A Greenville Avenue mainstay since 2006, this popular gastropub offers a laid-back buzz, great people-watching and a host of events, ranging from beer and wine specials to tappings, pairing dinners, game-watching parties and family-friendly contests. For beer drinkers, Libertine's brew count runs the gamut from local crafts on tap to imported ales and lagers. And it doesn't skip a beat with its selection of wines, infused spirits and signature craft cocktails. Libations aren't the only draw-- the folks behind the bar place as much emphasis on food as they do on drinks. Here, vegans, vegetarians and die-hard carnivores can graze on everything from flatbreads with butternut squash, fig and bleu cheese to oxtail tacos, apricot glazed tenderloin kebabs and vegan quinoa burgers. Equally impressive is the weekend brunch line-up featuring champagne tipples for only $2.50.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: The Libertine Bar puts on the best beer pairing dinners in town.
Ilene's expert tip: Be sure to check out the Texas Beer & Wine Wednesdays featuring $3 Texas beers (in a can, bottle or draught), discounted Texas wine by the glass and 1/2 price Texas wine by the bottle.
This fast-casual eatery, wedged in next to Trader Joe's, is a top spot for locals craving a quick bibimbap fix. Here, diners can tuck into 8 different set-ups of the Korean staple, ranging from the traditional version with short rib to coconut curry with tofu and spicy chicken & dumplings. And if you don't like the configured choices, there's also the option to create your own from a wide assortment of goodies. However, it's not just bibimbap on offer here--the menu has a few wild cards up its sleeve, including crispy Korean fried chicken, smoked, glazed pork belly, and even samosa egg rolls. While it may be a counter service type of place, the food here is top-notch and its industrial-chic decor offers an appealing setting in which to partake in a few Asian beers or soju-based cocktails.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: Bbbop Seoul Kitchen ranks among the best Korean food restaurants in Dallas.
Ilene's expert tip: Follow bbbop Seoul@bbbopseoul on Twitter to score freebies and discounts of food and drinks.
For over two decades this cozy, candlelit seafood tavern has been shelling out some of the most succulent lobster and seaworthy fare in town. The reasonably priced menu, an ode to the bounty of the East, West and Gulf coasts, runs from mussels marinara and New England style crab cakes to upscale classics like Alaskan king crab legs, grilled tuna and shrimp scampi. The lobster bisque-- a rich, velvety smooth treat — is deservedly acclaimed, as is the cioppino, (one of the daily specials)--featuring a tangle of lobster, clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp and tomatoes in a heavenly saffron spiked seafood broth. Even better is the aforementioned Maine lobster, which can be had with a loaded baked potato and vegetable for only $16.95--Monday through Wednesday. Don't leave anything to chance, book ahead before you come.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: The lobster dinners here are not only the best in town, but also the least expensive.
Ilene's expert tip: Celebrating an anniversary or birthday? Be sure to let the folks at Daddy Jack's know so you can score a glass of champagne or a dessert on the house.
At HG Sply, which translates into hunter and gathering supply, gastronomes can fuel up on food that takes its inspiration from the Stone Age. But make no mistake, this hipster oasis of re-purposed wood and exposed brick isn't turning out the kind of fare your average caveman munched on thousands of years back. Instead, you'll find more modern variations on the theme. While paleo-centric folks can gnaw on coffee crusted ribeyes with lemon & garlic roasted Brussels sprouts, locavores can customize their bowls with earthly goodies like caramelized parsnips and toasted cashew quinoa pilaf. Non-paleo options include jalapeno bratwurst with smoked bourbon-ancho-apple butter and pulled pork nachos. Though, spirits aren't usually part of the paleo plan, the libations here are worth a diet detour. The Double Under, with beet-infused tequila, lime and rosemary syrup, hits the spot. Trek up to the rooftop terrace where you can order a frozen version.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: HG Sply is one of the only places where meat eaters and vegetarians can eat in perfect harmony.
Ilene's expert tip: Take advantage of $3 craft beers and $5 appetizers during happy hour on the rooftop terrace, daily from 4-7 p.m.
Dallas has almost as many sushi restaurants as it does Tex-Mex ones, but not many live up to, and in this case, exceed expectations like this pocket-sized sushi-paradise does. And with its sleek decor and prominent sushi counter, Teppo would fit just as comfortably in a Tokyo suburb as it does on lowest Greenville. The chef, Tomoaki "Tommy" Nishigaya, not only sources excellent quality fish and seafood, he also possesses the skill in bringing out its best flavors. Soy marinated, torched toro is a regular crowd-pleaser, while Spanish mackerel, sea urchin and Kumamoto oysters are showcased as well. Not-to-be missed is the miso-marinated foie gras with toasted chopped pecan. But save room for the yakitori, which ranges from char-grilled chicken, duck and quail to beef, pork and organ meats. Desserts are equally interesting, especially the house made ice creams that come in flavors like black sesame with azuki beans or green tea.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: Teppo is one of the best places to find quality sushi and sashimi in Dallas.
Ilene's expert tip: Arrive early (before the dinner rush) and request a seat at the far end of the sushi bar in front of the chef.
When you're in the mood for well-constructed small plates served up in a convivial atmosphere, this much buzzed about eatery should be on your list. The menu, conceived under Randall Warder, a former chef at Dallas' five-star Mansion Restaurant, offers a slew of sharing plates and house-smoked options with a modern Texas slant. Along with items like saltine crusted oysters, smoked catfish dip and balsamic glazed brisket meatballs, you'll find everything from roasted marrow bones with truffle salt and salumi topped flatbreads to smoked quail and tofu. The restaurant also serves breakfast all day, as well as lunch and weekend brunch. Boozy choices include artisanal cocktails, local craft beer on tap and a selection of global wines. Save a spot for dessert: the sticky toffee pudding is insanely good.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: Clark Food & Wine is the best place for a casual night out with the gang.
Ilene's expert tip: Indulge in food specials and $4 mini cocktails during Happy Hour, daily from 4-7 p.m. Even better, everyone in the bar during happy hour receives a free drink.
Those who like to tuck into Middle Eastern cuisine will find an enticing flush of sumptuous stews, succulent kabobs and exquisite dips at Dallas' only Afghani restaurant. Here, you'll find familiar favorites like hummus and dolmas alongside kabobs of chicken, beef, shrimp and lamb. But it's dishes such as kadu buranee, an appetizer of sautéed pumpkin in a garlic yogurt and meat sauce, and mantoo, steamed dumplings filled with braised beef-- that distinguishes Nora's type of cooking from most other Middle Eastern fare. Unique sweets, like cardamom and rosewater flavored ice cream-- or firnee, a milk pudding flavored with pistachios, cardamom and rosewater, are too good to pass up. To drink, try an exotic martini with cardamom infused vodka and rose water. Be sure to reserve a spot on the rooftop terrace, it offers spectacular views of downtown Dallas.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: Nora serves the most succulent Middle Eastern food in an amazing setting.
Ilene's expert tip: Nora offers happy hour specials on small plates, cocktails, wine and beer-- from 5 to 7p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Since this meat-centric haunt opened in 2014, hipster gourmands have been gladly squeezing into its handsomely, rustic space to savor a menu ranging from hand-cranked sausages and hand-crafted charcuterie to dolled up versions of Quebecois poutine. Executive chef Oliver Sitrin's seasonal menu is definitely more creative than most gastropubs. Witness a starter of thinly slivered strips of pig ears, fried crisp and served with lemon aioli. Diners can also tuck into everything from pastrami egg rolls, duck fat fries and shepherd's pie to veggie offerings like broccolini with black truffle fondue. To wash everything down, there's a selection of twenty-four artisanal brews on draft and another fifty by the bottle, as well as a roundup of wine and cocktails. Try to score a spot on the massive patio out back, it's one of the best places in Dallas to soak up a cold brew.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: The Blind Butcher is the most popular bar and restaurant on Greenville Avenue.
Ilene's expert tip: The Blind Butcher offers happy hour daily from 4-6pm with $2 off all beer, wine and cocktails and $5 off bottles of wine. If you can't score parking along Greenville Ave, there's more available behind Truck Yard on Sears St.
Dallas' best bakery? The local Francophiles who stake out this bastion of baguettes think so, and with good reason. The shop's hearth-baked boules, crusty baguettes and buttery croissants are as good as any found across the Atlantic. Boulangerie also churns out lunchtime fare, including quiches, spinach/feta croissants, croque monsieurs and rustic style sandwiches filled with duck confit, cheese and jam-- all of which are best enjoyed on its lovely patio. Everyone raves about Boulangerie's kouign amanns, a flaky, buttery pastry coated in a crispy sugar crust. But, even better are the Bordeaux-style canelés-- bell-shaped cakes with caramelized crusts and custardy centers. Time it right and you could snag a fresh one straight from the oven.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: Boulangerie serves the most authentic French breads and pastries in Texas.
Ilene's expert tip: They sell out of baked goods often, so if there's something special you want, be sure to call and ask to have it saved for you.
The folks behind Remedy have taken the traditional soda fountain concept into the 21st century by serving up-to-date versions of favorite countertop classics. You'll find house-made sodas in flavors like kaffir lime and Meyer lemon, sundaes topped with hemp seed brittle and an array of egg creams that can even be spiked with booze. And if you're hankering for something to help the fizz go down, Remedy has that covered too. Executive chef and former Top Chef contestant Danyele McPherson whips up everything from upscale fried bologna sandwiches and pork belly BLTs to shrimp with bacon-cheddar grits and southern fried duck confit. The sleek surrounds come complete with vintage soda fountains, plush banquettes and art deco chandeliers. Finish off with one of the sundae concoctions. Or if it's available, order a slice of coconut pie topped with swirls of meringue and candied coconut.
Recommended for Lowest Greenville's Best Restaurants because: Remedy offers the best desserts and upscale comfort food in Dallas.
Ilene's expert tip: Remedy offers $2 house-made sodas, $5 highball cocktails, $4 deviled eggs and cheeseburgers for $6.50. during its weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m.