Dallas Design District: Top Restaurants and Things To Do

Use our guide to the neighborhood to plan your next outing! While we've mentioned a few spots here, there are so many more to explore! Head out and find your new favorites - and tag @Visit_Dallas on Instagram when you make it there.

Neighborhood Highlights

Dallas Market Center

The most complete wholesale marketplace in the world, Dallas Market Center welcomes more than 400,000 visitors from around the world each year.

Medieval Times

A four-course feast awaits as you watch the pageantry and thrills of an authentic medieval tournament come to life inside the walls of the Queen's 11th century-style castle.

Jade Waters at the Hilton Anatole

Perfect for a summer getaway, Jade Waters at the Hilton Anatole provides a cool escape from the Texas heat.

Where to Eat and Drink the Design District

Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar

The pizzas at Pie Tap is just one highlight you'll find on the menu here. They also serve hand-made pastas, salads, sandwiches, and a brunch menu of breakfast pizzas that are to die for. And try one of their 35 taps of wines and cocktails.

The Charles

Dine on upscale Italian fare at The Charles. Longtime Dallas chef Chas Martin - the Charles himself - brings a sophisticated nightly menu. Indulge at Bar Charles with a bottle of bubbles and light snacks to end the night.

Town Hearth

Swanky drinks and delicious steaks await you under the lights in the dining room at Town Hearth. Catch the action of the kitchen while you enjoy people-watching at one of Dallas' most popular steakhouses.

El Bolero

Get authentic Mexican eats at El Bolero, from the chile relleno to the enchiladas de mole . They also have a vibrant cocktail menu, a rotating raw bar and live musicians on weekends.

Rodeo Goat

Take on the Nanny Goat, a classic burger with a goat cheese twist, before a friendly game of ring toss or a beer on the spacious patio at Rodeo Goat. And don't let the endless options and unique burgers scare you – everything on the menu is delicious.

Ascension Coffee

Specializing in coffees from around the world, this hip space elevates the coffee experience to an art form. Ascension also serves wine by the glass and a vibrant food menu, including tapas to share with the table.

Pakpao

Thai food as artfully presented as it is delicious. The intimate restaurant serves up unique and flavorful dishes, plus a robust cocktail menu that's too good to pass up.

The Slow Bone

No shortage of BBQ in Dallas! Get your fix of sausage, brisket and ribs in the cafeteria-style line that often extends out the door.

Mama's Daughter's Diner

A classic diner with classic food. The restaurant has been in Dallas since 1958 and bakes their own pies, corn bread and rolls daily.

Commons Club

Found inside the Virgin Hotels Dallas, Commons Club is a restaurant and lounge. Expect a modern menu along with bold flavors, live music, drag brunches and other rotating events.

Shodo

A traditional sushi concept featuring pure Japanese sushi as well as unique interpretations of classic sushi in a beautiful space that showcases samurai culture and nods to ancient culture.

Shopping and Activities in the Design District

Lula B's

This funky spot sells a large collection of antique furniture, vintage clothing, art pieces, records and so much more. You'll find something new and funky with every visit, making it an ideal Saturday afternoon activity.

The Cookery

Put your cooking skills to the test as you learn three and four-course meals in guided cooking lessons. Classes last about three hours with different themes and specialties every week.

Bowlounge

Engage in some friendly competition at this vintage-themed bowling alley. Bowlounge features a full restaurant and bar, retro video games and pool tables for all the entertainment you need for a night out.

Arts & Culture

Photographers Do Not Bend Gallery

Dedicated to photo-based art, the Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery shows images from the early 20th century to present day. Artists range from regional, national and internationally recognized photographers.

SITE131

This contemporary art space pairs new art from America and abroad with new works of art by Texas artists. The gallery highlights mostly young talents and complements Dallas' art community through its encyclopedia art museum and artists residency programs.

CINQ Gallery

Known for showing a unique vision from both established artists and those emerging in the scene, CINQ gallery showcases local, regional and national talent that create an exciting experience with two and three-dimensional works of art. Come check out the numerous solo and group shows throughout the year.

Craighead Green Gallery

This gallery represents some of the finest contemporary art from over 40 nationally and internationally recognized artists. The focus is on paintings, prints and sculpture in a number of styles.

Crawshay Gallery

The Crawshay Gallery displays international landscape photography by Phil Crawshay. He uses a gigapixel imaging process that is a computer controlled system to make large images like the Dallas skyline, city landmarks and beautiful architecture, just to name a few.

Cris Worley Fine Arts

Cris Worley Fine Arts is dedicated to promoting artists' innovative works through exhibitions, collaborations with public institutions and organizations and collectors, both locally and internationally.

Dragon Street Glass Gallery

Glass art are the main centerpieces on display at this gallery, with one of the most diverse collections of its kind in Dallas. There are nearly a dozen artists' represented, creating pieces like chandeliers, wall plates and glass bowls.

Liliana Bloch Gallery

The Liliana Bloch Gallery takes a unique approach, emphasizing artwork that addresses contemporary issues with strong historical ties. The gallery represents regional, national and international artists in all media.

Mary Tomas Gallery

The selection of art work at the Mary Tomas Gallery is strategically selected by artists who encompass unique artistic styles and exhibit diverse backgrounds. Check out the many rotating exhibits that showcase paintings, printmaking and sculpture.

Samuel Lynne Galleries

This premier gallery showcases 21st century art, with its primary focus on oil painting, mixed media artwork and sculpture. The beautiful space has 11,000 square feet of space, including a 40-seat multimedia theater.

Joel Cooner Gallery

Focusing on Asian, Oceanic and Tribal artworks, the Joel Cooner Gallery is a unique space that showcases a diverse collection of sculptures and artifacts.

Christopher Martin Gallery

Directed by Natalie Crosby, the Christopher Martin Gallery currently resides on Dragon Street in the Design District. It was founded more than 20 years ago and showcases Martin's work on both acrylic and canvas, offering an atmosphere of both calmness and imagination.

Laura Rathe Fine Art

Laura Rathe Fine Art represents many different contemporary artists work throughout the gallery, and is also displayed inside large corporations like Wells Fargo and UT Southwestern.

The Cidercade

It's a classic arcade combined with a cider tap room, so you can play a round of Pac Man with a pint of the tasty Crackberry in hand. There's more than 80 vintage games to check out, plus a recently opened expansion with room for skee ball and hoops.

Peticolas Brewing Company

Voted the best brewery in Texas, Peticolas is a must on any trip to Dallas. Visit the Taproom to try one of their 16 beers on tap, play some foosball and check out the latest sports game on one of their many flat screens.

Texas Ale Project

Texas Ale Project came on the Dallas brewery scene in 2014, and they've been brewing home-grown ales ever since. Try one of the local favorites like the Fire Ant Funeral or Good to Go.

Community Beer Company

Check out this award-winning brewing for the finest brews in town from the year-round Mosaic IPA to the seasonal Snickerdoodle Ale. They offer a brewery tour and open house every Saturday, complete with tastings of their latest beers and live music.