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    Tastemaker News

    10 best coffee shops in Dallas keep you jumping for java

    Raven Jordan
    Mar 20, 2025 | 4:28 pm
    Merit Coffee ATX

    Latte art at Merit Coffee.

    Merit Coffee

    It's time for another chapter in the 2025 edition of our annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, celebrating the people and places that make Dallas such an exciting dining destination.

    In this special editorial series, we're highlighting restaurants, bars, and chefs who've been nominated in eight categories by our esteemed judging panel, consisting of last year's winners and local dining experts. We’ll celebrate the nominees and reveal the winners at an awards ceremony and signature tasting event on Thursday, May 1 at the new Astoria Event Venue. (Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $60 for general admission and $99 for VIP.)

    We've already covered Best Neighborhood Restaurants and Rising Star Chefs. Now we're celebrating the category we care most about first thing in the morning: Best Coffee Shop. These 10 nominees range from indie shops to growing local chains; from shops with coffee and cocktails to shops with coffee and craft beer.

    Here are our 10 nominees for Best Coffee Shop:

    Arwa Coffee
    This Yemeni-style coffee shop that opened in Richardson in 2023 does more than just serve coffee. It was founded to bring awareness to Yemeni culture with its in-shop library and market. Their coffee beans come from Yemen and are roasted in-house. The menu features traditional coffees and teas, Yemeni latte, sand dune latte, refreshers, hot chocolate, and a sampler with four drinks.

    Common Good
    East Dallas shop opened in January as a two-in-one concept: coffee shop in front and hair salon in back, with vinyl jam tables for late night entertainment. The shop offers a small menu and sources beans from Lemma Coffee with espresso and coffee classics, plus ambitious specialty drinks such as pistachio matcha, cardamon rose latte, and a Mexican mocha.

    Civil Pour
    Genius concept combining coffee and craft beer draws its excellence from the deep knowledge of husband-and-wife owners Chad and Nellie Ghannadpour Montgomery, who founded the original location in Lake Highlands in 2018 before opening a second location in Richardson in 2024. They keep the menu fresh with rotating coffee roasts and on the beer side, they have 25 varieties on tap, such as Oak Highlands Brewery and Hop and Sting Brewing.

    Hola Cafe
    Small gem with locations in Oak Cliff and Uptown serves Latin-inspired coffee. The concept comes from influencer Jeniffer Avila, who grew up in Honduras helping her grandmother harvest coffee beans. Signature drinks include Mexican mocha, dulce latte, and horchata cafe. Plus, they have coffee-free drinks, like strawberry milk and matcha.

    Kanpai Coffee & Beer Garden
    Coffee is but one element at this Deep Ellum spot from acclaimed chef Michael Carranza and partners Bonham White and Harry Huynh. They have a small menu of coffee, featuring caramel, vanilla, and matcha lattes, espresso shots, and drip coffee. Plus, there's a buzzy selection of unique cocktails, like a Wagyu fat washed old fashioned or the coconut fat washed highball.

    Killer Joe
    East Dallas cafe comes from former New Yorkers Christine Sweet and Christian Napolitano, who envisioned it as a place for "foodies and musicophiles." It's a quirky but cool spot with signature drinks like sea salt caramel de leche, pistachio caramel matcha latte, and masala chai latte.

    Merit Coffee
    A mainstay that got its start in San Antonio in 2009, Merit has made quite a name for itself. With locations across Dallas since its 2018 debut in Deep Ellum and Highland Park, they use beans from South America and Africa and roast locally. Their trendy drinks include the cereal milk cold brew topped with crushed Fruity Pebbles cereal, strawberry matcha, and hot and iced teas.

    Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters
    What started as a vendor at local markets in 2011 blossomed into a coffee lab in Exposition Park. Owners Kevin and Marta Sprague take an environmentally friendly approach to coffee, ethically sourcing green coffee beans straight from farmers. It might not be a conventional coffee shop, but they offer traditional coffee, pour over, and a seasonal strawberry oat foam nitro.

    Well Grounded Coffee
    Nonprofit coffee shop with locations in Oak Cliff and East Dallas helps women coming out of prison or recovering from addiction. It offers coffee classics and seasonal drinks, like s’mores, made from beans sourced from Full City Rooster. Since founder Natalie Huscheck first opened the East Dallas location in 2020, the cafe has helped employees with training, business, and life skills.

    White Rhino
    What started as a small coffee shop in Cedar Hill in 2007 from founder Chris Parvin has become a local chain with 13 locations across DFW. They're diligent on introducing seasonal flavors, like the salted honey cream cold brew in the spring and spiced Mexican mocha in the fall. Their latest location opened inside their roastery in Oak Cliff in 2024, expanding their offerings beyond coffee to host roasting classes and samples of experimental flavors.
    __________________
    The Tastemaker Awards program is brought to you by The Yuengling Company, Brioche Gourmet, Still Austin Whiskey, Whataburger, PicMe Events, and more to be announced soon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our nonprofit partner, Harvest Project Food Rescue.

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    News you can eat

    This Dallas restaurant news is hot and fresh for the new year

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Jan 16, 2026 | 2:18 pm
    Paris Baguette
    Paris Baguette/ Facebook
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    Our first Dallas restaurant news roundup of 2026 is all about the new - new restaurants, new menus, new dishes, and new deals. Several local places are celebrating big anniversaries this year. Sadly, there are some closures, too.

    Here's what's been happening on the Dallas restaurant scene the first two weeks of the year.

    Paris Baguette, the booming Korean bakery cafe chain, opened a location in The Colony at 5105 Main St. Bldg. B on January 15. They serve more than a dozen cakes by the slice or the whole cake; pastries including croissants, tarts, Danish, and buns; savory baked goods such as quiche Lorraine; breads, salads, sandwiches; and Lavazza coffee. The Colony is the 12th location in the DFW area joining Allen, Carrollton, Coppell, Dallas, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Mansfield, and Plano.

    Jo’Seon Wagyu Omakase, Dallas’ first Korean Wagyu omakase restaurant, opened its doors on December 3. Located at 1628 Oak Lawn Ave. in the Design District, Jo’Seon is led by chef and co-owner Danny Shin, with an unprecedented 12-course (or 18 courses, for those dining in the select, private rooms) Wagyu-themed omakase that fuses Japanese A5 Wagyu, Korean culinary techniques, and American influences of hospitality. Seating is limited, with only one seating for lunch and two seatings for dinner in the main room each day.

    Adelmo's Ristorante, Dallas' longtime Italian restaurant, closed its location in Inwood Village on December 31 after a decade in the space. The eponymous restaurant was founded in 1989 by Adelmo Banchetti in the Knox Street district where it prevailed until 2015, when it was displaced by the area's dramatic upheaval. Banchetti relocated to Inwood Village, taking over the former Bijoux space. In a Facebook post, he says he plans to reopen in another location, still to be announced.

    Coco Shrimp Coco Shrimp is coming to Wylie. Coco Shrimp

    Coco Shrimp, the popular fast-casual restaurant that specializes in Hawaiian-style fried shrimp, is opening up shop in Wylie. According to social media posts, the newest location of the fast-growing chain - which started as a food truck in Fort Worth - is coming to 3040 E. FM 544, Suite. 400, Wylie. Opening day is TBD, but soon, they say.

    MoMo Italian Kitchen in Lake Highlands is kicking off its 40th anniversary year with a rotating assortment of wine bottles at a discounted price of $40. The featured January wines are the Ciacci Piccolomini Toscana Rosso (Sangiovese and Syrah) and Il Monticello Rupestro Rosatto. They're also introducing a 40th anniversary special featuring a four-course dinner for two for $80, including two salads, two pastas, one antipasto and one dessert; available until February 7.

    Shake Shack has brought back its popular Korean-style menu for a limited time. The menu features returning favorites like the K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich ($10.49) and K-Shack BBQ Burger ($10.49), as well as new items including saucy K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites ($6.49 for six pieces) and the K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake (Gochujang caramel frozen custard topped with whipped cream and more gochujang caramel, $6.99). The menu is inspired by the team’s culinary trips to Seoul and the vibrant fried chicken scene that influenced the chain’s first South Korea location in 2016, they say.

    Malai Kitchen is marking its 15th year in both Uptown Dallas and Southlake with a special Legacy Menu on Saturday, January 31 at both locations. The menu will feature 15 favorite dishes from the restaurant’s early days, priced at $15 each. Here are those 15: Large Thai Coconut Soup, Large Lemongrass Soup, Large Beef Viet Noodle Soup, Large Chk Viet Noodle Soup, Malai Favorite Sampler, Lemongrass Mussels, Chicken Pad Thai, Shrimp Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Iron Pot Green Chicken Curry, Panang Curry with Beef, Red Curry Icelandic Cod, Chilean Seabass, Vermicelli Salad with Chicken, and Vermicelli Salad with Meatballs.

    Maple Leaf Diner has launched a new Weekday Features lunch menu, available Monday through Friday from 7 am-2:30 pm. The menu offers sandwiches such as Turkey Avocado Swiss and Grilled Turkey Melt, fresh salads, and starters. There are also combo options, including a $12.99 Sandwich Trio with a half sandwich, side, and house-made chips, along with lighter choices such as Avocado Toast and Chicken Avocado Salad.

    Cru brunch New brunch menu offerings at Cru.Photo courtesy of Cru

    CRÚ Wine Bar & Bistro introduced new dinner and brunch menus on January 5. They're showcasing Italian-inspired dishes and shareables designed for wine pairing. Developed with Dallas restaurant veteran Mark Brezinski, the menu includes Barolo-braised short rib over butternut squash risotto; Wagyu picanha steak with papas bravas and chimichurri; jumbo scallops atop spinach parmesan risotto; Roman-style pinsa pizzas; and indulgent desserts including chocolate fondue for two. Brunch offers Wagyu steak and eggs, short rib eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, and a smoked salmon board.

    Komodo Dallas is shaking up its cocktail program with a collaboration with wellness brand Cymbiotika. The limited-time menu features drinks - both spirited or spirit-free - such as the Immunity Fizz, with Tito’s Vodka, elderberry immune support, and soda ($18); and the Tangerine Silk, a citrus-y mocktail made with Cymbiotika’s tangerine blend, yuzu, and lychee cordial ($16).

    Bellagreen American Bistro is serving its Winter “Golden Glow” menu through February, featuring dishes built around anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, sweet potatoes, kale, and wild rice. Offerings include a turmeric-ginger chicken soup, a butternut wild rice and arugula salad, a roasted veggie quinoa-kale bowl, seared salmon over turmeric cauliflower rice, and seasonal gluten-free desserts like peppermint and German chocolate cheesecake.

    Torchy’s Tacos has started its 20th anniversary year with a new "Double Feature" deal: a complete meal for two for $20, featuring six street tacos, classic sides, and drinks. The January lineup also includes the return of the fan-favorite Tokyo Drifter Taco and a new Red Bull Strawberry Limeade mocktail.

    Perry’s Steakhouse has launched Mini Martini Trios, including a zero-proof option. The Free-Spirited Mini Martini Trio ($15) features nonalcoholic cocktails such as the Clean Kick made with Seedlip Spice 94. January’s Mini Martini Trio of the Month includes three spirited drinks, including the "Straight" Paloma made with George Strait's Código 1530 Blanco tequila. The steakhouse is also offering off-menu dishes for a limited time, including escargot, turtle gumbo, beef Wellington, roasted wild red snapper, and white chocolate cheesecake.

    Crispy Cones, an ice cream shop chain that appeared on Shark Tank, has opened a location in Plano, in a new center at 9613 Coit Rd. #108. It's an innovative concept that places as much attention on the cone as it does the ice cream. To read more about it, head here.

    Omega Bowls at Fish City Grill. New protein-paced Omega Bowls at Fish City Grill.Photo courtesy of Fish City Grill

    Fish City Grill & Half Shells has introduced menu items designed for health-minded diners in January. They include nutrient-packed Omega Bowls with 30+ grams of protein and rich in omega-3s; Seared Scallop Tacos with sweet potato, kale, and chipotle-avocado tartar ($19), Seared Black Cod with coconut orzo ($27); and Chicken Milanese with arugula, marinated tomatoes, and lemon aioli ($19).

    Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe has been acquired by M Crowd Restaurant Group, parent company of Mi Cocina and The Mercury. M Crowd says it will focus on "strengthening Razzoo’s culinary identity, celebrating its handcrafted Cajun dishes, and elevating the guest experience." Early priorities, they say, "include optimizing heritage dishes, such as the Seafood Combo Platter and seasonal Crawfish boil, and refreshing the beverage program to complement the brand’s energetic atmosphere." Seven DFW locations of Razzoo's will remain open.

    The PoBoy Shop, which had been open in Preston Center just since July 2025, suddenly closed its doors around the new year, citing rising costs of food and more. Early January saw a slew of sad Dallas closures, in fact. All local outposts of national chains Sprinkles Cupcakes and Salad and Go shuttered, too.

    House of Dorchester, a British chocolate maker founded in 1963, is returning to the U.S. and offering select products in Barnes & Noble stores in time for Valentine's Day. Based in Dorchester, England and known for traditional chocolate-making techniques and elegant designs, the brand's Barnes & Noble offerings include Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles — truffles with a Marc de Champagne and strawberry center dusted with delicate icing sugar ($10.99 for four pieces).

    Chick-fil-A is treating guests to a breakfast giveaway throughout January. Through January 30, customers can can open the Chick-fil-A App weekly to redeem a new breakfast offer, with the schedule as follows: Jan. 12-16: Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit or Spicy Chicken Biscuit; Jan. 19-23: Bacon or Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Biscuit; Jan. 26-30: four-piece Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis.

    BJ's Brewhouse has teamed up with Butterfinger for a limited-time Butterfinger Pizookie dessert ($8.99). It combines BJ's freshly baked chocolate cookie with vanilla bean ice cream, a smooth, crackable chocolate shell, and generous Butterfinger pieces.

    H-E-B is opening the doors to its newest DFW supermarket location, at 11700 US-80 in Forney, on Wednesday, January 28. As is the case with H-E-B stores, they'll open at 6 am with fanfare, including visits from company executives and city officials throughout the day.

    Cinemark is celebrating National Popcorn Day on January 18 and 19 by letting moviegoers bring their own container to theaters to fill with popcorn for just $5. BYOB-fillable containers that are allowed include anything from a bucket to a cooler, up to 400 ounces, or even a Lowe’s 5-gallon bucket. Find out more about it here.

    Pecan Lodge, the acclaimed BBQ restaurant in Deep Ellum, will be featured on select flights aboard American Airlines. The partnership begins in February for passengers in first class on flights from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The offering will consist of a barbecue platter with brisket, smoked sausage, mac & cheese, coleslaw, pickles, onions, and BBQ sauce.

    Keith Lee, the food critic, social media influencer, and recent North Texas transplant, was named TikTok's 2025 Creator of the Year at the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards. Lee has certainly made an impact on many local restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth over the years, including reviewing buzzy concessions at the State Fair of Texas. His short-form video empire also scored him a featured speaker talk at Austin's South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in 2025.

    ---

    Teresa Gubbins and Amber Heckler contributed to this report.

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