for a quick trip for some tacos or some insanely good food that's worth the drive, they have explored the area and know the best spots!

The restaurants below are categorized by type of food. For a helpful map of all locations, keep scrolling! Price Guide:

• $ = Under $20 per person
• $$ = $20–$30 per person
• $$$ = $30–$60 per person
• $$$$ = Over $60 per person

🍔 Burgers, Diners & Fast Casual

1. In-N-Out Burger $
   • This massive West Coast staple is famous for its simple, high-quality fast-food menu of fresh-cut fries and customizable burgers. Be sure to order your burger and fries "Animal Style" from the not-so-secret menu for extra sauce, cheese, and grilled onions.

2. Twisted Root Burger Co. $
   • A fun, high-energy gourmet burger joint known for its creative flavor combinations and unique meat options like buffalo, elk, or wild boar. The quirky atmosphere is paired with an awesome selection of house-made pickles and decadent custard shakes.

3. Chapps Burgers $ (Both Locations)
   • A reliable, family-owned Texas favorite specializing in giant, flame-grilled, premium beef burgers made-to-order on fresh buns. The casual, no-frills setting pair perfectly with their massive baskets of seasoned fries or beer-battered onion rings.

4. The Coaches Box $
   • A lively neighborhood sports bar and grill where you can catch the big game alongside a great lineup of classic American food. The kitchen turns out excellent, juicy burgers in a comfortable, fan-friendly atmosphere.

5. Hav-R Charburger $
   • An old-school, retro diner charm defines this beloved community staple. They serve up classic, nostalgic charbroiled flat-top burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and thick milkshakes at budget-friendly prices.

6. Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers $
   • A wildly popular fast-food chain that keeps it incredibly simple by focusing entirely on high-quality, fresh chicken tenders. The real star of the show is the legendary, addictive Cane's Sauce, alongside crinkle fries and buttery Texas toast.

🌮 Mexican & Tex-Mex

7. Guanataco $
   • A casual, vibrant hidden gem that crafts authentic, traditional Mexican street tacos, massive burritos, and fresh elote. It is highly praised for its rich, flavorful meats like al pastor and barbacoa, paired with an excellent, fiery house-made salsa bar.

8. Chuy's $
   • A quirky, brightly colored Tex-Mex institution famous for its eclectic decor featuring hubcaps and hand-carved wooden fish. The menu focuses on big portions of customizable burritos and enchiladas, always highlighted by their legendary, addictive Creamy Jalapeño dip.

9. Gloria's Latin Cuisine $$
   • A beloved DFW staple that effortlessly blends crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex plates with authentic, traditional Salvadoran dishes like pupusas. The atmosphere transitions beautifully from a sleek, upscale lunch spot into a high-energy evening venue known for its signature black bean dip.

10. La Calle Doce $$
    • Operating out of charming, converted historic homes, this long-standing restaurant is famous for its coastal Mexican seafood dishes. Beyond great standard Tex-Mex, you will find fantastic ceviche, grilled whole fish, and rich, comforting seafood soups.

🥩 Barbecue, Smoked Meats & Steakhouses

Texas Pit-Style BBQ & Southern Comfort

11. Outlaws Barbecue $
    • A proud, down-home neighborhood joint that cooks up traditional, slow-smoked Texas barbecue over real wood fire. The atmosphere is totally unpretentious, serving up reliable plates of tender sliced brisket, pulled pork, and jalapeño sausage at honest prices.

12. Babe's Chicken Dinner House $ to $$ (Both Locations)
    • A Texas-sized dining experience where you choose a main meat—like their famously crispy fried chicken or chicken fried steak—and the table is flooded with unlimited, family-style sides. The rustic barn aesthetic and fun-loving staff (who regularly break into dance) make it an absolute paradise for big groups.

Global Barbecue & Steakhouses

13. Ton's Mongolian Grill BBQ $
    • An interactive, casual dining spot where you act as the chef by filling a bowl with your choice of raw meats, fresh veggies, noodles, and sauces. You then watch your custom creation cooked in seconds right in front of you on a massive, roaring circular iron grill.

14. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse $$$$
    • An upscale, elegant culinary journey centered around the traditional Southern Brazilian rodízio style of dining. Gaucho chefs continuously roam the dining room, carving fire-roasted meats directly onto your plate tableside, supported by an incredible, top-tier gourmet market salad table.

🥢 Asian & Pacific Rim

15. Rice Pot $
    • A comforting neighborhood fallback that specializes in familiar, classic Chinese American takeout staples like Orange Chicken and Beef with Broccoli. The service is incredibly fast and friendly, offering generous portions that are perfect for a casual night in.

16. Simply Asia Restaurant $
    • A relaxed, unpretentious dining room offering a wide-ranging pan-Asian menu featuring everything from Thai curries to Chinese noodle stir-fries. It is highly regarded by locals for its consistent flavors, fresh ingredients, and highly customizable spice levels.

17. Ka Thai Uptown $$
    • A stylish, polished Uptown restaurant that elevates traditional Thai street food into beautiful, modern culinary presentations. The chic atmosphere is paired with exceptionally vibrant flavors, featuring standout versions of Pad See Ew, massaman curry, and creative dishes.

18. Asia Times Square $ to $$
    • While not a single restaurant, this massive cultural hub and shopping center houses one of the region's best collections of authentic Asian food stalls and bakeries. It is the ultimate weekend destination for exploring diverse flavors, from fresh Vietnamese pho to authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum.

🍕 Italian & Pizza

19. Grimaldi's Pizzeria $
    • Famous for its coal-fired brick ovens, this upscale-casual chain delivers authentic Brooklyn-style thin-crust pizzas with a signature smoky char. The cozy, red-and-white checkered tablecloth vibe pairs wonderfully with their great selection of pizzas and crisp salads.

20. Sam's Pizza $
    • A warm, welcoming neighborhood pizza parlor that has won over generations of locals with its thick, cheesy New York-style slices and loaded sub sandwiches. The staff treats everyone like family, making it a perfect spot for an easy, comforting Friday night dinner.

21. Roma's Italian Bistro $
    • A charming, intimate local bistro serving up large, comforting portions of classic Italian American pasta favorites and baked dishes. With its soft lighting and rich garlic aromas, it offers a wonderful, budget-friendly date night or family dinner atmosphere.

22. Pizzaiolo's Pizza and Pasta $
    • A friendly, easygoing neighborhood spot that prides itself on fresh ingredients, house-made pizza dough, and rich marinara sauces. The expansive menu ensures there is something for everyone, from loaded specialty pizzas to comforting baked ziti.

23. Maggiano's Little Italy $$
    • Designed to mimic a bustling, upscale 1940s family dinner, this restaurant specializes in giant, family-style platters of classic Italian American comfort food. It is highly popular for large celebrations due to its indulgent pastas, warm bread, and famously generous take-home leftovers policy.

🍳 Breakfast, Brunch & New American

24. Shug's Bagels $
    • A high-energy, New York-style bagel shop that commands long lines for its authentic, boiled-and-baked bagels and loaded breakfast sandwiches. Whether you want a simple bagel with schmear or bacon, egg, and cheese, it is a premier spot for a morning out.

25. First Watch $ (Both Locations)
    • A bright, healthy breakfast and lunch chain that rotates its menu seasonally to highlight fresh, wholesome ingredients. They are famous for creative dishes like avocado toast, quinoa bowls, and fresh-squeezed green juices, served alongside excellent French press coffee.

26. Good Day Cafe $
    • A warm, classic local café where the coffee is always flowing, and the griddle stays hot. They excel at straightforward, comforting breakfast plates, fluffy pancakes, and homestyle lunch specials served by friendly, attentive staff.

27. Norma's Cafe $
    • Serving pure Southern hospitality since 1956, this legendary Dallas institution is a beloved staple for quintessential, old-school Texas home cooking. Famous for serving hearty breakfasts all day long, guests flock here for giant omelets, fluffy biscuits smothered in cream gravy, and their famous "Mile-High Pies." The retro diner atmosphere and warm, nostalgic service make it the perfect family destination for unpretentious, comforting meals.

28. Birdie's Eastside $$
    • A massive, beautifully designed indoor-outdoor compound featuring a sprawling patio that is absolutely perfect for big group hangouts. The menu offers a crowd-pleasing mix of upscale bites, fresh salads, and flatbreads, with a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

29. The Finch $$$
    • A sophisticated yet highly approachable New American bistro that offers a beautifully styled backdrop for any meal. The menu shines with a raw bar, specialty steaks, and artisan flatbreads, making it just as suitable for a casual business lunch as it is for an elegant anniversary dinner.

30. Hudson House $$$$
    • An exceptionally chic, vibrant neighborhood institution modeled after a classic East Coast oyster bar. It has earned a fierce local reputation for serving fresh seafood and one of the city's absolute best cheeseburgers.

Map of DBU Students' Favorite Places to Eat