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.

Supermarket News

Kroger supermarket chain to open 3 new stores in Dallas area

Courtesy of Kroger

Kroger store exterior

The Kroger Co. plans to open three new Kroger Marketplace format stores in North Texas. They're revealing two of the three locations with the third to be divulged at a later date.

The two cities they're revealing are Fate and McKinney. According to a release, all three projects — including the mystery third location — will break ground in 2026. Further details on each location will be shared when the groundbreaking dates are announced. Why must they tease us so?

“Kroger is working hard to keep pace with North Texas’ explosive population growth, ensuring communities have access to fresh, affordable groceries and essential items,” said Kroger’s Texas Division president Rudy DiPietro in a statement. “As new communities continue to emerge, these new stores will provide what the community has come to expect from Kroger – full shelves, where everything is fresh and our people are friendly.”

Kroger has been on an opening spree: In October 2025, the company opened its newest Kroger Marketplace store in the Bonds Ranch area of Fort Worth at the northeast corner of Bonds Ranch Road and Highway 287.

Three new Kroger Marketplace stores are currently under construction and expected to open in 2026 and early 2027 in Little Elm, Anna and the Sendera Ranch community of North Fort Worth.

Kroger Marketplace format stores are multi-department stores offering full-service grocery, pharmacy and expanded general merchandise including outdoor living products, electronics, home goods, toys, and more. Marketplace stores typically range in size from 99,000 to 130,000 square feet.

Kroger currently operates more than 100 stores in North Texas and East Texas and more than 210 stores throughout Texas. In 2022, Kroger opened a Fulfillment Center in Southern Dallas to focus solely on the growing demand for grocery delivery service. Over time, the company has expanded delivery options in North Texas with Instacart, Uber Eats and Door Dash to serve an ever-increasing digital audience and more remote communities without the need for brick-and-mortar stores.

Kroger also offers customers additional Texas-sized savings and rewards on top of lower-than-low prices at Kroger.com or on the Kroger app, where there are more than $600 in digital coupons available every week.

supermarkets openings