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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Old East Dallas

Cool dinner spots

The kitchen is closed and the hunger is real. A place with a distinct personality makes the meal feel like an event.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Elephant Indian Bar & Grill image 1
Elephant Indian Bar & Grill image 2
Elephant Indian Bar & Grill image 3
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Bright, modern decor with a neon colored elephant and clean, cozy design creates a welcoming space. Relaxing atmosphere with great music, including live jazz on weekends, complements the calm environment away from highway noise. Optional outdoor seating and a bar add to the versatile dining experience.

Beautiful, modern yet cozy decor creates a comfortable seating area with dim lighting. It suits date nights, family dinners, or casual outings with friends.

Colorful decor and a relaxed vibe create a cool atmosphere. The space feels intimate and inviting.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and really authentic."

"The Indian food here is the best I've ever had."

"The decor here is really cool and colorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back in the hotel parking lot during the daytime.

2

The restaurant has dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

The vegan menu is excellent, offering a variety of choices.

02
Ruins image 1

Bar combines Mesoamerican-inspired decor with a divey, Deep Ellum vibe. Loud music fills a live entertainment space featuring house artists and DJs. The atmosphere feels dark and intense, with demonic art creating a unique, edgy mood.

Dinner offers amazing flavors and suits a quick dinner date. The setting includes devils and demons as part of the atmosphere.

Music feels alive in a cool space with a lively band and bar. The patio area adds to the vibe, complemented by a tequila selection and specialty cocktails.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be delicious."

"Their cocktails are amazing and perfectly crafted."

"I found the dinner here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The kitchen is open until 1:45am, serving food late into the night.

2

Expect an automatic 18% gratuity added to your bill for all services.

3

Parking is available in a garage right in front of the venue.

03
Paparazzi Chophouse image 1

Steak house combines grown and sexy vibes with a lounge atmosphere after 10 p.m., featuring loud music and a private speakeasy-style lounge for events. Tables sit very close together, creating a crowded feel with little privacy. Bartenders craft handcrafted cocktails and the space includes elegant decor with notable wine and liquor displays.

Dinner here offers a warm, inviting ambiance that suits celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. The Snapper stands out as a showpiece dish, served whole to impress small groups or couples.

Music sets a classy but relaxed vibe that fits a date night. Restrooms feature a super cool liquor display and spacious, elegant stalls.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and perfectly cooked."

"The spicy chicken penne was flavorful and beautifully plated."

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the meatballs."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available for $10, but street parking is also an option.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to brunch bills.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

04
Angry Dog image 1
Bar & grill

Small old-school bar with open kitchen and long bar offering plenty of seating and a wide variety of beers. Atmosphere is lively and customer-friendly, often packed even on weeknights with music and sports on multiple TVs. Seating is close together, creating a cramped but energetic vibe.

Dinner offers inexpensive meals with options like a sausage sandwich featuring homemade mustard and sauerkraut.

A cool vibe fills the spot with an old school atmosphere. The place stays very clean and tucked away, adding to its charm.

People are saying

"I thought the burger here was the best in Dallas."

"You have to try the dinner spots here; the chili is awesome."

"It's a super cool spot with a great atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across the street, although there may be a cost.

2

There was free parking before 6 PM.

3

Cash is the only accepted payment method.

05
Bad Chicken image 1
Chicken wings restaurant

Small chicken wings spot with a spacious patio featuring games, TVs, and a gaming console creates a lively, laidback vibe. Indoor space is compact and cozy, suited for small groups. Outdoor area draws families and friends with interactive activities and multiple screens showing sports.

Offers a relaxing atmosphere for dinner with options that satisfy both savory and sweet cravings. Suitable for a late evening meal or a casual dinner outing.

Super nice people create a friendly vibe. The patio features cool games and the staff, especially the gentleman at the front, add to the welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Chicken Caesar wrap is the best thing on the menu."

"The vibe here is really cool and laidback."

"The chicken Caesar wrap is a great dinner spot."

Good to know

1

All-you-can-eat wings are available for $20 on the last Tuesday of every month.

2

Happy hour offers $1 wings in sets of 5 during daily hours.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during all-you-can-eat wings night.

06
Saaya image 1
Restaurant

Vibrant Mediterranean-inspired lounge with hookah service rated 10/10 and live belly dancing performances. Indoor spaces include karaoke pods for groups, while a stunning garden patio offers outdoor seating under the stars. Atmosphere blends a cool, lively vibe with trendy decor and music curated by a DJ.

Trendy lounge offers great food and a stylish setting for dinner. Service stands out during celebratory dinners and private karaoke sessions make it a fun spot to bond with friends.

Dim lighting and cool beats create a chill atmosphere with just the right energy. The spot offers a nice vibe for adults, especially for enjoying hookah.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the creamy, flavorful dip trio."

"The service for dinner spots was amazing and attentive."

"The service here is so cool, with staff like Amanda being truly amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 6 to 8pm with $7 drinks and food.

2

Karaoke pods are available for a fun experience.

3

Reservations are recommended to secure a table or patio spot.

07
Vidorra image 1
Mexican restaurant

Rooftop patio offers great views and transforms into a lively bar with Salsa and Bachata dancing at night. The atmosphere is high-energy and vibrant, with music loud enough to fill the space. Authentic Mexican flavors complement the dynamic social scene.

Saturday night dinners feature amazing bartenders and attentive servers like Kiara. The spot suits casual dinners and special occasions, with Jaleas's section recommended for both lunch and dinner.

A cool patio area and a rooftop bar set a laid back vibe. The atmosphere stays clean and relaxed throughout.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, hot, and flavorful."

"The service at these dinner spots makes you feel like family."

"The vibe here is so cool and laid back."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink options.

2

Food service stops at 10pm, only tacos available after that time.

3

Dancing ends at midnight on Latin Wednesdays with DJ Wander.

08
Armoury D.E. image 1

Bar and courtyard combine low lit ambiance with medieval and witchy decor featuring Hungarian and European influences. Live music energizes the unique Kubrick-inspired outdoor patio, creating a chill yet lively vibe. Craft cocktails and authentic food complement the phenomenal spooky atmosphere.

Casual dinners happen in a quiet setting with hardly anyone there at dinner time. The spot suits after-work drinks and early dinners before it gets busy.

A cool vampires lair vibe sets the tone with old school style decor and a Hungarian theme. The atmosphere stays warm and chill with both indoor and outdoor seating plus a cool bar.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and delicious."

"Their cocktail menu is really cool, with unique ingredients."

"This place has a cool, modern vibe for dinner spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

The venue features live music every Sunday from 6 to 10 PM.

3

Street parking is available, but it can be limited during peak hours.

09
XOXO Dining Room image 1

Bar offers a pink-themed, elegant design with vibrant, Instagram-worthy atmosphere. Music and celebrations include live sparklers and personalized signs, creating a fun, energetic vibe. Hidden outdoor spaces and photo backdrops add unique charm.

Dinner here centers on exquisite dishes and spectacular presentations. Service by Alberto adds a personal touch that enhances the celebration atmosphere.

Atmosphere feels girly and unique with a cool ambiance. The cupcake Ferris wheel and various spots offer great photo ops for groups and selfies.

People are saying

"It's a cute place with a great vibe for dinner."

"The service for our party was patient, kind, and efficient."

"The atmosphere here is really cool and unique."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9 PM, despite advertising 2 AM hours.

2

Guests should know the kitchen closes at 9 PM.

3

Valet parking costs $10, mandatory even for self-parking.

10
Komodo Dallas image 1
Restaurant

Luxurious restaurant with loud music and dark ambiance creates an energetic, vibrant atmosphere. Beautiful design and live music set a spectacular tone, attracting groups and families rather than intimate dinners. Signature cocktails and sushi stand out as distinctive features in the lively setting.

Dinner here offers an amazing experience with memorable meals perfect for celebrations like birthdays. The atmosphere supports special occasions with consistently impressive dinners on weekends.

An atmosphere with a vibey club feel and a cool bar sets a trendy tone. The bathrooms and hallway stand out as extremely cool features.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be totally OK."

"The wagyu dumplings had great texture and sauce, making them the highlight."

"The atmosphere here is super cool and vibey."

Good to know

1

A 21% automatic service charge is added to all bar bills.

2

Brunch costs $72 per person, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like Sake tastings.

11
The Free Man Cajun Cafe & Lounge image 1

Two separate rooms host live jazz and blues bands simultaneously, creating a lively atmosphere with bold Cajun flavors. Open-air design with sliding doors connects indoor and outdoor seating, enhancing the intimate yet energetic vibe. Strong cocktails and artwork displays add to the distinctive experience.

Dinner here pairs live music with meals that many find truly enjoyable. A cover charge applies to sit for dinner, which is uncommon for similar spots.

Live bands create a cool atmosphere with great jazz music. The casual lounge vibe draws a cool crowd enjoying delicious Cajun dishes like po'boys and jambalaya.

People are saying

"The live music here is great and the musicians are talented."

"The food here, especially the red beans and rice with sausage, is heavenly."

"The Cajun food here is authentically delicious, especially the boudin balls."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 cover charge for entry after 6 pm.

2

Parking can be difficult; a nearby garage is available.

3

The venue adds a 20% gratuity to all bills.

12
EL Paisano image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dining area showcases an explosion of pink and roses with an elegant, welcoming atmosphere. Background music ranges from classic Spanish tunes to live bands that energize the space. Late-night crowd enjoys a cheerful, fun vibe with photo opportunities throughout.

Open until 4am on weekends, it offers late-night dinners with live music. Suitable for large celebrations, it handles groups of 12 or more comfortably.

Warm, vibrant, and thoughtfully designed spaces create a cool vibe throughout. Even the restrooms stand out with their unique style.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing and delicious."

"The food at these dinner spots is delicious and well-seasoned."

"The vibe inside is really cool, with vibrant decorations everywhere."

Good to know

1

Live music is available on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 8pm.

2

Cash is preferred for payment, especially for the food truck.

3

Expect higher prices for combo meals compared to individual items.

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Old East Dallas, Dallas

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