Cowboy hats, Bar-B-Que, Tacos and You!

Dallas/Fort Worth. Big D. Funky Town. D F Dub. Whatever you call it, the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is, hands down, one of my favorite places on planet earth. Its people and cities are incredibly diverse. The food is much more than bar-b-que…although, it could be and we would be totally satisfied. So, I present to you, my Dallas Fort/Worth favorites.

Who is the traveler?:

Late 20's - Black/African American woman

Early 30-s - Black/African American man

What's the budget?:

About $400 USD to spend while there

How to get there:

Look at discount airlines like Frontier Airlines, Allegiant, Southwest Airlines.

Frontier Airlines offers seasonal flights to DFW Airport for as low as $29 USD one-way. They are a no frills airline, but nothing to worry about.

• Frontier allows 1 personal, small carry-on item for free. Save coins and stuff a backpack.

• If you (like me) pack for all occasions or (also like me) bring back fabulous items bought on shopping trips, I suggest you check your bag ($25-$30). It is cheaper than paying for a carry-on and you'll have more space. Flight attendants have become very strict about this.

Spirit Airlines is also an option. However, pick the earlier flights on a day with multiple flights to DFW. There have been horror stories of extreme delays. Build a buffer by having options that day. Also, spring for the Big Blue Seats. It's worth it. If not, I'll pray for you...

Consider flying into Dallas Love Field Airport. It is a small airport but in Dallas. Southwest flies into this airport. When flying back, give yourself enough time to check in. Check TSA time estimates.

How to get around:

Rent a car (recommendation). Uber/Lyft, of course. Try the train to get to Fort Worth from Dallas.

Eat:

When you visit Texas, let’s face it, you expect quality Mexican or Tex-Mex eats. El Paisa is my go-to spot for authentic Mexican street food. There are a few locations in/near Dallas. I prefer the tiny one on Harry Hines.

• Traditional tacos -- check (tacos start at about $2 per corn tortilla taco. they also have $1 taco specials!)

• Tamales -- check

• Sopes -- check

• Burritos -- check

• Tortas -- check

• Horchata -- check

• And, because we’re in Texas, they serve an amazing sweet tea

You can stuff yourself for $10 USD.

I shy away from big fast-food chains when on vacation. Whataburger has become my exception. Whataburger is religion to some folks, y’all.

My order: #6 – add cheese, add bacon, onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard. Root beer. Get spicy ketchup for your fries. Under $10 USD.

La Madeline is a French themed eatery. After you’ve eaten way too much – and your next meal should be a responsible choice – try the chicken ceasar salad. Always a crowd pleaser. The pastries are also delicious. Treat yo’self…a little! Expect to pay around $15 USD.

Pappadeaux and their fellow brand restaurants (Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappa’s Burger, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappasito’s Cantina, etc.) are a standard for upscale dining in much of Texas. While not always a choice for the penny-clutchers, Pappadeaux can be an affordable, classy, sit-down experience. It is ingrained in the minds of many Dallasites as a premier dining option, as well as your go-to Sunday, after-church, family restaurant.

Try the crawfish and spinach fondue, the garlic bread, boudin with grits, and the alligator appetizer. If you’re feeling particularly ravenous, consider the seafood platter. Expect to pay around $40 USD for a meal.

Imagine sitting around the table with your family for dinner. Not a fancy dinner, just a Tuesday. What do you see? Mismatching plates and silverware? A lot of sides? That is exactly what you get at Babe’s and, it is amazing. You order the protein you’d like (catfish, smoked chicken, fried chicken, chicken fried steak, etc.) and the sides. Sides are ‘bottomless’ and, if you love ‘em, you can take them home in a plastic to-go bag which hang on the support posts around you.

For Tex-Mex, check out Fuzzy’s. It has gotten pretty popular with college crowds and expanded their footprint throughout DFW. Those college students became loyalists. I became a loyalist. Order the chips and queso – you will want to bathe in it. I really like their borracho beans, as well. The drinks are great and there are always specials. I have yet to be disappointed with anything I’ve ordered. Think college budget – $10 USD for a meal.

Rosa’s is another tex-mex eatery and it’s a good one. Stuff yourself for $12 or less. I like the fajitas plate (pictured below). Do not forget an order of sopapillas. A sopapilla is a fried pastry, commonly covered in cinnamon and sugar. I recommend you add a drizzle of honey. If you want a little more decadence, folks add a little butter.

Rosa’s also has a famous Taco Tuesday – 3 tacos + rice and beans for about $4. There is a condiments bar – limes, onions, cilantro, salsas, jalapenos…everything you need to enhance your order!

After you spend a few coins at the Galleria, cross the street and enjoy a drink from Fat Straws. Order from the vast offerings of smoothies, bubble drinks, and teas. $6 max

Maple & Motors …One of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Just eat the burgers. No frills spot with great American classic burgers and sandwiches. Nothing over $10

Gourmet food in a gas station?…Fort Worth has that! Featured in several magazines and on popular food shows, Chef Point offers some of the best eats in the metroplex. Affordable yet decadent. Our favorites:

-The lobster mac and cheese is a crowd pleaser that we highly recommend.

-Chicken and waffles. Juicy chicken. Delicious waffle. Just order it.

-Meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Ridiculous. Check out AC's post about it.

-They offer a mimosa flight during brunch. I got it for half-price during a holiday weekend ($32 full price; $16 'sale' - and worth it). You get a bottle of bubbly and can select up to four mixes.

From the chicken and waffles (top 5 I’ve ever had) to crab stuffed swordfish and escargot, you will leave with a full stomach and feeling swaggy. Expect to pay about $35 per person.

Plus: the manager/owners will swing by your table to check in. If you watch Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, you may recognize the staff. I fangirled a bit when Chef Franson came to our table.

Sleep:

Downtown Dallas has gorgeous, luxurious hotels. If you have a few coins, Le Meridien (I highly recommend) and the Westin at the Galleria are wonderful. If you love a big luxury brand, The Ritz and the Four Seasons are nearby.

To save a few coins, try one of the many newly built 3-star and 4-star options in Las Colinas. There is the Omni, Marriott, Aloft, Hampton Inn. Good choices and a good range! Las Colinas is on the other side of Irving and a quick 15-minute to 20-minute drive to downtown Dallas or Fort Worth.

Save a few more coins and check out the Market Center area. You will find some 3-star and 4-star options. Think Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Double Tree, Best Western, and Sheraton. Some of the hotels in the area have been remodeled. You will be 5-minutes to 10-minutes away from downtown Dallas.

Adventure:

Reunion Tower provides a rotating view of the city and surrounding areas. It ain’t cheap, but it is beautiful and low impact. There is also an exhibit about the tower. However, you definitely go for the views. On a clear day, you can see other nearby cities in the metroplex.

There are restaurants open for lunch and dinner. Cloud Nine is open for lunch and accessible with your geo-deck ticket. The food was subpar and too pricey for the meal we received. Skip it – unless you’re starving.

Tip: A geo-deck ticket is NOT required for dinner at the Wolfgang Puck restaurant that tops the tower. Treat yourself to a nice dinner and take in the views.

Dallas is filled with neighborhoods with distinct personalities. Deep Ellum is the quirkiest of them all. It was revamped into an artsy, cultural mecca and hipster hangout. World famous Elm Street Tattoo Shop is there. Dozens of clubs, bars, and restaurants are there - all with their own flair and eccentricity.

Roselawn Avenue is a LGBT friendly entertainment area. There are street festivals and events throughout the year. My favorite places in this affectionately called “gayborhood” are Station 4 (aka S4) and its Rose Room Theatre and Lounge. S4 is the club and the drag show happens in the Rose Room. Look hunty, there are cheap shots, great dancing, hilarious entertainers. There is never a dull moment. Bring enough to tip the entertainers - those girls werk - and to have a very good time (around $50 for cover, tips, and a couple drinks).

Who does not like retail therapy? At North Park and the Galleria there is shopping for everyone, from top designers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton to big name department stores like Macy’s and Neiman Marcus to every day wear like American Eagle and Old Navy.

America’s team…for some. Love or loathe the Cowboys, the AT&T Cowboys stadium is pretty amazing. You’ll marvel. They offer all kinds of tours – art tours, VIP tours, etc. I like the self-guided tour. You can take pictures on the field and recreate your favorite Cowboys moment. There are professional photographers on the field who can snap your pics for a fee, if you prefer.

For those of you further out from Arlington or those that prefer a quieter scene amongst fellow Cowboys fans, visit The Star in Frisco. It is truly charming for a sports complex. There are restaurants, stores, and a great tour. I recommend the tour. You will hear plenty of Cowboys history, see and touch cool artifacts (including some well known trophies), and may even see some current stars. If you see the helicopter on the field, Jerry Jones is on the premise.

Dallas is a sports town. Take in a Rangers game (and you MUST get a broomstick – it’s the massive hot dog pictured below), Stars hockey match or go to a Mavs game.

In the middle of Dallas, there is Thanksgiving square. The highlight is the chapel built somewhat like a seashell. Once inside, look up and feel one with the universe...

When you think about Texas, it’s possible that amongst those thoughts are images of cowboys and cattle herding. The Stampede at Pioneer Plaza is a monument to that imagery. There are dozens of statues of life-size cattle and cattle wranglers overlooking it all. It is a moment frozen in time. It is one of the best and most popular photo opps in the city.

Journey to Fort Worth for a different downtown experience. There is no shortage of bars and restaurants in Sundance Square. Go explore. Walk the cobblestone streets. Check out the water fountains or the Fort Worth Gardens. Let a local artist make a caricature of you and your crew. Have fun!

Try a drive-in! Between the Stockyards and downtown Fort Worth, you will find Coyote Drive-In. It is a drive-in movie theater with a fun, clean, industrial look and current blockbusters. You can be as loud as you like in the privacy of your car, you can get out the lawn chairs or lay in the back of your truck with a pillow and blanket. The menu options range from classic popcorn to burgers and pizza. Spacious parking, great food and large screens make for a great, relaxing evening. There is even a bar!

Tip: there are seasonal prices throughout the year. During that time, you can enjoy two movies for $6 a person. Cannot beat that value!

A little further down the road from downtown Fort Worth, you will find the Stockyards. Spend the day there. It is overflowing with western themed shops, restaurants and bars. There is a museum, old timey photoshoots, tours, horseback riding. There is something for every single budget and every single type of adult. Struggling college student to wealthy, oil baron – the Stockyards has you covered.

Most famous among the many Stockyard options is Billy Bob’s. It is a bar, a restaurant, a dance club, a performance venue, and go-to Saturday fun spot. It is hallowed ground for country artists and a staple for country lovers. There is line dancing, there’s a mechanical bull, there’s bar-b-que, there’s a sea of cowboy hats and the floor rumbles with the sound of stomping cowboy boots. It’s Texan as hell, y’all. When Willie Nelson performs there, you know it’s a good place.

Oh! Did we mention the cattle drive? Yep, there is a cattle drive through the Stockyards twice a week. Cowboys, atop their horses, guiding cattle through the brick roadways. It is a sight.

Klyde Warren park is a greenspace between freeways. Urban living! There are food trucks, events, activities. Fun for the whole family or just a chill night at the park.

Love nature? The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to be one with it. Sculptures are nestled between lush plants. You will hear birds chatter. You will see koi fish and guppies. Squirrels will cross your path. Expect to see a few photo shoots with brides-to-be, weddings in action, and patrons enjoying a lovely Dallas day on the lake. There is also a section just for kids! So, prepare to take several pictures.

You will find restaurants and food kiosks on the grounds. There is even a grilled cheese stand!

Entry costs $15. Parking is $15 at the gate or $8 bought online. There are several discounts throughout the year. For instance, I went during “Daffodil Days” and admission was only $5!

Like museums? There is the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education & Tolerance, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot museum of nature and science, Fort Worth Modern Art Museum, museums at Fair Park…There is no shortage. Go learn and see beautiful things.

Overall:

Dallas/Fort Worth is diverse and offers something for everyone. Texans are (generally) friendly and willing to provide help/insights. However, don't start any craziness. There is a saying "you can't bullshit a Texan." Believe it.

As always - be smart, be safe.

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