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North Dallas is a district of Dallas. It encompasses neighbourhoods north of downtown, including the separate municipalities of Highland Park and University Park (together called Park Towns).

Understand

University Park, a predominantly residential community of 23,000 residents, is approximately 5 miles (8 km) north of downtown Dallas. The City is the home of Southern Methodist University and is also known for its attractive homes, beautiful parks, and numerous churches. The location of University Park in north-central Dallas provides easy access to a broad range of cultural, recreational, shopping, and business activities.

Knox/Henderson is a split personality urban neighborhood worthy of its own designation. The Knox side west of Hwy 75 is the more upscale half, with many restaurants and upscale home decor shops. The Knox Park neighborhood includes a plethora of upscale home furnishings shops. The Henderson side lagged behind its Knox half, but is now just as trendy, with a more low-key, relaxed vibe. Henderson hot spots now line Henderson all the way from Hwy 75 to Ross. Knox and the western half of Henderson are very pedestrian friendly. Knox/Henderson is just a short walk up the Katy Trail from West Village.

Greenville Avenue south of Mockingbird Lane (known as Lower Greenville) is a genuine neighborhood strip, or series of strips, with a semi-urban atmosphere and businesses that range from pawn shops to sushi bars. The area has evolved more organically than most in Dallas, featuring neighborhood corner Lebanese restaurants, age-old greasy spoons and other urban niceties. During the week you will find many area residents who tend toward the bohemian, but the weekend draws a party-hardy crowd. As one travels north along Greenville, the strips (there are several, each two or three blocks long and around half a mile apart) become somewhat more mature in tone, though the atmosphere still ranges from laid-back to drunken.

Lake Highlands is a district in the northeast part of Dallas.

Get in

Dallas arboretum seasons

See

Dallas arboretum
  • 1 Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 8525 Garland Rd. Daily 9AM-5PM. Located along the south banks of White Rock Lake. 
  • 2 Meadows Museum of Art (at Southern Methodist University). Admission is free on Thursdays after 5PM. Houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish Art outside of Spain, including works by El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo, Goya, Miró and Picasso, and a 40-by-90 foot moving sculpture, Wave, designed by Santiago Calatrava. 
  • 3 George W. Bush Presidential Library, 2943 SMU Boulevard, . Former President Bush's library, containing various exhibits and artifacts from his presidency George W. Bush Presidential Center (Q1508430) on Wikidata George W. Bush Presidential Center on Wikipedia 
  • 4 Koreatown. Dallas is home to the largest Korean-American community in Texas. Although their homes are spread out across North Dallas and the northern suburbs, businesses which cater to the Korean community are concentrated in the neighborhood around the intersection of Harry Hines Boulevard and Royal Lane. Look for loads of Korean restaurants, import stores, and karaoke bars. (updated Jan 2020)
  • Texas High School Football. North Dallas offers great entertainment on Friday nights seen in few places in the country. High School football holds a special status in Texas, and this area is no different. Enjoy 20,000 plus fan atmospheres and exciting games in the area, check local highschools for game times and locations near zipcodes 75206, 75209, 75220, 75225, 75229, 75230, 75231, 75240, 75243, 75244, 75248, 75251, 75252, 75254, 75287 

Do

Map
Map of Dallas/North Dallas

  • 1 Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave, ☏ +1 214-824-9933. The Granada Theater is a great place to enjoy good music. Live music, gourmet food, full bar. Voted Best Live Music Venue 2007-2010 by Dallas Observer. 
  • 2 Tenison Park Golf Club, 3501 Samuell Blvd. Has two 18-hole courses, Tenison Glen and Tenison Highlands. 
  • 3 Luna Vista Golf Course, 11223 Luna Rd. 
  • 4 SMU Mustangs. The Mustangs, representing Southern Methodist University as members of the American Athletic Conference, are the most prominent college sports program on the Dallas side of the Metroplex. SMU's main athletic facilities are on its campus in University Park. The most prominent venues are Gerald J. Ford Stadium (football) and Moody Coliseum (basketball). 
  • 5 Shakespeare Dallas, 3630 Harry Hines Blvd., 3rd Floor, ☏ +1 214-559-2778. 9AM - 5PM. Inspired by the democratic spirit of the New York Shakespeare Festival, Robert "Bob" Glenn started Shakespeare Dallas in 1971. Today, Shakespeare Dallas is a treasured North Texas cultural landmark and the only company in the area that provides accessible programs for audiences of all ages. Shakespeare Dallas has shows in various parks in the Dallas area (Shakespeare in the Park), as well as performances in local schools (Shakespeare on the Go), cultural centers and co-productions with local theatre groups (Shakespeare Unplugged). donations recommended. 
  • 6 Dallas Kosher Chili Cook-Off, 10909 Hillcrest Rd, ☏ +1 214-691-3611. April 3, 10:30AM to 4PM. The Kosher Chili Cook-Off boasts hot chili and family fun. Hosted by the synagogue Tiferet Israel, this annual event draws 3,000-4,000 people from the North Dallas area. This no profit event consists of numerous teams all competing for the best chili award. Admission is around five bucks and includes all the chili you can stomach. 
  • Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Children ages infant to 8 are invited to Goar Park to participate in Easter egg hunt activities under the direction of the Park Department. Multi-colored plastic eggs stuffed with candy are placed throughout areas that are marked off for specific groups. Festivities include a "bounce house," face painting, music and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 
  • 7 June Fishing Derby. Presented for children ages 6 to 12, this event takes place at the pond in Caruth Park. Prior to the event the Park Department stocks the pond with fish. A hit with kids, parents and grandparents, "catch and release" procedures are followed. Children must bring their own bait and poles. Awards are presented for the biggest and smallest fish caught. 
  • 8 Fourth of July Parade. A decades-long tradition, the parade, which is sponsored by the Park Cities Rotary Club, winds through the streets of Highland Park and University Park. The parade begins on Euclid Avenue near Highland Park Town Hall at 9AM The parade travels up Preston Road and then heads east on University Boulevard to Goar Park, which is just west of University Park City Hall. (Parade route map). The Park Cities Rotary Club is responsible for parade entries and vendor booth space at Goar Park 

Buy

  • 1 Galleria Mall, 13350 Dallas Parkway. The Dallas area's most prominent shopping mall has over 200 stores and restaurants, including an ice rink and the Westin Hotel. It is at the intersection of Interstate 635 and the Dallas North Tollway. 
  • 2 North Park Mall, 8687 N Central Expy, ☏ +1 214-363-5018. After completing a significant renovation and expansion in 2006, Northpark is the largest and generally regarded as the nicest shopping center in Texas. Expect to spend some money if you go there as it is filled with high-end stores and chains, though stores such as Dillards, which cater to the more budget conscious, still abound. Northpark contains much of the Nasher family's modern art collection, and is well worth a visit for art and architecture lovers. 
  • 3 Highland Park Village. Offers something for the silver spooned set. Generally credited with being the nation's first modern shopping mall, Highland Park Village houses a variety of upscale brands, including Jimmy Choo, Escada, Ralph Lauren, and Hermes. 
  • 4 Valley View Mall, 13331 Preston Rd, ☏ +1 972-661-2939. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-9PM. Valley View offers the shopping experience to a cash strapped-buyer. If one can't afford the more expensive Galleria or Northpark Malls, then the blue collar Valley View may be the answer. Moderate-budget stores like Sears, JCPenny, and Zales represent the style of the Mall. It also includes numerous salons, chain restaurants, and varied retail outlets. Valley View also holds an AMC movie theater, which, compared to Northpark's AMC, will provide more moderately priced tickets. 
  • 5 Snider Plaza. The best known shopping center in University Park. It's full of small specialty boutiques and some fabulous restaurants. Definitely a place to go and poke around. 
  • 6 Rosedale Rare Books, 3416 Rosedale Ave (at the Snider Plaza). A find for those who are looking for something besides the latest best selling paperback. If you're in the market for a first edition or some other oddity, this is your place. 
  • 7 The Nest, 4524 McKinney Ave. Fabulous one of a kind furniture pieces. 
  • 8 Sam Moon, 11826 Harry Hines Blvd, ☏ +1 972-484-3084. Imported general merchandise, luggage, gifts, and home decorating items at low prices. 
  • 9 Steinway Hall - Dallas, 5301 N. Central Expressway, ☏ +1 214-526-1853. 9AM-6PM. More than a piano store, view historic and one-of-a-kind Steinway pianos. With the largest collection of Steinway pianos you can see, hear and play the Steinway used during the 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. 
  • 10 Good Records, 1808 Greenville Ave, ☏ +1 214-752-4663. One of the best music shops in Texas, with a wide selection of hard-to-find items. Frequently hosts in-store appearances and performances of national acts. 
  • 11 Half-Price Books, 5803 E. Northwest Hwy, ☏ +1 214-379-8000. The flagship location of this second-hand book store has a phenomenal selection and is well worth a stop. 
  • 12 Mockingbird Station. A mixed-use area featuring loft apartments with retail and restaurants at the ground level, Mockingbird Station also boasts one of Dallas's best arthouse/independent cinema theaters, the Angelika. There is some nice shopping, including Victoria's Secret, and West Elm. 

Eat

The densely packed area of restaurants on Belt Line Rd. continues on into the restaurant row of neighboring Addison.

  • 1 Abacus, 4511 McKinney Ave, ☏ +1 214-559-3111. Knox-Henderson favorite from celebrity chef Kent Rathbun features Top Chef star Tre Wilcox as chef de cuisine. 5-star rated by the Dallas News and Zagat rated "Most Popular" in Dallas. 
  • 2 Bob's Steak & Chop House, 4300 Lemmon Ave, ☏ +1 214-528-9446. The only other place to eat the best steaks in Dallas besides Nick & Sams. Bob's is generally regarded as the place where all wagers between gentlemen in Dallas are settled, with the loser picking up the tab. 
  • 3 Besa's Pizza & Pasta, 14856 Preston Rd, ☏ +1 972-233-7227, +1 469-330-9700 (delivery). Comfort food and comfortable prices. Some of the best Italian food in the metroplex. 
  • 4 India Palace, 12817 Preston Rd (just north of I-620). Food and service are both excellent. The chicken tikka masala and kofta nawabi are recommended. $9-$15 per plate. (updated Jan 2020)
  • 5 Shanghai Restaurant, 12817 Preston Rd (right off the LBJ highway), ☏ +1 972-239-1400. M-Th Su 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Shanghai is another great find for food lovers looking for authentic ethnic cuisine. It serves a blend of Americanized and authentic Chinese dishes, ranging from Sesame Chicken to Whole Fried Fish in Ginger Sauce. The ingredients and preparation are extremely fresh, combined with large portions and low prices. (updated Jan 2020)
  • 6 Korea House, 2598 Royal Ln, ☏ +1 972 243-0434. Casual, long-running Asian eatery for Korean staples such as BBQ plus a separate sushi menu. (updated Jan 2020)
  • 7 Tupinamba, 12270 Inwood Rd, ☏ +1 972-991-8148. (updated Feb 2015)
  • 8 Kuby's Deli & Sausage House, 6601 Snider Plaza (in Snider Plaza). A must for anyone who likes German food. The Reuben and the Schnitzel are dishes to try. 
  • 9 Peggy Sue's BBQ, 6600 Snider Plaza (in Snider Plaza). A stable for BBQ lovers in the area. The brisket is usually the dish of choice here. 
  • 10 New York Subs, 3411 Asbury St (behind the 7-11, just off Hillcrest on Asbury). This is one of the best kept secrets in University Park, known and almost universally loved by locals. College students from Southern Methodist University can be seen mingling with men in business suits. 
  • 11 Sonny Bryans, 2202 Inwood Rd. Probably Dallas' most famous barbeque restaurant, and a beloved local institution that has served everyone from celebrities to Presidents. Although there are now several locations, the original, and many say the best, is at 2202 Inwood, between Maple and Harry Hines. Get there early, though, because they close when they run out of food, which pretty much always happens at lunchtime. If in the mood for authentic local barbeque, you can't go wrong at Sonny Bryans'. 
  • 12 Roti Grill, 4438 McKinney Ave (Near Knox Exit I-75). Excellent food. Fresh homemade paneer (indian cheese) served with different gravy. $10-15 per person. (updated Aug 2016)
  • 13 Jimmy's Food Store, 4901 Bryan St, ☏ +1 214-823-6180. A little bit of Brooklyn right in the middle of Big D. Jimmy's is a great neighborhood grocery store with an Italian deli. They make great sandwiches and what many say is the best sandwich in Dallas, the Cuban pork sandwich. Ham, roast pork, pickles, and Swiss cheese grilled panini-style. You can get it with or without hot sauce. They have a great selection of imported foods from Italy, cheeses and deli meats, homemade sausage and meatballs, and a sizable wine selection. 
  • 14 PHO DK Vietnamese Cafe, 14891 Preston Rd #130, ☏ +1 (972) 708-1050. Bowls of pho, banh mi sandwiches & noodles include meat & veggie options at this Vietnamese eatery. (updated Jan 2020)
  • 15 Primos!, 1400 Hi Line Drive, #116, ☏ +1 214-390-7671. Another of the best tex-mex spots in Dallas, off McKinney. Delicious and good for people-watching on the patio. (updated Aug 2016)
  • 16 Sabaidee Lao & Thai Street Food, 5200 Lemmon Ave #100, ☏ +1 (214) 520-6868. Counter service restaurant serving Thai and Laotian style street food. (updated Jan 2020)

East of 75

  • 17 Back Country Bar B Q, 6940 Greenville Ave, ☏ +1 214-696-6940. A favorite in Dallas as one of the best BBQ restaurants. 
  • 18 Campisi's, 5610 E Mockingbird Ln, ☏ +1 214-827-0355. The original location of the local Italian eatery chain, in business for over 65 years. The decor evokes something out of the Godfather, but the smells and flavors are tantalizing and the service is top notch. 
  • 19 Freebirds World Burrito, 5500 Greenville Ave (at the Old Town Shopping Center), ☏ +1 214-265-9992. Moderate pricing for burritos of huge proportions, yet no trade-off in taste especially since you can customize it to your liking. Nice, sometimes loud atmosphere has the feel of a college student hang-out. Free Wi-Fi at most locations. 
  • 20 La Calle Doce, 1925 Skillman Ave, ☏ +1 214-824-9900. Some of the best Mexican seafood food in town. 
  • 21 Sushi House, 5619 W Lovers Ln, ☏ +1 214-350-2100, +1 469-330-9700 (delivery). House specials include tempura and spicy crab sushi – a tangle of sweet crabmeat reddened by chili oil laid over rice and bound tightly by seaweed. As well as the asparagus sushi - two stalks of asparagus quick-fried in tempura batter and fastened to a rice mound by a seaweed strip. The sushi-sashimi combo provides an easy-to-handle sampling selected by the chef. Prompt service in a small, cozy space. 

Lower Greenville

  • The Blue Fish, 3519 Greenville Ave, ☏ +1 214-824-3474. 
  • Blue Goose Cantina, 2905 Greenville Ave, ☏ +1 214-823-8339. Su-Th 11AM-11PM; F Sa 11AM-midnight. This great local Mexican place has an earthy atmosphere and serves a great weekend brunch. For some indiscernible reason it is also popular with bikers. 

Budget

  • 22 Hunky's Hamburgers, 4000 Cedar Springs Rd (corner of Cedar Springs and Throckmorton), ☏ +1 214-522-1212. Very casual place, dressed up like a 50s diner. Prices are cheap and the burgers are big and tasty. 

Mid-range

  • 23 Café Brazil, 6420 N Central Expwy, ☏ +1 214-691-7791. The local chain's most visible presence is an excellent late-night stop after a good time in Deep Ellum. Good coffee, famous omelettes, and unique sandwiches. Open 24 hours. 
  • 24 Cosmic Cafe, 2912 Oak Lawn Ave, ☏ +1 214-521-9195. Amazing vegetarian dishes, soups, salads, and sandwiches with a Mediterranean/Indian flare. Great funky atmosphere. 

Splurge

  • 25 Al Biernat's, 4217 Oaklawn Ave, ☏ +1 214-219-2201. From a pure meat standpoint, Al Biernat's is the best in Dallas (a place with no shortage of good meat). The lobster risotto is a must-have side dish. 
  • 26 Mansion on Turtle Creek, 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, ☏ +1 214-559-2100. 5-star American/Southwestern restaurant with a 6-star price. No tennis shoes, jeans or shorts. 
  • 27 Shinsei, 7713 Inwood Rd, ☏ +1 214-352-0005. Up-and-coming restaurant and sushi bar run by Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing, wives of Dallas Super Chefs Kent Rathbun and Dean Fearing, features a creative Asian fusion menu. Chef Casey Thompson was a Top Chef Season 3 finalist and fan favorite. (updated Aug 2016)

Drink

  • Barley House. If you get on the Dallas side of campus, within walking distance, you can reach this favorite local watering hole. 
  • Cantina Laredo, 6025 Royal Ln, ☏ +1 214-750-9610. Cantina Laredo offers an array of Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican cuisine. Trendy Adobe-ispired architecture create a scenery appropriate for the many Spanish drinks served. The real highlight is the bar, which offers a host of imported tequilas and Mexican liquors. Great find for a quick, moderately priced cervesa and quesadilla. 
  • 1 Escapade 2009, 10707 Finnell St, ☏ +1 214-654-9595. Perhaps the biggest and best Latin club in the Metroplex. 
  • White Rock Coffee, 10105 E Northwest Hwy, ☏ +1 214-341-4774. Great coffee, pastries, and free wi-fi. White Rock Coffee is a locally owned coffeehouse that specializes in freshly roasted coffee. Besides the fact that they have the very best espresso in town, (it won the world barista championship in 2005) the brewed coffee is unbelievable. 

Knox/Henderson

Lower Greenville

Those wishing to bar-hop and catch a cab back to the hotel are advised to hit the strip south of Richmond; this is the densest part of Greenville and the strip extends nearly a full mile.

  • 5 Dubliner, 2818 Greenville Ave, ☏ +1 214-818-0911. A friendly Irish pub. Good jukebox. 
  • The Libertine Bar, 2101 Greenville Ave, ☏ +1 214-824-7900. 
  • The Old Monk, 2847 N Henderson Ave, ☏ +1 214-821-1880. British pub with good fish and chips and a wide selection of beers. 
  • Shade Night Club, 2114 Greenville Ave, Dallas TX, ☏ +1 214-828-9889. Very popular casual dressy environment. Actually a little more on the trendy side. Mostly an electro, dance oriented crowd. Fridays are more on the Latin side. Friendly staff and diverse crowd. Small but never disappoints. 
  • Stan's Blue Note, 2908 Greenville Ave, ☏ +1 214-827-1977. Popular locally for bachelorette parties. Women who donate their bra at the door can get a free drink. Nice patio for people-watching. 

Other locations

Two-thirds of a mile east of Lower Greenville down La Vista Street is a small cluster of wine bars, pubs. Two-thirds of a mile further east down La Vista is a larger cluster of similar places in downtown Lakewood, heralded by the spire of the historic Lakewood Theater.

  • Trinity Hall Pub (At Mockingbird Station). A laid back Irish pub. 
  • Balcony Club. On the second floor of the Lakewood Theater. Jazz and cocktails. 

Cedar Springs gay bars

A 2-block strip on Cedar Springs forms the center of gay nightlife in Dallas. Take a cab as the area is not safe late at night. Also, the police are on the lookout for intoxicated drivers.The farther one strays from the Cedar Springs strip, the more the neighborhood becomes merely "gay-friendly."

  • 6 JR's Bar and Grille, 3923 Cedar Springs. This 2-story bar is perhaps the center for gay life in Dallas. 
  • 7 Station 4, 3911 Cedar Springs Rd. A very bustling gay dance club. 
  • 8 Roundup Saloon, 3912 Cedar Springs Rd, ☏ +1 214-522-9611. Western-themed gay bar. 
  • 9 Sue Ellens, 3903 Cedar Springs Rd, ☏ +1 214-559-0707. Dallas' most popular lesbian establishment. 
  • 10 Havana's Bar and Grille, 4006 Cedar Springs Rd, ☏ +1 214-526-9494. Gay bar which caters to the Latino crowd. 
  • 11 Station 4, 3911 Cedar Springs Rd, ☏ +1 214-526-7171. Female impersonators. 

Sleep

North and Galleria

Northwest and Love Field

Splurge

Connect

This district travel guide to North Dallas is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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