Known for its diverse nightlife, chic independent boutiques and colorful street art, an afternoon or evening spent in Bishop Arts is as hip as it is rewarding! Dining choices range from hole in the wall Tex Mex to coffee shops with sneaky good menus, while relaxed bars pour everything from the most wondrous and stylish cocktails to house-brewed ciders. Here are the best spots for spending a day in Bishop Arts in Dallas, Texas.
1. Tribal All DAY cafe
This Native-owned and operated juice joint will get you right with nature! It won "Best Vegetarian Friendly" menu in the 2021 D Magazine "Best of Big D Awards." But it's not just for the bright bowls with avocado and jalapeño-cashew cream cheese that the cool kids eat out on the patio. It's not just for the nourishing whole food choices. It's all that, and the positive vibes that flow freely all around the place that keep us coming back.
2. wow WOW lemonade
Fine, handcrafted lemonades are only the start at this throwback Hawaiian lemonade stand on 8th Street! You can grab a tasty acai bowl or one from a variety of superfood-packed smoothies, as well as small healthy bites served with the spirit of Aloha.
3. white rhino
For coffee, tea and light bites, White Rhino is the spot. Park in the Bishop Arts parking on 7th Street or in the underground garage on West Davis. We love their breakfast tacos (2 for $7.95), the maple-glazed chicken biscuit ($8.95) and their Sebastian and Hug in a Cup lattes ($5.50-$6.50). And if you don't happen to be in Bishop Arts at the moment, we're glad to say there are also locations in Cedar Hill, Waxahachie, Red Oak, Arlington and in Uptown and Downtown Dallas.
4. salty donut
This place is built for community interaction with its spacious interior and patio seating areas. Chef-made, small-batch donuts that rotate based on seasonality are the game at The Salty. The yeast-raised varieties are buttery, insanely flavorful and fluffy. The cake donuts have just the slightest crunch on the outside and are soft and moist on the inside. They're really pushing the boundaries of what a donut really is at this place, and we are here for it!
5. paradiso/Mermaid Bar
Ladies Night. Date Night. Any occasion calls for a little Paradiso, doesn't it? Seasonal rotating fare is inspired by Southern Europe's coastal approach to dining means lots of great fresh seafood and pizza options. The crab mafaldine ($21, mascarpone and lemon butter, red crab, sourdough gremolata, pink peppercorn) is to die for, for example. And be sure to try the Young Grasshopper ($15) for a dessert drink with a bit of a spicy kick! And stay tuned, because according to their Instagram, the Mermaid Bar, their al fresco raw bar and cocktail lounge, is set to reopen this March!
6. bella & Brawn
Bella & Brawn is an adorable boutique with antique finds and one-of-a-kind pieces everywhere you turn! If you're on the hunt for something cute and unique to wear or accessorize your look with, this place has it all. They also have this really cool sustainable candle program, where when you purchase a vintage candle vessel and use it until the candle is spent, you can bring back the vessel and they will refill it for you for just $1.95 per ounce!
7. casablanca
The Silk Road vibes are real at Casablanca, and their attached (but hidden) Karaoke lounge Casanova! The bites, curated by Paradiso executive chef Nick Hurry, are bright and delicious, especially the noodle options. The drinks are absolutely gorgeous, too! With a bohemian-dressed terrace and elegant details like custom tiles and unique pouf seating, this spot in the middle of the Bishop Arts District is a dream. We love the rum-spiked Moroccan tea they serve in the karaoke bar!
8. tejas
Tex-Mex is sexy at Tejas. Hand-made tortillas, dry-rubbed fajitas, bright and spicy vegan bowl options and fresh-caught seafood in homemade marinades make for some of the tastiest Tex-Mex in town, and with healthy options scattered throughout the menu, both your belly and the rest of you will appreciate a meal and a margarita at this Bishop Avenue mainstay.
9. written in the seasons
Owned by the same group as Tribal All Day Cafe, the seasonally-inspired vegetable-laden menu at Written by the Seasons is full Technicolor flair. Large doors open and tables spill out from the gorgeous dining room to a large patio space, which is just lovely when the weather is right. This is food that connects friends new and old, over the marvelous and the ordinary. We love the three cheese board and the free-range TX grilled chicken thighs from the current menu!
10. Âme
An evening spent at Âme is a French-inspired Indian feast that is as gorgeous to look at as it is delightful to savor. A true treat for all the senses hits you when you walk through the doors. We don't know of very many Indian brunch spots, but this one does chicken tikka and eggs that will leave you wanting more for dinner! We also love the Elephant Bar, a cozy emerald enclave within the space featuring a royal chandelier and antique mirrored walls behind velvet curtains. It's amazing for a drink or two before or after your meal!
11. Veracruz CAFE
They might bring you chips and salsa in a plastic bowl, but this ain't no Tex-Mex restaurant. Seafood dominates the menu, which is influenced by the coastal Mexican state of Veracruz, at this exceedingly cute cafe tucked into a small Bishop Arts corner. Don't miss the Sopa de Atlahua ($12.99-$16.99), hearty bowl of stew, loaded with tilapia, scallops and shrimp. Fish tacos offer large single pieces of well-seasoned and well-cooked fish. Any of the enchiladas, made with Veracruz' signature blue corn tortillas, will be a hit as well.
12. gloriaS
The Salvadoran DFW mainstay is right at home in Bishop Arts. The huge tamales (wrapped in banana leaves instead of corn shucks, that's how you know the difference) are always a treat, and we love their brunch menu as well! Try Gloria's Super Special ($14) if you want genuine Salvadoran cuisine, but they also serve a lot of great Tex-Mex faves!
13. KriŌ
The Far East meets the Deep South at Kriō. The vibe is casual, but the dishes are meticulously created and curated to showcase the quality of the ingredients and the melding of famously delicious flavors. We love to start with the jambalaya eggrolls ($6) or the C'Asian poutine ($10), or both, TBH. The fried soft-shell crab ($22 in a basket, $25 as an entree) here is some of the finest soft-shell crab in town. Try the swai ($18), a perfectly seasoned Asian catfish, as well!
14. taco y vino
🚨 Folks, we have a six (6) tacos and a bottle of wine for $40 alert. 🚨 I repeat, this is an official six (6) tacos and a bottle of wine for $40 alert. 🚨 Do not adjust your television sets. What you are seeing is real. 🚨 This has been your six (6) tacos and a bottle of wine for $40 alert. 🚨 Seriously though, no place blurs the line between fancy and super casual like Taco Y Vino. There are fine boutique labels available, but somehow they don't leave your wallet on empty. There are unique creations happening between these four walls, for both meat-eaters and those who abstain, that imitate art both on the plate and in your mouth hole. Before you take the plunge on your six (6) tacos and a bottle of wine for $40, be sure to also try the spicy tamale bites ($6.25).
15. sketches of spaiN
Photo by: @sketches.of.spain
You might call it a tapas bar, but technically, Sketches of Spain is a pincho bar — the difference between a tapas bar and pincho bar being that the latter typically served its small bites on top of bread. Inspired by cuisine from Northern Spain, the menu featured delicacies from quail egg topped chorizo, goat cheese and quince paste on toast to a paella that will send you to Spain with every bite. From the drink menu, we love the Agua de Valencia ($12), made with cava, gin, vodka, spices and orange juice.
16. Enos
This is THE neighborhood pizzeria for Bishop Arts, so accept no substitutes! So laid-back, so friendly, and so so tasty, every time. We know the pineapple-on-pizza debate is a devisive one, but the pineapple fresca ($15.50) pizza at Eno's will convert the naysayers. And, if you're not right by Bishop Arts at the moment, they also have locations in Forney and in Coppell.
17. Boulevardier
Everything is beautiful at Boulevardier, including but not limited to those luscious Texas Wagyu Steak Frites ($39) pictured here. It's a joy to eat at the venerated Boulevardier, which is probably why it has become one of the signature spots in Bishop Arts since it opened in 2012. "Boulevardier still steals my French heart," wrote one D Magazine correspondent in 2017, and five years after that, we are happy to report that it's still stealing ours every time we step in the door.
18. Atlas
A world of cocktails awaits at Atlas, whether you're after a classic gin cocktail worthy of Hemingway in Paris or a new-world craft cocktail filled with Latin American flavor. Yet it still manages to retain the welcoming feel of the neighborhood overall, which is no small feat. It does so in part with insanely funny off-menu offerings like the Whistling Butthole: a half shot of Fernet and half banana liqueur. We promise, it's real.
19. Cocos Fire and ice
This is one of those places that focuses its menu on cuisine from a certain region of Mexico: the states of Guanajuato and Jalisco. Every time we walk in the doors here we are reminded of how lucky we are to live amongst all this great culture and food! We love the enfrijoladas ($16) for brunch and anything from their "de la calle," or street food, selections. Try an abuelito old fashioned or cuahtemoc ($14 each) from the bar, too!
20. trove
The Trove is one of the most fabulous Bishop Arts haunts you could possibly frequent, so make frequenting a goal! Great mezcal drinks are flanked by drinks infused with CBD oil on one side and drinks topped with gold flake on the other. Velvet blue chairs line the lengthy white marble bar while top-shelf liquor beckons from its mirrored bookcase perch, begging adventurers to take their shot. Come see what all the fuss is about!
21. oddfellows
Oddfellows is the type of place where you ALWAYS get the fried green tomatoes ($12), and if you're not already in that habit, then you should be. It comes with this smoked salmon dip — it's just the best. The warm and homy vibes mix well with the great selection of coffees, too. Last time we visited, we had this amazing vegetarian pozole verde — go try some ASAP and let us know if you love it as much as we did!
22. Whitehall exchange
For us, Whitehall is the quintessential Bishop Arts bar experience. Comfy yet stylish, with all the trappings that a Love Lister has come to expect from a brilliant evening out. Simply put, this is where the locals go. The open air seating is the best in the neighborhood if you can grab a seat, and the drinks don't disappoint, either. You can't go wrong with a grilled cheese ($8), a thing of olives ($6) and a couple brewskis at this place.
23. el Jordan cafe
The #4 finisher in the 2019 D Magazine Best of Big D "Best Breakfasts" category, El Jordan is a true neighborhood fave. The Tex-Mex hole-in-the-wall serves up the perfect amount of grunge with your eggs. The mercilessly cheesy enchiladas are thick but flat, and the chicken-fried steak is freshly fried with a perfect crust. Like the sign says, they're open for breakfast and lunch.
24. norma's
Norma's, a Dallas favorite since 1956 now with five locations scattered hither and yon, says, "Life is short, so eat dessert first!" Classic diner fare for a more than fair price has been the name of the game at the original Oak Cliff location since Day 1. The menu reminds us of home — pure Texas comfort. Try to conquer the Big Eaters breakfast ($16.99, complete with an eight-ounce ribeye) and be sure to tag us in the pics!
25. C AnnE & co.
Feeding your closet is a piece of cake when you do your shopping at C Anne & Co. With all of the latest trends, mixed with classic neutral staples and statement pops of color, this boutique has your back for any occasion. Also, the founder, Callie Powell, on special occasions will host free mimosa Sundays where you can shop and sip on a bubbly beverage! Name a better duo than shopping + mimosas...we'll wait.
26. Spinster records
Music fan? Duh. Spinster Records is one of the definitive Dallas music shops today. You can find new and vintage vinyl records, new and vintage turntables and other hi-fi audio hardware, apparel, books and other one-of-a-kind items curated by the cooler-than-you staff. They host in-store performances from time to time, as well as book signings and industry panels.
27. the Wild Detectives
This bookstore/bar venue is one of the coolest spots in town, let alone the neighborhood. Share ideas and hang out smartly with books and booze — it's one of the most intelligent drink menus for miles. Curl up in a comfy spot with an espresso old fashioned ($12.50), made with Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters espresso. Or for a little brain food, their empanadas ($4.50) are pretty legit as well.
28. stock and barrel
The meals are meticulously plated and gastronomically phenomenal at Stock & Barrel. The industrial-chic, concrete-and-wood dining room is inviting, while the enormous bar allows the post-work cocktail crowd to blend in with those waiting for tables. Brunch is amazing here — get the croissant bread pudding and the avocado chilaquiles, and thank us later! We are also forever obsessed with the crab fried spaghetti, shown above!
29. tiny victories
The music shifts seamlessly from pop to soul hits, and even with 1,000 square feet of space, Tiny Victories seems cozy. A 2019 Best of Dallas winner for Best Happy Hour from the Dallas Observer, they're still serving it straight up, without pretension. We love a good Kessler Sour ($11), made with aged rum, lemon, cane sugar and a red wine floater, though Tiny Victories does also seem like the perfect place to enjoy a nice Pimm's Cup ($11), too! We know what we're getting next time we go 😏.
30. urban owl gift shop
Sometimes you need a good, off-kilter gift or piece of decor for that quirky friend or for your themed guest bedroom. Right this way, friends! The wall art options alone will get your inner decorator all abuzz. Among Urban Owl's best sellers, according to the store website, are these stunning bear paw cotton oven mitts ($22.95), this clutch set of Milennial Loteria cards ($24.95) and this zesty mango habanero beverage mixing syrup ($16.95). Eclectic tastes, meet Dallas' most eclectic neighborhood.
31. all good things shop
Photo by: @allgoodthings.shop
We are as big fans of the owner of this precious store in Bishop Arts as we are of the shop itself. We've been following Kristen since she opened the shop, now housed in its second location, in 2017. This new space is much bigger than the first, so she's able to sell more cute notepads, candles, cups, trinkets and gifts that will make you feel like you nailed it for whomever you are buying for. If you need a gift for someone famously hard to shop for, who just has everything, give All Good Things a visit and you'll snag something fabulous.
32. Boozy Dallas
Oddly enough, we can thank the pandemic for this frozen daiquiri oasis. Owner Jesse Verdin spun this shop off of his Oak Cliff rolled ice cream joint Below Zero in late 2020. He went all in on frozen daiquiris to-go right as demand for that sort of thing spiked. Here we are a couple years later, and we could all still use a road daiquiri from time to time, amirite? The mango micheladas ($16) are definitely faves, as are the boozy popsicles!
33. PicolÉ Pops
Photo by: @picolepop
Give in to your sweetest and most decadent fantasies, then add alcohol to the mix, and you're partying the Picolé way. This Brazilian paleta spot offers three types of frozen treats: fruity, creamy or filled. But the piece de resistance is the dipped, topped and filled variety. Encrust the strawberry-cheesecake paleta with dark chocolate and coconut flakes. Or the incredibly creamy Nutella-filled banana with pistachios. Go nuts 😋.
34. Mosaic Makers
We've partnered up with Mosaic Makers a few times over the years, and their large space at the corner of Bishop and Eighth St is a space for creative women in Texas to shine. Everything sold at Mosaic Makers is female made and cute as can be. They have a WIDE assortment of unique, creative items. You'll find everything from t-shirts, to custom cups, to cute stickers, to bath and body products to home goods and even jewelry. This is the perfect place to peruse if you aren't shopping for anything specific, because you'll leave with a cartful of fun new items!
35. Reveler's Hall
Tell me you love New Orleans without telling me you love New Orleans —we'll go first... we are regulars at Revelers Hall. Let's start with the bar program. You can get everything under the sun here, from a Sazerac to an amazing aperol spritz to our personal favorite, quite possibly the best daiquiri in Dallas. Next let's talk about their music program. They have live music seven days a week, but we are partial to the weekend house band which kicks off at 2 p.m. and fills the streets of Bishop Arts on sunny Saturdays and Sundays! This place is a MUST — we are obsessed.
36. Oasis Plant Shop
The bright green bungalow boasts eye-catching houseplants like cacti, palms and birds of paradise. Oasis also boasts an all-woman management team who will help you navigate the store's selection. They also offer indoor plantscaping consultation appointments so you can turn your own home into the natural retreat that refreshes and revives you every day!
37.La Reunion
While this certainly isn't a prerequisite for going here, we always seem to find ourselves at La Reunion on rainy days. This is a great spot to work for a few hours or have a meeting with a friend or client! The best part, as day switches to night, they have a magnificent beer, wine and cocktail program for a little buzz boost!
38. Azucar
The ice cream shop for those who love color and always add sprinkles to their cone. Azucar is an ice cream company out of Miami, and drew much of its inspiration from Miami's little Havana neighborhood, and what it represents. The ice cream is fantastic, and the gigantic color dripping ice cream cone outside makes for the perfect backdrop for those insta shots!
