This Uptown dive is one of Dallas' best kept secrets. Hook Line & Sinker doesn't have a website, but it does have some of the best seafood in town, and it's cooked homestyle - think battered in cornmeal and fried. The atmosphere is casual and the crowd is one of the most diverse in Dallas. Some of the best dishes there include the 1 lb of boiled shrimp and 1 lb of boiled crab legs (served with corn on the cob and boiled potatoes), the fried catfish basket and the Mexican shrimp cocktail. Don't miss the raw oysters during the winter months.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Hook Line and Sinker specializes in Texan homestyle seafood dishes.
Denise's expert tip: Sit on one of the patio picnic benches for great people watching.
If you're in the mood for fast food or delivery, but want to skip the chains, head on over to Cowboy Chicken on Greenville Ave. This delicious restaurant has been serving Dallas diners for more than 30 years, and it specializes in natural chicken. All the chicken there is cooked on a rotisserie over a wood-burning fire, which seated diners can watch. Some of the most popular dishes there are the natural chicken and chicken enchiladas. The BEST sides there include the famous twice-baked potatoes, ranchero beans, grilled campfire veggies and the tomato and cucumber salad. And don't forget dessert! Cowboy Chicken makes the best homemade peach cobbler in town!
Recommended for Homestyle because: Cowboy Chicken has the best peach cobbler in Big D!
Denise's expert tip: Don't miss the famous twice-baked potatoes.
In business since 1981, this folksy eatery prides itself on having a single location and making everything in-house. That way, they control the quality and the experience. Cafeteria-style service ensures that lines move quickly and that you'll get your hickory-smoked pork ribs, Polish sausage, beef brisket, turkey breast, and more as effortlessly as possible. Homestyle sides include jalapeno pinto beans and rice, garlic and cheddar smashed potatoes, fried okra, and garlic slaw. Come hungry; heaping portions at a great price are sure to please. This Texan homestyle spot is great for families! It is conveniently located near Parkland Medical Center just West of Downtown.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Mike Anderson's BBQ house features homestyle Texan barbecue and sides!
Denise's expert tip: Don't miss the garlic and cheddar smashed potatoes!
Fajitas and tacos abound at Mia's, making for satisfying meals. Family-run and -operated, Mia's sports casual, fun ambiance and affordable prices. Specialties include spinach enchiladas, brisket tacos in a rich gravy, shredded chicken chimichangas, and carne asada. Combination dinners and lunch specials up the ante on heartiness and value and start out with delicious spicy salsa and chips. Extras include savory rellenos (stuffed chili peppers) and friendly service. Frequented by everyone from locals to celebrities. Mia's is located in a little house on Lemmon Ave, so it's convenient to Downtown and Uptown visitors. The restaurant has traditional Mexican decor, so casual dress is fine.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Mia's Tex Mex has the best brisket tacos in town.
Denise's expert tip: Family-run Tex-Mexer consistently delivers tasty, affordable grub; festive setting.
Cafe Brazil features a cozy environment and homestyle Latin comfort food at its best. Try one of many sandwiches, like honey mustard chicken sandwich or the BLT. Along with scrumptious desserts and an unending supply of coffee, crepes of all kinds (dipped in cinnamon egg batter) and Latin favorite like turkey migas are available all day. One of the best drinks on the menu perfect for cold or rainy days is the hot chocolate. You'll find great service and a laid-back atmosphere that attracts an eclectic crowd. Outdoor seating is an added perk, and the cafe is open all night. Cafe Brazil is both inexpensive and satisfying.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Cafe Brazil serves up Latin-style comfort food in an eclectic setting!
Denise's expert tip: If you're in the mood, order breakfast any time of day.
This appealing place is a great choice for a hearty meal anytime. If the weather permits, take a seat on the multi-level patio before digging into items like chicken fried steak, hamburgers and enchiladas. On the weekends, eggs benedict, build-your-own tacos, biscuits 'n' gravy, chicken-fried steak with eggs, pancakes, and omelets are great choices. Your Dallas 10Best expert's favorite homestyle breakfast item is the migas, a scrumptious combination of scrambled eggs, corn tortilla strips, onions, tomatoes and cheese. Don't feel like you need to dress to impress at Ozona Grill and Bar. Showing up in flip flops, t-shirts and shorts is totally fine.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Ozona Bar and Grill features Texan comfort at its best - chicken fried steak and Tex Mex.
Denise's expert tip: Don't miss the make-your-own bloody mary bar on the weekends.
Dependable Tex-Mex dishes are the hallmark of this local institution, established more than 35 years ago. How has it thrived in the fickle Dallas restaurant scene for so long? Adherence to simple, delicious preparations and friendly customer service have a lot to do with it. Start with a flavorful plate of nachos, and then choose from a wealth of Texan favorites. Enchiladas, chicken mole, flautas, tacos, and chalupas can be had in an endless variety of combinations — dig in! Ojeda's is one of Dallas' favorite lunch spots, and you can even order Tex-Mex breakfast staples, such as chorizo and eggs, during the day.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Ojeda's Mexican Restaurant has the best homestyle Tex-Mex in Dallas.
Denise's expert tip: Go early during lunch - Ojeda's gets packed on the weekdays.
Babe's Chicken Dinner House serves up Texan comfort food in a family style manner. While the fried chicken is always a hit, don't miss the chicken tenders served with gravy! Other popular menu items there include chicken fried steak, fried catfish and hickory smoked chicken. Choose from a wide variety of Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, Grandma's corn and buttermilk biscuits. End your meal with one of many homemade desserts such as banana pudding, lemon meringue pie, coconut meringue pie and pineapple upside-down cake. All meals are served family style, which means that you pick different meats and sides and they come out in large bowls for the entire family to share.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Babe's Chicken Dinner House serves homestyle food in a family style way!
Denise's expert tip: The banana pudding for dessert is a Texan favorite!
AllGood Cafe in Deep Ellum is hands-down, the best Texan homestyle restaurant in Dallas. Specializing in comfort food like the "World's Best" chicken fried steak, chicken fried steak, braised short ribs and mealoaf, AllGood Cafe really knows how to make food just like your Mama. Homestyle sides there include mashed potatoes, green beans, zucchini and squash, glazed carrots, black-peas and sliced tomatoes - the food most Texans grew up with. AllGood Cafe uses local suppliers and quality ingredients, and there's always country and western music playing in the background. There are healthy options, like grilled chicken and shrimp, for diners watching their calories, as well.
Recommended for Homestyle because: AllGood Cafe has one of the best chicken fried steaks in Dallas.
Denise's expert tip: On Tuesday nights, buy two entrees and get the less expensive one for free.
Mama's Daughters' enjoys a loyal local following and is widely regarded as one of the best deals in Dallas. It specializes in "soul food," and even Paula Dean is impressed by this local spot. From scrumptious homestyle Southern breakfasts of pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs to lunch specials that include fried steak smothered in cream gravy, roast beef, chicken and dumplings, and fresh vegetables, this cozy favorite always has the cure for what ails you. If you're in the mood for something sweet, try the homemade cinnamon rolls. There are several locations around the Dallas metroplex, and the one near downtown is usually the busiest.
Recommended for Homestyle because: Mama's Daughters' Diner has the best homestyle food in Dallas.
Denise's expert tip: Save room for a slice of pie!