Most people want to visit New York and Los Angeles because they are known for the great food, but what people in Dallas have always known is that Dallas is a foodie town too! Living only 20 minutes from Dallas I tend to spend many weekends when I am home looking for great food. Dallas has a very large variety when it comes to deciding where to eat so it can sometimes be really hard. Over summer vacation, here are the 10 places I’ve decided I would really like to eat at before going back to college, since we have a limited selection in Stephenville.

1. Tacos and Tequila in Uptown. Tacos, skewers, burritos, wraps, and salads. Straight off the grill and onto your plate. Tequila flights in a casual, contemporary setting. The rooftop patio gives you a great view of the nightlife action going on below, while also giving a little hint of the downtown Dallas skyline. http://tacosandtequilatnt.com/

2. Steel City Pops near lower Greenville. Modern eatery offering popsicles made in small batches, in both fruity and creamy flavors. A must on a hot summer night in Dallas. http://steelcitypops.com/

3. Cane Rosso in Deep Ellum. Named “Best Pizza in Dallas” by D Magazine for five years. Cane Rosso serves the most authentic wood-fired pizzas in Texas. They began as a mobile pizza operation and now have multiple locations across the DFW metroplex. The honey badger and the dessert pizzas are to die for. http://www.canerosso.com/#main

4. Bolsa - Innovative locally sourced New American fare and drinks served in patio-enhanced digs with a hip vibe. D Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year in 2009. Located in the Bishop Arts District in a historic building known as Settles Garage. A great place to kick off a fun night out in the Bishop Arts District. Chttp://www.bolsadallas.com/

5. Boulevardier - Stylish destination offering upscale French bistro fare and classy cocktails. If you like oysters this is the place for you, fresh selections from the east coast are available daily. Also, one of the best weekend brunch menus around! Located in Bishop Arts District. http://dallasboulevardier.com

6. Mia Dia from Scratch in Grapevine. You can experience a true fusion of the past and the present. Chef Gabriel DeLeon has created a truly great menu, blending traditional Mexico City recipes with modern Santa Fe with Tex Mex flavors. The table side guacamole is the best around and my parents say the margaritas are awesome as well! Refreshing ideas, authentic ingredients, skillfully prepared is the motto. Plus, you might see some really cool cars at the valet station, since it shares valet service with Bob’s Chop and Steakhouse. http://www.midiafromscratch.com/

7. Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. Casual eatery offering takes on the classic grilled cheese and other American fare, plus beer and cider. Deep in the heart of Bishop Arts. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are the great equalizer. A food which will take us all back to our childhood with a unique twist to the sections. http://dallasgrilledcheese.co/

8. Kitchen LTO. Permanent “pop-up” restaurant that changes its chef, concept, and décor seasonally. Essentially, the entire restaurant is “Limited Time Only,” where a new restaurant is born every six months. A panel of judges holds a chef tasting and design review to choose the finalist from the long list of applicants and six months later there is a new talent live! Currently Chef Nick Amoriello is showing his talents with a vast menu of comfort cuisine. Also, he’s a good friend of my pitmaster neighbor, which is another good reason to go. You might actually see Chris roasting a pig out front from time to time. http://www.kitchenlto.com/visit/index.html

9. Twisted Root Burger Co. Burgers, fried sides, salads, custards and alcoholic shakes, and awesome root beer floats. Some of the best burgers in town and they won’t cheat you with the ice cream in your float. Also, see what famous name you get that will be called over the intercom when your order is ready. Although there are a variety of locations, Deep Ellum is the original location. http://twistedrootburgerco.com/

10. Bowlounge. Bowling, Beer, Great Food, and Good times. Some of the best fried and baked chicken you have ever had. Burgers, tacos, nachos, salads, and more. All sides made from scratch. Enjoy it all while trying to beat your friends in bowling. Ask for bumpers if your friends have had a little too much to drink. http://www.bowlounge.com/bowlounge_restaurant.html

I’m excited to visit these places as they all are places my parents love to eat at frequently. Another advantage over Stephenville, I can get my dad to pay for all this great food! Join us this summer as we fill our bellies.