Apps Outdoors

These 5 standout Dallas restaurant patios invite you to feast al fresco

There’s no better time to be outside in Dallas than spring, and no better place to dine al fresco than The Plaza at Preston Center.

With one of the city’s best collections of neighborhood patios, The Plaza is where locals go to soak up sunshine, enjoy a breeze, and dig into unforgettable meals. From sleek Italian spots and vibrant Mexican fare to classic American staples and health-forward favorites, every restaurant here offers a patio that’s as inviting as the food is delicious.

Once a patch of gravel roads with a bold vision, The Plaza at Preston Center has become one of Dallas' most beloved destinations for shopping and dining. Built in 1950 by Sam Lobello and his father on leased land from the Caruth family, The Plaza was home to Neiman Marcus’ first branch store and, decades later, welcomed the University Park Public Library.

Now, as it celebrates 75 years, The Plaza continues its legacy with a stellar lineup of locally loved and nationally admired restaurants — many of them boasting some of the best neighborhood patios in the city. Here’s where to grab a seat, order something delicious, and enjoy Dallas dining at its finest.

R+D Kitchen(opened 2007)
Effortlessly stylish and always buzzing, R+D Kitchen serves up elevated classics like sushi rolls, burgers, and rotisserie chicken. Its cozy, covered patio is perfect for people-watching and lingering lunches, wrapped in the warmth of neighborhood charm and a polished, West Coast vibe.

True Food Kitchen The Plaza at Preston Center True Food Kitchen.Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

True Food Kitchen (opened 2013)
Health-conscious but flavor-packed, True Food Kitchen brings anti-inflammatory, seasonal dishes to a spacious and sunny patio lined with greenery. It’s a haven for fresh-pressed juices, hearty bowls, and wellness-forward cocktails — perfect for diners who want feel-good food that actually tastes amazing.

il Bracco(opened 2019)
This modern Italian spot quickly became a hit thanks to its house-made pastas, crudo, and expertly crafted cocktails. With a stylish patio that feels both relaxed and refined, il Bracco at The Plaza was such a success, it sparked expansion to other cities — proof that good design and great food are always in demand.

il Bracco The Plaza at Preston Center il Bracco's patio is well equipped with umbrellas. Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

Sushi under the sun at R&D Kitchen.

Muchacho(opened 2019)
Bright, bold, and full of flavor, Muchacho blends modern Mexican cuisine with a vibrant yet cozy patio setting. From mezcal margaritas to creative tacos and ceviches, it’s no surprise this spot has grown beyond Dallas. The original location remains a local favorite for al fresco dining with serious flair.

Muchacho The Plaza at Preston Center Muchacho. Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

Frenchie(coming soon)
Get ready for Parisian charm in the heart of Dallas. Frenchie, the latest addition to The Plaza’s dining lineup, will offer French-inspired cuisine with a dreamy new patio perfect for long lunches, sunset dinners, or a glass of rosé under the stars. The renderings already promise a magnifique vibe.

Whether you're in the mood for pasta, power bowls, tacos, or timeless American fare, The Plaza at Preston Center has your table waiting — preferably outside, under the Texas sky. Here's to 75 years of flavor, flair, and unforgettable patio moments.

BBQ News

Brisket Rules brings chef-driven BBQ to downtown Dallas

Brisket Rules

An acclaimed restaurateur is now serving smoked brisket in downtown Dallas at a place called Brisket Rules, a kiosk inside AT&T Exchange Hall at 211 S. Akard St., where it opened in March.

The concept comes from chef Brett Curtis, a food industry veteran with 40 years experience, and is a spinoff of the first Brisket Rules, which Curtis opened in Grapevine at Harvest Hall in 2023. Curtis also owns Dock Local, a coastal seafood restaurant with stands at both of those same locations, as well as Plano and Nashville.

"Food halls create community, draw a diverse crowd, and give us the flexibility to incubate our concepts before committing to the heavy footprint of a traditional restaurant buildout," Curtis says.

Everything at Brisket Rules is made in house including the sauce and smoked meats. Meats are smoked at both the Grapevine location inside Harvest Hall and at an offsite kitchen on Ross Avenue. They generally smoke meats for eight to 10 hours.

The menu is small and features sandwiches piled high with a quarter pound of either brisket, pulled pork, or smoked turkey; a bowl with rice or salad and avocado, a popular go-to for busy professionals downtown; and a meat plate that comes with two meats and two sides for $24.

They also have a charcuterie board with meats, smoked cheese, and pickled veggies like carrots and cauliflower. Other items include nachos and sides like Texas beans and mac & cheese, which can have meat added for an extra charge.

Specials change monthly such as in June, which features a loaded brisket potato with a salt-rubbed oven-roasted potato topped with brisket and BBQ sauce.

One fun aspect at Brisket Rules is how seriously they take brisket. — to the point they devised a list rules, hence the name. The brisket rules are their guiding principles for making sure "every bite is just right," and there are six as follows:

Pick a prime cut - quality matters
Rub, don’t drown - no marinades allowed
Season just in time - not too far in advance
Low & slow wins - avoid shortcuts
Good wood only - don't settle
Wrap & rest - the final step to brisket bliss

"It keeps it classic: Texas-style salt and pepper brisket done low and slow with obsessive attention to detail," Curtis says. "No gimmicks—just great meat, proper smoke, and a whole lot of love."

downtown barbecue openings