Texas Barbecue Dallas Style

What would a visit to Texas be without tasting some of that down-home Southern-style barbecue?  Legendary Texas-style barbecue has a sweet flavor due to the specific hardwoods used for smoking like hickory and mesquite which enhances the taste as the meat cooks slow and tender.  Here’s a roundup of some of the best barbecue the city of Dallas/Ft. Worth has to offer.

Sweet Georgia Brown serves up a menu of mouth watering barbecue items along with a great selection of soul food including specialties like beef tips and meatloaf (2840 East Ledbetter Drive).

Since 1910, Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse has been dishing out their barbecue pork sandwiches and ribs to more than satisfied customers.  Now, with nine stores in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the famous cuisine can even be ordered on line as take out and picked up at your favorite Sonny Bryan’s location.  The readers of D Magazine recently voted this delicious cuisine as the Best Barbecue in Dallas.

Family owned Baker’s Ribs is as well known for its huge portions as it is for its delicious Texas-style barbecue.  Visitors keep coming back to this cafeteria-style restaurant for the barbecue chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, and ribs, which can be purchased individually, on a plate with sides, or even by the pound to take home and enjoy at your leisure (two locations – 2724 Commerce Street and 4844 Greenville Avenue).

Sammy’s Bar-B-Q is another family run cafeteria-style restaurant that’s been serving up some of the best barbecue in Dallas since 1992.  A popular lunch choice with the downtown Dallas business crowd, Sammy’s offers delectables like tangy barbecue sauced ribs, smoked turkey, and chopped beef, plus delicious sides including okra, zucchini casserole, and barbecue beans (2126 Leonard Street).

Peggy Sue BBQ is unique in that it offers full table service as well as a full bar which makes this a popular choice to grab a drink along with some tasty barbecue items.  The 1950’s retro style decor adds to the comfortable atmosphere where the fresh vegetable dishes and salad bar are just as popular as the barbecue meat selections (6600 Snider Plaza).

For over 30 years, Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que has been supplying Dallas residents with the ‘finest BBQ and home cooking’ around.  Serving up specialties like fried chicken, catfish filet, sandwiches, and a variety of barbecue items including sausage, ham, and hot links, Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que is also known for their generosity and community support (two locations – 3909 Gaston Avenue and 1820 West Mockingbird Lane).

Other notable barbecue restaurants in Dallas include Two Podners Restaurant & BBQ (1441 Robert B. Cullum Road); Eva’s House of Barbecue (2320 Martin Luther King Boulevard); Record’s Bar-B-Que (2325 South Lancaster Road); and Hardeman’s BBQ (2901 South Lancaster Road).

Flickr.com Photo Credit: Entree @ Dallas BBQ – 261 8th Ave. by wEnDaLicious

The decor of this boutique hotel offers a magical blend of modern and Mediterranean making for the most interesting of rooms.  The exotic details can keep your eye wandering around each guest room in search of the next new found treasure.  USA Today adeptly described Hotel ZaZa as “Casablanca meets Paris meets Texas.”

Besides offering a wondrous visual feast, Hotel ZaZa follows through by providing luxurious beds and Italian linens plus comfortable seating choices throughout each guestroom.  Further room amenities include wireless internet, plasma television, mini-bar and fridge, plus a lavish marble bathroom with rain forest shower, all found in the Hotel ZaZa’s Superior rooms.  The ZaZa Deluxe Parlor room offers guests a little extra room while a Premium Balcony room offers an extended seating area plus French Doors leading to those balcony views.

The concept suites at the Hotel ZaZa are sumptuous to say the least.  With themes that include Bohemia, Far East, Metropolitan, Erotica, Medusa, Shag-a-delic, Moulin Rouge, Opium and Out of Africa to only name a few, every guest at the Hotel ZaZa is sure to find a room that calls out to them.

The Magnificent Seven suites at Hotel ZaZa provide for the most luxurious stay ever.  Ranging from 1,340 to 2,145 square feet in size, these themed rooms feature a private entranceway, balconies, dining and living areas, full kitchens, and some even have washer/dryer sets and whirlpool tubs.  The Magnificent Seven suites are aptly named Crouching Tiger, The Last Czar, Rock Star, Raven, Dangerous Beauty, Leonardo, and Red Shoes.

Besides all of the room amenities and plush surroundings, Hotel ZaZa also features the Dragonfly Restaurant and Lounge (a Dallas hot spot) and their poolside bar and lounge, Urban Oasis.  ZaSpa Dallas offers an array of pampering treatments designed to rejuvenate and relax; the Za’ll About You package is a popular spa treatment package for hotel guests as is the Za Perfect Date couples massage.

Hotel ZaZa regularly offers specials and packages through their website which can include upgrades and value added services.  If you’re looking for a fun, unique stay while in Dallas, check out the Hotel ZaZa for a sure to be memorable (in a good way) experience.

Dallas Skyline from Deep Ellum

There are a few notable areas when it comes to having fun and enjoying the nightlife in Dallas.  Of course there is much more to choose from but each of the areas below offer their own unique style and entertainment experiences.

Deep Ellum
Back in the 1920’s, the downtown area of Dallas known as Deep Ellum was home to many of the city’s jazz and blues clubs as well as having been a hub for the Africran-American arts and cultural community.  Throughout the years, this former warehouse district has now been converted into a happening venue that includes a variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, music venues, and art galleries.  Only three blocks from downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum is definitely worth checking out.

Greenville Avenue
Located on the east side of Dallas is Greenville Avenue, whose popular claim to fame is their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebrations held each March for the past 31 years.  Upper Greenville Avenue is where you’ll find an array of hip clubs, bars and restaurants while Lower Greenville retains its 1920’s historical neighbourhood charm through unique shops and outdoor seating restaurants.

Dallas Alley & the West End
Closed since 2007, the former Dallas Alley was an entertainment district located near Dealey Plaza and The Sixth Floor Museum which attracted many tourists due to its close proximity to the Kennedy memorial site.  The 55-acre historic area known as the West End is still a vibrant nightlife area where you’ll find everything from horse drawn carriage rides to restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs.

Knox-Henderson
Near the uptown area of Dallas, Knox-Henderson is a neighbourhood full of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.  As one of the oldest shopping districts in all of Dallas, Knox Street is the place to shop for antiques and unique handcrafted jewelry while Henderson Street is the place to party with its large offering of clubs, bars, and bistros.  Many of the area buildings still retain their 1920’s charm and architecture today.

West Village
The upscale urban development known as West Village is filled with entertainment, shopping, and residential space.  Since it opened in 2001, West Village has been offering visitors a place to walk, people watch, and to generally have fun.  It’s a trendy place to join some friends for the evening as the stylish streets of the West Village are lined with bars, coffee shops, and bistros with outdoor patio seating areas.

Flickr.com Photo Credit: Dallas Skyline from Deep Ellum by Schlusselbien2007

Sixth Floor Museum

Since 1963, the Texas School Book Depository has been the center of attention and controversy.  The sixth floor window marks the designated spot from which Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President John F. Kennedy during his motorcade ride through Dealey Plaza in Dallas.

In 1989, this infamous landmark became The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza where over six million people have visited since.  Located on the sixth and seventh floor of the former book depository, the museum offers information through museum exhibits and collections, about the life of President Kennedy including his assassination.

There are two areas within the museum exhibit that remain as they were found on November 22, 1963: the sniper’s ‘perch’ or square corner window on the sixth floor and the stairwell area where the sniper made their exit and left behind the alleged rifle used in the Presidential assassination.

The collections on display at The Sixth Floor Museum contain over 35,000 items including artifacts plus audio and visual information.  Notable items include the film of the Presidential motorcade before and after the shooting as shown in the Abraham Zapruder Collection; the Phil Willis Collection of amateur photographs; KDFW, KTVT, and WFAA Media Collections; as well as the John F. Kennedy Funeral Ephemera Collection.

The gallery at The Sixth Floor Museum offers a permanent exhibit entitled John F. Kennedy and The Memory of a Nation.  Through photos, artifacts, and documentary film, the exhibit provides a glimpse into the political atmosphere of the early 1960’s as well the Presidential assassination and the consequences the nation faced afterward.

A variety of special exhibits have been housed at The Sixth Floor Museum throughout the years.  The current exhibit on display until October 17, 2010, is A Photographer’s Story: Bob Jackson and the Kennedy Assassination which features the talented journalistic photographs by award-winning artist Bob Jackson.

Besides exploring the museum itself, visitors are invited to use their cell phones to take a guided walking tour of Dealey Plaza and other nearby sites like the controversial grassy knoll.  With over twelve stops in total, the Dealey Plaza Cell Phone Walking Tour takes about an hour to complete, however, you can follow it at your leisure.

The Sixth Floor Museum also offers a store and cafe plus its location in the West End Historic District provides great shopping and nightlife.  The museum is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) and visitors should take note that both photography and videotaping are strictly prohibited.

Flickr.com Photo Credit: LAHS Dallas Reunion 2007 by Vlasta2

Forty Five Ten- Pegged as the Dallas boutique offering “the best of the best,” Forty Five Ten truly lives up to its reputation as Dallas’s premiere boutique. Forty Five Ten not only offers high-end women’s and men’s fashions but also expands its repertoire to cater the best in home décor and culinary experience. You don’t have to go to L.A. for a chance to rub elbows with celebrities. The T Room, located inside Forty Five Ten, is one of Dallas’s trendiest lunch spots and known for its occasional celebrity sightings. Whether you’re looking to shop, dine or just take in the gorgeous scenery, Forty Five Ten should be part of every traveler’s must-see list.

Movida- One of Dallas’s best kept shopping secrets, Movida is the go-to store for fashionistas on any budget. Whether you are looking to buy your next favorite pair of jeans or need that perfect little black dress, Movida is the place to go. If you are planning a trip to the Dallas area in the next few weeks, be sure to check out their newest shipment of summer dresses. With the latest trends and designs, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for. Price points start at $38 for their summer dresses and tops. Be sure to check out Movida during your Dallas shopping spree!

Flirt- Nestled in Uptown Dallas, Flirt is a Texan boutique with a West Coast vibe.  Another great boutique for young fashionistas looking to find the trendiest clothing at affordable prices, Flirt offers a large selection of clothing and accessory brands including Seychelles’s Shoes, BCBG, Miss Me Denim and Dallas native, Ashley LaRocca’s jewelry line, Roc Candy Jewelry. Flirt’s inviting atmosphere will keep you coming back for more; between their lounge area and wine bar, you will be able to do some stress-free shopping even at the end of a long day of sightseeing.

Mine- If you’re looking to find a boutique with some of the best women’s clothing brands with a shabby chic atmosphere, then you’ve come to the right place. Mine’s floor-to-ceiling white interiors and open layout make for an inviting and relaxing shopping experience. The selection of merchandise ranges form labels like Tom Ford, BB Dakota and Denim of Virtue. Be sure to keep an eye out for the store greeter, Chi Chi, a fawn colored pug that will be sure to grab your attention with his little grunts and snorts. Between the beautiful interiors, wide selection of clothing and Chi Chi, it would be hard not to stop by Mine and make it a shopping experience all your own.

Again and Again- One look at the vintage finds at Again and Again and you will be sure to come back wanting more and more. The eco-friendly vintage furniture shop has eclectic, one-of-a-kind refurnished and reupholstered furniture. Each piece has its own distinct design, and the color patterns are like something out of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. If bringing a back a full size couch back to your home state isn’t in the cards, be sure to check out Again and Again for its beautiful designs that will be sure to inspire your own home furnishings.

Images via Forty Five Ten and Mine