Despite popular belief, the Dallas Design District is not just an industry destination for our city's best design professionals. Thanks to a selection of existing eateries and the opening of another handful of hotspots in recent years, the DDD has become a go-to neighborhood for DFW foodies looking to indulge. Whether it's for a caffeine fix, a client lunch, happy hour with the crew, or date night, the Design District has just the place and just the cuisine to satisfy. Check out our most recent restaurant round-up to see what's cookin' in the DDD, and how they're doing so with proper safety protocols in place.
Ascension Coffee
Seeing as it’s been a DDD staple for almost 8 years now, it’s safe to assume most of you already know + love Ascension. Whether it's for a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon treat, or an evening of wine + cheese, Ascension has been our go-to neighborhood café and wine bar since opening back in 2012. Considering their diverse menu offerings and casual-cool ambiance, can you blame us? Luckily, after closing doors during the pandemic, the DDD café is once again open for dine-in, while also still offering takeout, as well as no-contact delivery options.
Location: 1621 Oak Lawn Avenue
Brown Bag Provisions
It goes without saying that opening a business during a global pandemic is no easy feat. But, if anyone did it and did it well, it’s Brown Bag Provisions! Despite their official grand opening being back at the beginning of March (AKA the beginning of the city shutdown), Brown Bag adapted and hit the ground running, and how thankful we are for that! Between their unparalleled breakfast and pastry goods, to their gourmet sandwiches and grocery offerings, Brown Bag has been a perfect addition to the DDD dining scene. Currently, Brown Bag is open for patio-only dining or for takeout.
Location: 150 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Suite 202
The Charles Dallas
We’re confident all fellow foodies will agree, The Charles Dallas is without a doubt a must-try. Since coming onto the Dallas dining scene in 2018, The Charles has made a name for itself as an upscale Italian-inspired eatery where design and cuisine are interpreted through a Texas lens. Not only are the food and the atmosphere both superb, but the service is also worth writing home about. Compared to other eateries, The Charles may be a tad more of a splurge, but one that is absolutely worth it. Another major perk of dining at The Charles? The chance to enjoy the newly opened Bar Charles, their sultry lounge, which makes the perfect backdrop for pre or post-dinner cocktails. At this time, The Charles is open for dine-in (so long as reservations are made ahead of time!), as well as for takeout.
Location: 1632 Market Center Boulevard
Commons Club
Nestled on the ground floor of Virgin Hotels Dallas, Commons Club is a restaurant that serves unbound inspiration and creative cuisine on every plate. Between the stunning yet intimate atmosphere, the all-star menus (breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner), and the regular live entertainment offerings, it’s evident that Commons Club is the place to go for a modern social club concept, just without the dues! While you’re there, be sure to snag a photo at any number of the restaurant’s Instagrammable spots, like on the swing and in The Shag Room. Fortunately for those of you looking to venture out, The Commons Club is currently open for dine-in, as well as takeout.
Location: 1415 Turtle Creek Boulevard
Delucca Gaucho Pizza & Wine
Delucca Gaucho Pizza is truly a culinary experience unlike anything else. Not only does dining at Delucca present the exciting theater of an open kitchen, but it also provides the opportunity in a way to enjoy pizza like you never have before — the South American gaucho way! We also mustn’t forget to mention their buzz-worthy Brazilan cocktails, all of which pair perfectly with their menu offerings. Currently, this neighborhood pizzeria is open for dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery.
Location: 1628 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 100
El Bolero
We may be biased but feel strongly that you’d be hard-pressed to find better Mexican cuisine anywhere in Dallas than El Bolero. While we love us some Tex-Mex, what we so enjoy about El Bolero, other than the incredibly cool aesthetic, is their fresh approach to providing an authentic Mexican culinary experience. Plus, you really can’t beat their weekly specials, such as Margarita Monday ($4 margs and $5 queso), Taco Tuesday ($2 al pastor tacos, and $3 tacos a la carte), and Lobster Fridays ($15 lobster fajitas). So, next time Mexican food is on the mind, make a trip to El Bolero, currently open for dine-in, as well as takeout, and curbside delivery.
Location: 1201 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 160
Meddlesome Moth
For over a decade now, Meddlesome Moth has consistently made food + beer connoisseurs' dreams come true. Known as the first true gastropub in the DDD neighborhood, Meddlesome Moth marries the world’s best beers with a diverse menu of share plates, unique takes on traditional pub offerings, and entrées that accommodate diets of all kinds — vegetarian, vegan, keto, pescatarian, or eat-anythings! And, we mustn't forget to mention their weekend brunch, which is really some of the best in town. To enjoy Meddlesome Moth now, feel free to dine in-restaurant, on the patio, or order curbside.
Location: 1621 Oak Lawn Avenue
Oak
If you’re familiar with the DDD dining scene, Oak is one that you’ve likely known + loved for some time now. Seeing as quality is at the heart of how Oak operates, it should come as no surprise that their menu features the best artisan steaks, along with eclectic, fresh seafood entrees. Oh, and did we mention Oak is the only restaurant in the DDD that offers exquisite sushi creations? Regardless of your meal selection, your senses are guaranteed to also be delighted by their handcrafted cocktails and world-class wines. Right now, Oak’s posh dining room is open to the public, while still simultaneously offering delivery and curbside-pickup.
Location: 1628 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 110
Pakpao Thai
Typically, tasty Thai food is enough to win us over, but Pakpao Thai takes it a step further with their super sleek surroundings, and their regular food + drink specials. Whether its Pad Thai Monday ($8 Pad Thai + $4 Chularitas), Choose-Day Tuesday ($8 curry of your choice), Drunken Thursday’s ($8 Drunken Noodles + ½ off wine bottles), or the Sunday Special (choice of starter + 2 entrees for $28), you can’t go wrong with any of their Pan Asian food or cocktail concoctions. Currently, you can dine-in or can carry out, but regardless, you’re in for a true Thai treat.
Location: 1628 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 120
Pie Tap Pizza
When good-ole’ fashion pizza or pasta is what you’re craving, Pie Tap is the way to go — crust us! Not only does their naturally leavened dough not even come close to ordinary pizza dough, but their in-house made-from-scratch pasta speaks for itself. You can also always count on their bar to be pouring out over 35 taps, ranging from local brews to specialty wine to craft cocktails. And, speaking of specials, you can’t beat theirs: $12 pies all-day every Tuesday, 1/2 off pasta and select bottles of wine on Thursdays, and $5 frozen Italian margaritas every day. At this time, you can get your Pie Tap fix via dine-in, takeout, or no-contact delivery.
Location: 1212 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 131
Regardless of your occasion, your palette preference, or your in-restaurant dining comfort level, the Design District has plenty of eateries to accommodate anyone and everyone. Whether it’s while you're sitting and enjoying a meal or picking one up to enjoy from the comfort of your home, we hope to see you out + about on the DDD dining scene soon!
**For questions or additional info on specific restaurant protocols, offerings, etc., please reach out directly to the establishment.
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