For my spring break, I spent 4 days in a less popular spring break destination: Dallas, Texas. In these days, my mom and I sampled some of the city's best based on suggestions from foodie blogs, top 10 lists, and other Spoon Chapters! Here's a breakdown of where we went and what we got on our first stop of our 2018 food tour!
1. Maple Leaf Diner
Our first top was this breakfast joint that was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. They're most famous for their take on Canadian classics and Chicken and Waffles and I wasn't very adventurous and went with a simple omelette, which came with pancakes, a biscuit, and their house-made jelly. My mom got the chicken fried chicken with house fries and scrambled eggs.
2. Sally's Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Sally's is the perfect stop on your way out the airport. Conveniently located in the rental car center, it's super easy to grab a bit then be on your way. They specialize in variety of new takes on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. We tried the grilled cheese with a garlic butter spread and a combination of three cheese: swiss, provolone, and chedder!
3. Trompo Tacos
If you're driving too fast you just might miss this little taco shop. They have a super simple menu so if you hungry enough, I'd recommend just sampling the whole menu. For only $1.85 a taco, it's definitely budget friendly! I got the 2 trompo/pork and 2 bistek/beef tacos and one campechana/beef + pork quesadilla. Be sure to test out both the red and green salsas, my personal favorite was the salsa rojo!
4. Ozona's Bar and Grill
I don't think any trip to Texas is complete without a little bit of TexMex. Ozona's was recommended in a few best of Dallas lists for a good reason. The chips and queso dip was a great appetizer, but don't eat too much and miss out on the other great foods they have. If you come earlier in the day you can get the lunch special like I did. Pictured below is the Chicken enchilada which comes in a flour tortilla instead of a traditional corn one.
5. Pecan Lodge
When you think of Texas, you think of barbecue. Pecan Lodge was probably on every list for Dallas restaurant recommendations; after going, I definitely understand why! If you go on a Saturday mid-morning like we did, you'll end up standing in line for a while, but it's totally worth it. They're most famous for their brisket, so I got that as well as a their pork spare rib and a side of mac and cheese. My mom got the brisket, sausage, and fried okra.
6. Sweet Daze Dessert Bar
If you're looking for unique desserts, this is the place. Not only is the inside super Instagram worthy, but the food is too! Unfortunately, they were out of doughnuts by the time we got there after dinner, but we weren't left disappointed with the soft serve they offered instead. The colors might through you off, but the flavors are Cinnamon Toast Crunch (greenish) and Black Velvet Swirl (grey-ish black), topped with Oreo cookie crumble.
7. Milk Cream
By far one of the most memorable places I went to in Dallas. This simple combination of doughnuts and ice cream was a personal favorite (so much so we went twice!). You can choose between a glazed or plain doughnut, cut in half, and filled with tasty ice cream in a variety of flavors, plus your choice of an additional topping. I got the glazed doughnut filled with half red velvet and half cinnamon ice cream with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for an added crunch. I don't know how they reheat the doughnut so it's still warm after adding the ice cream, but it was unforgettable.
Of course, I wasn't able to try every restaurant in Dallas in the span of four days so this is a terribly incomplete list. For more recommendations, check out these Dallas restaurant recommendations!