Where to Eat Now

Where to eat in Dallas right now: 10 hot restaurant picks from top local foodies

For our November chapter of Where to Eat, we're taking our cues from Dallas' top foodies. We've consulted some of the city's most frequent diners, the ones who make a point to stay on top of what's new, by getting out and trying the new restaurants while they're still sizzling hot. We bow to their prowess and will put these restaurants on our must-visit list.

Maria Fernanda Whiteside Mejia: Madrina
Since opening at the Shops at Highland Park in September, Madrina, the latest restaurant from Proof + Pantry owners Misery Loves Co., has been the darling of the foodie set, including savvy serial diner Maria Fernanda Whiteside Mejia. She's a fan of chef Julio Peraza, calling his elevated Mexico City-style cuisine "terrific." Her two favorite dishes so far: enfrijolada (cilantro tortilla with duck confit, serrano chile, black bean puree, and queso fresco) and oysters with caviar in a beurre blanc sauce.

Ron Ruggless: Rodeo Goat
Gourmet burger restaurant from Shannon Wynne first debuted in Fort Worth, then expanded with a second branch in the Dallas Design District. Ruggless, ace reporter for Nations Restaurant News, likes the "kick-ass casual" atmosphere and the variety of toppings such as candied bacon and grilled peaches. He lauds the flexibility of the menu, and the way any burger concoction can be applied to a beef, turkey, or vegetarian patty. "That's thoughtful," he says.

Suzi Migdol: Ten Ramen
Sylvan Thirty boasts one of the best ramen spots around, from chef Teiichi Sakurai (Tei An). Everything about this authentic spot is designed to get you with your ramen ASAP, including an iPad ordering system and a counter-style setup where you stand to eat your soup. Photographer and Oak Cliff resident Suzi Migdol recommends it to everyone. "I crave it all the time," she says. "They recently had an excellent special, lobster miso ramen. And you should take the plunge and go for the minced-on-the-spot fresh garlic."

George Lewis: Easy Slider
Lewis, the intrepid food truck columnist for D Magazine's SideDish blog, offers the food truck perspective, singling out Easy Slider, which serves gourmet sliders using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Lewis sings praises for Easy Slider's inventive toppings. He always samples the "slider of the month," such as last month's Notorious PIG, which he says was "the best ever," with beef, bacon, shaved ham, Havarti cheese, and pear chow relish.

Nikia Summerlin: Rapscallion
Lower Greenville restaurant and Boulevardier cousin has become one of the top foodie picks, with its Southern menu created by chef Nathan Tate and cool patio lending energy to the street. Nikia Summerlin, founder of DFWOfficial, a food blog and Facebook page, says it's a great place to people watch, and it has a killer chicken. "When you go to Rapscallion, get the Long Walk to Nashville, their Nashville-style hot chicken, which is a growing trend," he says. "You can order a half or a whole bird. If you aren't big on spicy, get the Szechuan mala sauce on the side. The chicken is juicy but still has an amazing crunch."

Michael Pope: Max's Wine Dive
Houston-based wine bar chain with fried chicken has been a hit since it arrived in Uptown Dallas in 2012; a Fort Worth branch opened in 2013. Michael Pope, a benefits consultant and ardent follower of the dining scene who eats out a few times a month, likes it as a casual alternative for celebrating a special occasion, particularly because its recommended pairing is chicken with champagne. "Their fried chicken is so good, I dream about it," he says. "The greens are also great, and it's fun to start with a cheese board."

Alyson Brown: Cafe Momentum
Downtown restaurant spearheaded by chef Chad Houser just introduced a new fall menu, and uber-foodies Greg and Alyson Brown are on the case. Attend any food event in Dallas, and you'll run into this Duo of Dining. They like the toast trio, with fall flavors of kabocha butter, romesco, and burnt bread puree, as well as the smoked carrot soup, pesto Caesar, short rib pot pie, and grilled shrimp with pasta and watercress pistou — which Alyson attests was just as good for breakfast the next day. "Sarah Green and her kitchen crew continue to elevate the Cafe Momentum menu, and everyone goes home with an order of 'feel good' to go," she says.

Robert Strickland: Resident Taqueria
Lake Highlands taqueria got loads of attention when a certain celebrity server lent a hand on opening weekend — but foodies have not lost sight of the excellence of its food. Those foodies include Robert Strickland, a food photographer and barbecue fan who can hardly believe how much he likes Resident's signature caramelized cauliflower taco. "It was pretty incredible, even better than the delicious fish and beef short rib tacos," he says. "I was skeptical of it at first, but man, that taco is the king of a menu that's full of damn fine options."

Valerie Jarvie: Pakpao Thai
Pakpao is the Thai member of the Aphelia restaurant family (which also includes Oak and El Bolero). The original opened in the Design District in 2013, but it's the second branch, recently opened in the happening Preston Hollow Village, that veteran food writer Valerie Jarvie frequents. Like the original, this Pakpao has soups, noodles, fried rice, vegan dishes, and fine cocktails. Jarvie gets the Morning Glory Salad, a recipe from chef Jet Tila's grandmother, with shrimp, spinach, and cucumber relish.

Porttia Portis: Ida Claire
Southern restaurant from the folks who own Whiskey Cake, Mexican Sugar, and Twin Peaks brings a down-home touch to Addison, whether it's a clam and shrimp boil with Andouille sausage or pork chop with whipped sweet potatoes. Food writer Porttia Portis calls the burger and sweet potato chips amazing. "There's a pimento spread on the burger that basically showed me the light for the stuff, because I'd never liked it before," she says. "The chips were the perfect cut and texture. They weren't too greasy and were fried to the perfect crisp."

Resident Taqueria cauliflower and kale taco is so good, it wins over barbecue hounds.

Photo courtesy of Taco Trail

Resident Taqueria cauliflower and kale taco is so good, it wins over barbecue hounds.

where-to-eat

Cool new hang

Rollin Joe's coffee shop to open in old New York Sub space by SMU Dallas

Rendering courtesy of Rollin Joes

Rollin Joe's is going into the old New York Sub space across from SMU.

The iconic former New York Sub space across from Southern Methodist University is being amped up as a cool new off-campus hang: Rollin Joe's, an all-day, music-driven, coffee and beverage shop, will open at 3411 Asbury St., Dallas.

It will debut in late summer or early fall 2026, says a release, in time to serve espresso drinks, matcha, smoothies, and teas to a new crop of undergrads who need caffeine.

Rollin Joe's comes from SMU alumnus (and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' nephew) Jerry W. Mooty, Jr. and hospitality veteran Kirk Thompson, who are transforming the longtime campus-area location into an all-day destination "pairing quality beverages with curated music, comfortable spaces and a community-focused atmosphere," the release says.

The location is notable for generations of SMU students and Park Cities residents who loved New York Sub, which had occupied the space since 1974, before closing earlier this year.

According to the release, Rollin Joe's will encompass 1,373 square feet with seating for 45 to 50. Features will include a covered patio, walk-up ordering, and a "Quick Sip" window for customers on the go.

The menu will focus on beverages, including coffee and espresso drinks, matcha beverages, specialty teas, smoothies, protein drinks, refreshers, energy beverages, grab-and-go sandwiches and snacks.

Notably, it will not sell alcohol. This is not a bar, frat boys.

Rollin Joe's will be an all-day coffee spot.Rendering courtesy of Rollin Joe's

Rollin Joe's will operate from morning through late evening, transitioning from coffee runs and study sessions to afternoon meetups and evening gatherings.

Music will also be a priority. According to the release, house music will be part of the daily soundtrack, with live DJs performing several nights per week and occasional guest DJs to help set the vibe.

For Mooty, the location was a key part of the project.

"The former New York Sub location holds a special place in the hearts of generations of SMU students and Park Cities residents," Mooty said in a statement. "When the opportunity arose to bring new life to the space, we saw a chance to honor that legacy while creating a new gathering place built around great drinks, music, community and meaningful connections."

Mooty is CEO and principal of Christie's International Real Estate @properties Lone Star. He says the idea for Rollin Joe's dates back more than a decade.

To clarify, the namesake "Joe" is not necessarily a person, but a concept, and what he's "rollin'" is, well, left to the imagination. As the release explains, "At the center of the brand is 'Joe' - a laid-back, music-loving personality who embodies the culture and spirit of Rollin Joe's. More than a host, Joe represents the welcoming, upbeat experience the founders hope to create for every guest who walks through the door."

Mooty explains, "The Rollin Joe's concept - and Joe's distinctive look and personality - has been a passion project of mine since I left the legal profession in 2012. I always believed in Joe as the focus of a beverage concept, but I knew bringing him to life would require operational expertise I didn't yet have."

Thompson joined the project after moving to Texas in 2024. His background includes owning and operating Panera Bread franchises in Kentucky and Florida, as well as Jimmy John's locations in Austin.

"When Jerry showed me what he had created, I immediately saw the potential," Thompson says. "The beverage category is evolving rapidly, and there was an opportunity to build something different - something that combines exceptional drinks, hospitality, music, and community."

The space was designed by Alexander Quintanilla of Q-ARC. According to the release, the design draws inspiration from music culture, vinyl listening lounges, and modern cafés, with comfortable seating, greenery, and lighting intended to complement the music-focused atmosphere.

coffee shop smu openings coffee