Dallas is buzzing with all things Super Bowl! Streets around Cowboys Stadium are already blocked off, tents are raised and parties are taking place all over the metroplex! D Magazine shared a great shopping guide that included a day in “Funky Oak Cliff”!
The Belmont Hotel via D Magazine
I couldn’t agree more with all of their suggestions for spending the day in my hood….but… there’s so much more! So…I thought I would share The Hidden List’s own Visitor’s Guide because one day in Oak Cliff is just not enough! All of my suggestions are within walking distance of each other and if you’re into riding bikes, Oak Cliff is officially bike friendly. Contact Oak Cliff Bicycle Company if you’re interested in some stylish bikes!
Wake Up:
Take that morning empty tummy of yours to El Jordan Cafe where you’ll find the best authentic fresh Mexican breakfast ever! I recently read an article about El Jordan that called this restaurant a “best kept secret”. It’s no secret to those of us who live in Oak Cliff that this is the real deal! Don’t go expecting fancy restaurant “atmosphere”…it’s all about the food here. You gotta love a place that serves chips and salsa with breakfast!
El Jordan Cafe
Java Jolt:
Before you get down to some serious shopping, walk around the corner and get a cappuccino or latte at Oddfellows to keep your blood flowing after that delicious breakfast. While you wait for the barista to make your jo, look over the menu and make note that you’ll want to come back the next day for breakfast or lunch here. Everything I’ve tried is exceptional! Check out the fancy schmancy La Marzocco Strada Espresso machine! It’s one of 4 in the US! Wowza!
Oddfellows
Morning Shopping:
Just a few doors away from Oddfellows, you’ll find Indigo 1745. Keith and Denise Manoy form the husband and wife powerhouse that fill this hip boutique for men and women with premium denim and luxury sportswear that fit your cool lifestyle. You’ll feel like you just hired a personal shopper, as they’ll guide you to the items that are just right for you. It its gifts for all of your friends back home that you need, pop in Fete-ish and you’ll likely leave with something for everyone. There’s tons of festive and fun merchandise you’ll love!
Indigo 1745
Lunch:
Pick up your second wind at Eno’s Pizza Tavern. Every person I’ve ever sent to Eno’s becomes obsessed! It’s that good! They have the best paper-thin crust pizza and seasonal beers on tap! There’s open seating upstairs that provides a very kid-friendly atmosphere with a game room. Seriously one of my favorite places in Oak Cliff!
Eno's Pizza Tavern
More Shopping:
Plan to spend the afternoon having a unique shopping experience at Indie Genius – A Micro-boutique Marketplace. This 5,000 sqft. warehouse is home to 50+ micro-boutiques selling handmade, locally made, and vintage wares. From handbags to housewares, jewelry to children’s goods, mid-century modern furniture to refinished classics, art, ceramics, gifts and more. You won’t want to leave! Oh, and by the way…I have a vintage spot there called Stash. Don’t miss it!
Sweet Break:
It’s always time for chocolate, right? Dude, Sweet Chocolate is the place to be for a few bites of heaven. My favorite is the “Crack in a Box” – chocolate and salted whole hazlenuts, almonds, macadamia and soy nuts submerged in South American 73% dark chocolate and pure cocoa beans. OhEmGee!!!
Dude, Sweet Chocolate
One More Quick Shopping Moment:
You can’t leave without getting into Dirt! Don’t worry…you won’t leave with stains! This is a floral design studio and much, much more. Their vintage cans with succulents make the perfect little keepsake for the end of a perfect shopping day!
Dirt
Dinner:
I hope you’ve worked up a hefty appetite after all that shopping, because you’re in for a scrumptious treat at Tillman’s Roadhouse. Everything is good here, but there are two must-haves! The “trio of fries” is an appetizer with three different kinds of homemade fries and housemade ketchup and horseradish pickle mayo. Holy smokes, it’s so good!! Then finish the night after your entree with the “s’mores tableside”. If you’re full, just lean back and unzip your jeans…you can’t leave without these orange, maple and coffee homemade marshmallows, homemade cinnamon grahams and dark chocolate bark roasted over a little fire at your table! Mmmmmm…..
Oh, and I forgot to mention that the atmosphere is so cool…I could live in this restaurant!
Tilman's Roadhouse
A Little Night Music:
This perfect day should end with a little live music at The Kessler. This historic theatre was once owned by Gene Autry and has been hit by a tornado, burned down and served as a revival tabernacle. After being dormant for 30 years, it was reopened last year. You can grab a drink at the bar before enjoying an intimate concert from musicians across the nation. Visit their site to check their schedule.
The Kessler Lobby/bar
The Kessler
Hope you enjoyed Day 2′s (post-D Magazine’s Day 1 suggestions) Visitor’s Guide for Oak Cliff. There’s plenty more for Day 3! Please, stay as long as you want and feel free to contact me for questions and more suggestions! XO!
