Regardless of where you chose to dine, a visit to Trinity Groves wouldn't be complete without indulging in a bit of chocolate nirvana at acclaimed chocolatier Kate Weiser's shop. Weiser is best known for her stunning, hand-painted bonbons in flavors like sweet potato, truffle honey and key lime pie. But she also whips up everything from candy bars (think passion praline with passion fruit cream and hazelnut gianduja) to a variety of French macarons, all of which can be enjoyed in the shop with an espresso or cup of hot chocolate. Keep an eye out for hand-crafted ice cream during the summer. Note that the shop stays open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: Kate Weiser was named one the world's best chocolatiers by Conde Nast Traveler.
Ilene's expert tip: Kate Weiser offers chocolate making classes on Saturdays for $100 per person. There are also locations at NorthPark Center in Dallas and The Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth.
Forget Texas barbecue, the brothers behind this laid back smokehouse serve up their native Kansas City-style 'cue, which means you can expect to find lip-smacking St. Louis pork ribs and BBQ beef burnt ends. There's also succulent brisket, smoked breast of turkey, pulled pork and jalapeno sausages as well as fried catfish. Can't decide? Go for a combo platter where you can dig into a generous sampling of meats and sides. As for those sides, don't skip the tobacco onion straws and cheesy potatoes. Make sure to leave room for dessert, they make a mean banana pudding.
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: Babb Brothers is the best place to get BBQ with a side of live music.
Ilene's expert tip: There's free live music from 7- 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Note that the burnt ends are only available on Saturday.
With its light wood interior and communal tables, Sushi Bayashi could fit as easily in a Tokyo suburb as it does in Trinity Groves. Which is exactly the idea that chef/owner Yuki Hirabayashi had when he fashioned this place after the traditional izakayas in his hometown Tokyo neighborhood of Shitamachi. Head here for a terrific lineup of nigiri sushi and sashimi along with specialties like grilled yellowtail rib bones and Japanese Wagyu beef hot rock. Also, be sure to check out the chalkboard for daily arrivals from Japan. To drink, there's Japanese beer, whiskey and shochu as well as an extensive selection of sake and sake-infused cocktails.
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: Sushi Bayashi offers high-quality sushi for refreshingly low prices, plus it has an amazing sake selection.
Ilene's expert tip: Happy hour is offered all day on Sundays.
As the name suggests, Souk specializes in kebabs, which include everything from chicken, salmon, lamb and beef to eggplant masala and paneer tikka. But the Medi-Middle Eastern-inspired menu goes well beyond kebabs. Find a wide variety of mezza options, from baba ghanoush to lamb hummus, harissa apricot wings and moussaka alongside tajines, shawarmas, rotisserie chicken and more. Those with a sweet tooth will want to try the kinafa, a shredded phyllo dough dessert stuffed with sweet cheese that's topped with saffron syrup and pistachios. A full bar offers classic and exotic cocktails plus craft beer and wine. Don't miss the live belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: Dining at Souk is an exotic experience for all the senses.
Ilene's expert tip: Score ½ price select mezze items ½ price select bottles of wine; $4 wells and $5 select cocktails during happy hour, offered Monday - Thursday from 3- 7 p.m. and all day on Wednesday.
This craft brewpub features an excellent rotating roster of ales, ciders and lagers, all of which come from independent brewers located within a 75-mile radius. And it's not just for drinking, the beer shows up in the food too. Expect to find meat and cheese-filled turnovers served with beer-cheese fondue and beer-battered fish & chips along with beer-infused ice cream and craft cocktails. You can also chow down on excellent salads, grass-fed beef burgers, sandwiches, plus entrees such as smoked meatloaf and pan-seared salmon. The Sunday brunch gives you the opportunity to wash down chilaquiles or pastrami eggs benedict with beer-laced mimosas and kombucha. Be sure to check the website for frequent beer-related events.
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: A whopping selection of local brews, an awesome patio and top-notch pub grub make Luck a great option for casual dining in Trinity Groves.
Ilene's expert tip: Luck takes a limited number of large group reservations for parties of 8 or more Sunday through Thursday. There's also a kid's menu offered.
Something of a cult-burger destination, Off-Site Kitchen is one of several successful restaurants by local chef Nick Badovinus who first opened this place in the Design District in 2012. The local favorite is a griddled quarter pounder consisting of house-ground Angus chuck, onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo on a brioche bun. At $4.99 a pop, it's hard to pass up. But diners can also order their burgers decked out with everything from barbecue brisket to peanut butter and bacon with hot pepper jam. And burgers aren't the only draw, there's Nashville hot fried chicken, sloppy Joe tacos plus a host of salads and sandwiches as well. Best of all, everything on the menu comes in under $10, booze-laced slushies included.
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: Off-Site Kitchen offers some of the best burger bang for your buck.
Ilene's expert tip: The lines can be long when visiting Off-Site Kitchen at peak times. A great option is to call in your order ahead of time and have a picnic on nearby Ron Kirk Bridge.
Proof that a plant-based diet doesn't have to be boring, V-Eats serves up an impressive all-vegan spread filled with a host of soul-satisfying options. There are salads and veggie dishes of course, but diners can also tuck into everything from smoked artichoke & sausage pizza to chicken fried steak, chili cheese dogs, burgers and green chicken curry burritos. Not to mention, nearly everything is made from scratch (even the vegan cheese) and most menu items are gluten, nut and soy-free. Look out for Sunday brunch with chicken & waffles, Migas and pancakes, plus can't miss desserts like banana foster bread pudding.
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: V-Eats offers enough selection that even non-vegan eaters can be happily satiated.
Ilene's expert tip: V-Eats features vegan beer, wines and cocktails.
This saloon-style steakhouse named for the collegiate sports hall of fame comes by way of Bob Sambol of the legendary restaurant chain Bob's Steak and Chop House and Chef James Rose. Expect to find all the classic cuts, including Wagyu sirloins, filet mignon and slow-roasted prime rib alongside family-style sides such as creamed spinach, roasted potatoes and house-made buttered egg noodles. In addition to beef, there's also veal chops, rack of lamb, lobster and several fish options. Kick off the meal with Creole strudel stuffed with seafood and andouille sausage. Don't sleep on the Heath bar brownie sundae.
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: Come here for a high-quality meat feast in a cozy, clubby setting.
Ilene's expert tip: All you can eat prime rib for $49.95 is on offer from 5-9 p.m. every 4th Sunday of the month.
This upscale Italian spot with a swanky rooftop lounge and a classic Italian American supper club vibe comes from Trinity Groves founder Phil Romano and executive chef Jay Valley. Expect to find modern renditions of classic favorites like chicken parm, seafood linguini and veal marsala plus pizzas, pot roast and New York strips. Bring companions to dig into a 3-course family-style dinner ($29.87 per person for parties of 4 or more) which comes with a selection of starters, salads and mains, including things like crispy ravioli, Caesar salad and Sicilian lasagna. Don't skip the cannoli for dessert.
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: Saint Rocco's is a perfect destination for a date night.
Ilene's expert tip: Appetizers and drinks are available on the rooftop terrace on Fridays and Saturdays. Half-priced bottles of wine are offered on Wednesday nights.
Perhaps one of the most popular restaurants in Trinity Groves, this father and son run Mexican restaurant features a creative, modern twist to old-school family cooking. We're talking Mexican-style poutine; scratch crafted sopes; roasted Fideo pasta bowls and stacked enchiladas as well as fajitas, tacos and tortas. Most everything is either crafted in-house or locally sourced, and the tortillas are all made to order. Speaking of made to order, the tableside prepared guacamole and nitro margaritas merit a stop on their own. Do not overlook the churros. And don't even get us started on Sunday brunch (think bread pudding French toast with prickly pear syrup and cajeta).
Recommended for Trinity Groves' Best Restaurants because: When you're craving Mexican food and margaritas that are a little less ordinary, Beto and Son is the place to go.
Ilene's expert tip: Beto & Son hosts a Salsa Night from 7-10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. They also offer a vegan menu.