The metroplex has no shortage of terrific burger joints, though it's not every day you can find a patty made out of camel or kangaroo. If you don't feel up to getting intimately involved with the wilder side of the menu, no worries, there's also burgers made from turkey, beef and black bean. Toppings, meanwhile, run the gamut from classic lettuce and tomato to peanut butter, potato chips and blue cheese. And that's not taking into account all the house-made sauces. Not one for decision making? Then go with Guy Fieri's fave; the barbecue Western Burger loaded up with bacon, fried onion strings, jalapenos and pepper jack cheese. Trust us, there's not much room for anything beyond this bad boy, except maybe a side of fried pickles. Chase it with a homemade root beer or a banana custard milkshake spiked with Baileys for an ultimate carb-and-dairy snack attack.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: Twisted Root was named the best burger joint in Arlington.
Ilene's expert tip: Happy Hour is offered from 2:34-6:34 p.m.�—Monday through Friday.
Judging by its name, you might think this unassuming spot's sole ethos is dishing up those classic Greek sandwiches made out of succulent rotisserie meats. And you'd be partially correct. Gyros House does crank out solid gyros, but it also serves up a fine assortment of Mediterranean specialties, ranging from falafel, dolmas and hommus to terrific charcoal broiled kabobs. Even better? The most expensive thing on the menu is $7.99, and you can snag one of those meat-filled pockets of goodness for less than a fiver. Plus, there's a drive-thru window for those who want to grab their meals on-the-go. Not to be overlooked is the hand-made balkawa: the cashew is good, but the pinenut one is even better.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: For a Mediterranean feast of deliciousness under $8, Gyro House is your happy place.
Ilene's expert tip: Note that Gyro House closes at 8:30 p.m. and does not serve alcohol.
For an ever-expanding chain (there are three branches in DFW and over 100 outposts throughout the U.S.) this fast-casual pizza purveyor bats well above average. We're talking 11-inches of crispy, thin-crust pies, crafted from scratch-made dough, topped with premium toppings and cooked in an open-flame oven in under 180 seconds. Plus you can load 'em up with everything from applewood bacon and grilled chicken to veggies, gorgonzola and pesto sauce for less than $8. Don't feel like making decisions? Then opt for one of the pre-configured pies like the Green Stripe, with pesto drizzled grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, arugula, chopped garlic and mozzarella. Prefer thick crust? Ask for a high-rise version of their original crust. Gluten-intolerant? No problem, they do gluten-free pies with vegan cheese too. And local craft beer and an awesome patio only add to the appeal. No wonder this place has a cult-like following.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: Blazed boasts seriously good pizza at a seriously good price.
Ilene's expert tip: In a hurry? Order online ahead of time and avoid the wait.
Forget sushi and sashimi and say aloha to poke (pronounced poh-keh), the popular Hawaiian diced-fish and rice dish that's been taking the mainland by storm. Billed as the first Hawaiian poke restaurant in the state, this fast-casual eatery, located about 10 miles from Globe Life Park, promises endless build-your-own poke options at a bargain, with regular and large sized bowls priced at $8.50 and $10.95. The process is simple: Start with a base of rice, salad or both; pick a protein (tuna, yellowtail, salmon) and then load up on included toppings like crabmeat, seaweed salad, ginger, pineapple and orange fish roe. Finally, finish it all off with either ponzu, shoyu or a spicy mayo sauce and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. And if raw fish isn't your thing, they can whip it up with fried salmon, popcorn shrimp or tofu. Complement your bowl with a Hawaiian Sun litchi drink, and whatever you do, don't skip on the homemade macarons.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: For technicolor fish laden salads, bursting with flavorsome healthiness, say aloha to this Hawaiian sensation taking Arlington by storm.
Ilene's expert tip: Follow on Facebook or sign up for email notifications of special offers. Take note that there is no alcohol served here.
This Arlington fixture has been around for more than 30 years, and judging by the stream of folks who flock here at all times of day, clearly they're doing something right. The secret? They bake their own bread (wheat and white) and they cut the meat and cheese for each sandwich to order. There are also salads, soups, nachos and pasta dishes on offer, but we go straight for those superb subs. The menu features more than two dozen options, ranging from hot pastrami with cheese to eggplant parmigiana and peanut butter, banana and honey. But if you want to cut straight to the good stuff order the blackjack: hearty, hot and crammed with goodies like baked ham, peppered beef, mushrooms, provolone cheese and cream cheese, it's hands down one of the best around. Factor in some fresh squeezed lemonade or a malt and you're good to go. Oh, they also make killer gourmet ice cream, in case you need another reason to come.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: Dino's cranks out the most substantial and sublime subs in the metroplex.
Ilene's expert tip: Avoid the lines by phoning in your order before you come. Look for the menu posted on Dino's Facebook page.
Featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, this mom-and-pop joint has been serving some of the best Lebanese fare in Arlington for almost three decades. We're talking everything from traditional meze platters ( hummus, babaganoush, tabouli salad, kalamata olives, and pita) to perfectly crisp-shelled falafels and flame-licked kebabs. Speaking of kebabs, the star is the shish tawoo; chunks of yogurt marinated chicken breast, flame grilled until perfectly smoky, and served on a bed of rice with grilled vegetables, pita and cucumber sauce on the side. And don't leave without trying the baklava, your taste buds will thank you. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for daily lunch and dinner specials.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: Seriously good hummus is only the start of good things to come at Arlington's most popular Lebanese eatery.
Ilene's expert tip: Prince offers lunch specials for $7.99 on weekdays. It's also BYOB here.
Contrary to popular belief, hotel eateries aren't all about overpriced drinks and mediocre food. And this rustically-chic dining destination, tucked inside the Hilton near Globe Life Park is proof of that. At R Bar & Grill, you'll find chef-driven gastropub fare that runs the gamut from blackened scallops with jalapeno cheddar grits to Kobe sliders, mahi mahi tacos and cowboy rib-eye steaks. But clearly it's the wood-fired pizzas (think: chorizo with tequila infused pineapple and queso blanco ) that steal the show. Back it all up with raspberry margaritas, or have a cocktail of your choice crafted from an impressive list of spirits. If cocktails aren't your thing, there's also an extensive list of wine and artisanal brews. Don't overlook desserts, the Dr Pepper cake (dense chocolate cake with Dr. Pepper fondant and raspberry sauce) is insane.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: R Bar & Grill is Arlington's prime spot for creative bar bites, cocktails and good times.
Ilene's expert tip: There's happy hour Monday-Friday, from 11a.m. to 7 p.m. And keep an eye out for game day specials, posted on Facebook, that include 1/2 priced pizzas and drinks.
From smoked brisket, barbecue ribs and fried chicken to catfish, jambalaya and seafood etouffee, this is just a little of what to expect at this Cajun/soul food hole-in-the-wall tucked along an unassuming shopping strip near Globe Life Park. The cafe is the brainchild of chef Damian L. Placide Sr., a Lousiana native who honed in on his cooking skills when he worked at his mother's diner in New Iberia, LA. A short list of around five dishes (with accompanying sides) are offered on a daily changing menu, all of which can be had for between $8-$10. Oh, and those sides, which come in the form of red beans and rice; candied yams; smothered cabbage and jalapeño spiked mac & cheese, aren't too shabby either. You're definitely going want more than the two that are included with each main. Ditto for hush puppies and cornbread. Order extra helpings of those too. Be sure to check out the desserts as well. The peach cobbler, crowned with a rich pecan crust, is stellar.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: Whenever you're in the mood for home-cooked Louisiana style soul food, it doesn't get any better than at Damian's.
Ilene's expert tip: Check out Damian's Facebook page to find out about daily specials.
If you're looking for a quiet dinner, you'll probably want to go elsewhere. But if you're in the mood for good times and terrific southern cooking�— then Babe's is the spot for you. Ranked one of the three best fried chicken restaurants in America by Southern Living magazine, this family owned mini-chain (with nine locations across the DFW area) is as famous for its crunchy, golden fried chicken as it is for the wait staff and customers who regularly break out into dances of the Hokey-Pokey. But be warned, you'll want to bring along an appetite, this place turns out a spread of down-home comforts like no other. Expect to find everything from fried chicken to hickory-smoked chicken, chicken-fried steak and fried catfish served up family-style with a slew of unlimited sides. And while the fried chicken is certainly phenomenal, the biscuits, which come with a side of honey and sorghum syrup, are almost worth a trip here on their own. Just be sure to save room for dessert: the homemade pies are legendary.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: Chicken rules the roost at this family-owned comfort food institution.
Ilene's expert tip: Take note that this place is BYOB, so don't forget your drink. There's plenty of parking available behind the restaurant.
Hidden on the 9th floor of an office building, this romantic French-inspired steakhouse is within shouting distance of Globe Life Park, and is a perfect venue for those looking for something more upscale than casual eating options. While it's a bit pricey, with a la carte mains starting at around $33 for a filet mignon, it also happens to have an incredible three-course option— that at $49.75 offers a varied enough choice to satisfy even the most finicky gourmets. The prix-fixe menu kicks off with everything from sautéed jumbo sea scallops and escargots before moving on the items such as Norwegian salmon, roasted duck breast and rack of lamb. As for desserts, expect to find French favorites like chocolate soufflé and white chocolate mouse mille-feuille. Better still, you don't need to sport formal attire to dine here—the restaurant welcomes casual diners as well as those celebrating a special occasion. Keep an eye out for half-priced coupons on Groupon and Yipit.
Recommended for Restaurants near Globe Life Park in Arlington because: When you fancy an upscale dinner with a bit of glamour, Cacharel sets the perfect tone.
Ilene's expert tip: Coupons for half-price dining are often available online. Monday and Tuesday nights between 5-7 PM, the three-course menu is offered for just $35 per person.