Overview
North Dallas is a district of Dallas. It encompasses neighbourhoods north of downtown, including the separate municipalities of Highland Park and University Park (together called Park Towns). It extends north of Downtown to around LBJ, the loop freeway, and far north to Addison. It also encompasses Lake Highlands, a largely residential area bordering Garland on the north and Mesquite on the east.
5 sights · 10 things to do · 26 places to eat · 15 bars & cafés · 24 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about North Dallas
George W. Bush Presidential Library
Former President Bush's library, containing various exhibits and artifacts from his presidency
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Located along the south banks of White Rock Lake.
Meadows Museum of Art
Houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish Art outside of Spain, including works by El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo, Goya, Miró and Picasso, and a 40-by-90 foot moving sculpture, Wave, d…
Koreatown
Dallas is home to the largest Korean-American community in Texas. Although their homes are spread out across North Dallas and the northern suburbs, businesses which cater to the Korean community are concentrated in the n…
Texas High School Football
North Dallas offers great entertainment on Friday nights seen in few places in the country. High School football holds a special status in Texas, and this area is no different. Enjoy 20,000 plus fan atmospheres and excit…
Granada Theater
The Granada Theater is a great place to enjoy good music. Live music, gourmet food, full bar. Voted Best Live Music Venue 2007-2010 by Dallas Observer.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Feb–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 97°F; winter lows dip to about 38°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Oct and May. (climate data from nearby Dallas)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DAL Dallas Love Field, Dallas — 5 mi away (major hub). Directions
- DFW Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth — 16 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Meadows Museum of Art, SMU Mustangs, George W. Bush Presidential Library
- Lunch New York Subs
- Afternoon Granada Theater, Fourth of July Parade
- Dinner Campisi's
- Evening Fadi's Mediterranean Grill
Day 2
- Morning Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Tenison Park Golf Club
- Lunch La Calle Doce
- Afternoon Texas High School Football
- Dinner Jimmy's Food Store
- Evening Dubliner
Day 3
- Morning Koreatown
- Lunch Korea House
- Afternoon Luna Vista Golf Course
- Dinner Shinsei
- Evening Escapade 2009
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
The densely packed area of restaurants on Belt Line Rd. continues on into the restaurant row of neighboring Addison.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
University Park, a predominantly residential community of 23,000 residents, is approximately 5 miles (8 km) north of downtown Dallas. The City is the home of Southern Methodist University and is also known for its attractive homes, beautiful parks, and numerous churches. The location of University Park in north-central Dallas provides easy access to a broad range of cultural, recreational, shopping, and business activities.
Knox/Henderson is a split personality urban neighborhood worthy of its own designation. The Knox side west of Hwy 75 is the more upscale half, with many restaurants and upscale home decor shops. The Knox Park neighborhood includes a plethora of upscale home furnishings shops. The Henderson side lagged behind its Knox half, but is now just as trendy, with a more low-key, relaxed vibe. Henderson hot spots now line Henderson all the way from Hwy 75 to Ross. Knox and the western half of Henderson are very pedestrian friendly. Knox/Henderson is just a short walk up the Katy Trail from West Village.
Greenville Avenue south of Mockingbird Lane (known as Lower Greenville) is a genuine neighborhood strip, or series of strips, with a semi-urban atmosphere and businesses that range from pawn shops to sushi bars. The area has evolved more organically than most in Dallas, featuring neighborhood corner Lebanese restaurants, age-old greasy spoons and other urban niceties. During the week you will find many area residents who tend toward the bohemian, but the weekend draws a party-hardy crowd. As one travels north along Greenville, the strips (there are several, each two or three blocks long and around half a mile apart) become somewhat more mature in tone, though the atmosphere still ranges from laid-back to drunken.
Lake Highlands is a district in the northeast part of Dallas.
See
See Koreatown
Dallas is home to the largest Korean-American community in Texas. Although their homes are spread out across North Dallas and the northern suburbs, businesses which cater to the Korean community are concentrated in the neighborhood around the intersection of Harry Hines Boulevard and Royal Lane. Look for loads of Korean restaurants, import stores, and karaoke bars.
See Texas High School Football
North Dallas offers great entertainment on Friday nights seen in few places in the country. High School football holds a special status in Texas, and this area is no different. Enjoy 20,000 plus fan atmospheres and exciting games in the area, check local highschools for game times and locations near zipcodes 75206, 75209, 75220, 75225, 75229, 75230, 75231, 75240, 75243, 75244, 75248, 75251, 75252, 75254, 75287
Do
Do SMU Mustangs
The Mustangs, representing Southern Methodist University as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference, are the most prominent college sports program on the Dallas side of the Metroplex. SMU's main athletic facilities are on its campus in University Park. The most prominent venues are Gerald J. Ford Stadium (football) and Moody Coliseum (basketball).
Do Shakespeare Dallas
Inspired by the democratic spirit of the New York Shakespeare Festival, Robert "Bob" Glenn started Shakespeare Dallas in 1971. Today, Shakespeare Dallas is a treasured North Texas cultural landmark and the only company in the area that provides accessible programs for audiences of all ages. Shakespeare Dallas has shows in various parks in the Dallas area (Shakespeare in the Park), as well as performances in local schools (Shakespeare on the Go), cultural centers and co-productions with local theatre groups (Shakespeare Unplugged).
Events
Do Dallas Kosher Chili Cook-Off
The Kosher Chili Cook-Off boasts hot chili and family fun. Hosted by the synagogue Tiferet Israel, this annual event draws 3,000-4,000 people from the North Dallas area. This no profit event consists of numerous teams all competing for the best chili award. Admission is around five bucks and includes all the chili you can stomach.
Do Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Children ages infant to 8 are invited to Goar Park to participate in Easter egg hunt activities under the direction of the Park Department. Multi-colored plastic eggs stuffed with candy are placed throughout areas that are marked off for specific groups. Festivities include a "bounce house," face painting, music and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Do June Fishing Derby
Presented for children ages 6 to 12, this event takes place at the pond in Caruth Park. Prior to the event the Park Department stocks the pond with fish. A hit with kids, parents and grandparents, "catch and release" procedures are followed. Children must bring their own bait and poles. Awards are presented for the biggest and smallest fish caught.
Do Fourth of July Parade
A decades-long tradition, the parade, which is sponsored by the Park Cities Rotary Club, winds through the streets of Highland Park and University Park. The parade begins on Euclid Avenue near Highland Park Town Hall at 9AM The parade travels up Preston Road and then heads east on University Boulevard to Goar Park, which is just west of University Park City Hall. (Parade route map). The Park Cities Rotary Club is responsible for parade entries and vendor booth space at Goar Park
Buy
Shop North Park Mall
After completing a significant renovation and expansion in 2006, Northpark is the largest and generally regarded as the nicest shopping center in Texas. Expect to spend some money if you go there as it is filled with high-end stores and chains, though stores such as Dillards, which cater to the more budget conscious, still abound. Northpark contains much of the Nasher family's modern art collection, and is well worth a visit for art and architecture lovers.
Shop Half-Price Books
The flagship location of this second-hand book store has a phenomenal selection and is well worth a stop.
Shop Mockingbird Station
A mixed-use area featuring loft apartments with retail and restaurants at the ground level, Mockingbird Station also boasts one of Dallas's best arthouse/independent cinema theaters, the Angelika. There is some nice shopping, including Victoria's Secret, and West Elm.
Eat
The densely packed area of restaurants on Belt Line Rd. continues on into the restaurant row of neighboring Addison.
Eat Jasper's Uptown
International avant garde style dining.
Eat Bob's Steak & Chop House
The only other place to eat the best steaks in Dallas besides Nick & Sams. Bob's is generally regarded as the place where all wagers between gentlemen in Dallas are settled, with the loser picking up the tab.
Eat Besa's Pizza & Pasta
Comfort food and comfortable prices. Some of the best Italian food in the metroplex.
Eat India Palace
Food and service are both excellent. The chicken tikka masala and kofta nawabi are recommended. $9-$15 per plate.
Eat Maple Leaf Diner
Come for some poutine or other Canadian cuisine.
Eat Korea House
Casual, long-running Asian eatery for Korean staples such as BBQ plus a separate sushi menu.
Eat Kuby's Deli & Sausage House
A must for anyone who likes German food. The Reuben and the Schnitzel are dishes to try.
Eat New York Subs
This is one of the best kept secrets in University Park, known and almost universally loved by locals. College students from Southern Methodist University can be seen mingling with men in business suits.
Eat Sonny Bryans
Probably Dallas' most famous barbeque restaurant, and a beloved local institution that has served everyone from celebrities to Presidents. Although there are now several locations, the original, and many say the best, is at 2202 Inwood, between Maple and Harry Hines. Get there early, though, because they close when they run out of food, which pretty much always happens at lunchtime. If in the mood for authentic local barbeque, you can't go wrong at Sonny Bryans'.
Eat Roti Grill
Excellent food. Fresh homemade paneer (indian cheese) served with different gravy.
Eat Jimmy's Food Store
A little bit of Brooklyn right in the middle of Big D. Jimmy's is a great neighborhood grocery store with an Italian deli. They make great sandwiches and what many say is the best sandwich in Dallas, the Cuban pork sandwich. Ham, roast pork, pickles, and Swiss cheese grilled panini-style. You can get it with or without hot sauce. They have a great selection of imported foods from Italy, cheeses and deli meats, homemade sausage and meatballs, and a sizable wine selection.
Eat PHO DK Vietnamese Cafe
Bowls of pho, banh mi sandwiches & noodles include meat & veggie options at this Vietnamese eatery.
Eat Sabaidee Lao & Thai Street Food
Counter service restaurant serving Thai and Laotian style street food.
East of 75
Eat Back Country Bar B Q
A favorite in Dallas as one of the best BBQ restaurants.
Eat Campisi's
The original location of the local Italian eatery chain, in business for over 65 years. The decor evokes something out of the Godfather, but the smells and flavors are tantalizing and the service is top notch.
Eat Freebirds World Burrito
Moderate pricing for burritos of huge proportions, yet no trade-off in taste especially since you can customize it to your liking. Nice, sometimes loud atmosphere has the feel of a college student hang-out. Free Wi-Fi at most locations.
Eat La Calle Doce
Some of the best Mexican seafood food in town.
Eat Sushi House
House specials include tempura and spicy crab sushi – a tangle of sweet crabmeat reddened by chili oil laid over rice and bound tightly by seaweed. As well as the asparagus sushi - two stalks of asparagus quick-fried in tempura batter and fastened to a rice mound by a seaweed strip. The sushi-sashimi combo provides an easy-to-handle sampling selected by the chef. Prompt service in a small, cozy space.
Lower Greenville
Eat Blue Goose Cantina
This great local Mexican place has an earthy atmosphere and serves a great weekend brunch. For some indiscernible reason it is also popular with bikers.
Budget
Eat Hunky's Hamburgers
Very casual place, dressed up like a 50s diner. Prices are cheap and the burgers are big and tasty.
Mid-range
Eat Café Brazil
The local chain's most visible presence is an excellent late-night stop after a good time in Deep Ellum. Good coffee, famous omelettes, and unique sandwiches. Open 24 hours.
Splurge
Eat Al Biernat's
From a pure meat standpoint, Al Biernat's is the best in Dallas (a place with no shortage of good meat). The lobster risotto is a must-have side dish.
Eat Mansion on Turtle Creek
5-star American/Southwestern restaurant with a 6-star price. No tennis shoes, jeans or shorts.
Eat Shinsei
Up-and-coming restaurant and sushi bar run by Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing, wives of Dallas Super Chefs Kent Rathbun and Dean Fearing, features a creative Asian fusion menu. Chef Casey Thompson was a Top Chef Season 3 finalist and fan favorite.
Drink
Drink Barley House
If you get on the Dallas side of campus, within walking distance, you can reach this favorite local watering hole.
Drink Escapade 2009
Perhaps the biggest and best Latin club in the Metroplex.
Drink White Rock Coffee
Great coffee, pastries, and free wi-fi. White Rock Coffee is a locally owned coffeehouse that specializes in freshly roasted coffee. Besides the fact that they have the very best espresso in town, (it won the world barista championship in 2005) the brewed coffee is unbelievable.
Knox/Henderson
Drink Fadi's Mediterranean Grill
Try some Turkish coffee along with some kebabs or fattoush or any number of things, maybe just baklava, on their counter. A regional chain, but Turkish coffee might be pretty unique.
Lower Greenville
Those wishing to bar-hop and catch a cab back to the hotel are advised to hit the strip south of Richmond; this is the densest part of Greenville and the strip extends nearly a full mile.
Drink Dubliner
A friendly Irish pub. Good jukebox.
Drink The Old Monk
British pub with good fish and chips and a wide selection of beers.
Drink Stan's Blue Note
Popular locally for bachelorette parties. Women who donate their bra at the door can get a free drink. Nice patio for people-watching.
Other locations
Two-thirds of a mile east of Lower Greenville down La Vista Street is a small cluster of wine bars, pubs. Two-thirds of a mile further east down La Vista is a larger cluster of similar places in downtown Lakewood, heralded by the spire of the historic Lakewood Theater.
Drink Balcony Club
On the second floor of the Lakewood Theater. Jazz and cocktails.
Cedar Springs gay bars
A 2-block strip on Cedar Springs forms the center of gay nightlife in Dallas. Take a cab as the area is not safe late at night. Also, the police are on the lookout for intoxicated drivers.The farther one strays from the Cedar Springs strip, the more the neighborhood becomes merely "gay-friendly."
Drink JR's Bar and Grille
This 2-story bar is perhaps the center for gay life in Dallas.
Drink Roundup Saloon
Western-themed gay bar.
Drink Sue Ellens
Dallas' most popular lesbian establishment.
Drink Havana's Bar and Grille
Gay bar which caters to the Latino crowd.
Drink Station 4
A very bustling gay dance club with female impersonators.
Sleep
North and Galleria
Northwest and Love Field
Splurge
Nearby
Richardson
City / town · 5 listings · 6 mi away
Addison
City / town · 49 listings · 7 mi away
Garland
City / town · 9 listings · 8 mi away
Carrollton
City / town · 20 listings · 9 mi away
Irving
City / town · 31 listings · 11 mi away
Plano
City / town · 28 listings · 12 mi away
Mesquite
City / town · 9 listings · 12 mi away
Coppell
City / town · 1 listings · 15 mi away
My experience
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