Now, don’t get me wrong, while Gulf Shores is probably the exception, most beach towns we’ve been to, haven’t had the best food. But, the places to eat in Gulf Shores were far from average and the same goes for the places to eat in Orange Beach! (If you’re confused on the difference between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, don’t be – they’re two separate towns, right next to each other, split by the Gulf State Park)

The Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores

The Hangout

This is hands down one of the coolest spots in all of Gulf Shores. It’s both a restaurant and a bar AND has tons of outdoor activities. With everything from live music, to Foosball, to giant foam parties, this place has it all. On the weekends, they’re open pretty late and there’s always something going on.

What we recommend: Listen, we’re not saying their food is the greatest of all time, but we highly recommend grabbing an order of their fried pickles and a shark attack to sip on and you’re in for a good time!

101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Lulu’s

Second to only The Hangout, Lulu’s in Gulf Shores is a unique treat. This was one of the spots we took everyone during the week of our wedding. They not only have good food, but they also have a giant ropes course, areas to play in the sand and a giant gift shop.

What we recommend: We love the crab melt and the fried green tomatoes.

Pro tip: you can get on the wait list at Lulu’s to avoid having to wait as long – this is a game changer, especially during the summer months!

200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Picnic Beach

From the creators of The Hangout, Picnic Beach offers a change-up to the typical beach food. Their mottos is “Good Clean BBQ” and it is that and SO much more. We grabbed lunch from here the week of our wedding and it was hands down a crowd favorite. Picnic Beach should definitely be on your list of Gulf Shores restaurants to hit up!

What we recommend: The Picnic Brisket Salad was my favorite and the white BBQ sauce was everyone’s favorite! Their parmesan bacon truffle fries are absolutely delicious and their Caribbean bowl never disappoints.

128 E 1st Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Sunset Cork Room – Now called Savanna Kitchen

I don’t even know where to begin with this amazing place. Don’t get me wrong, we love eating right on the beach when we’re in Gulf Shores, but Savanna is more than worth the short drive away from the beach. We hosted our rehearsal dinner at their previous spot (Sunset Corkroom) and it was out of this world. You can read more about how awesome Sunset Cork Room was to work with in our Destination Wedding Vendors post! As the owner of Sunset Corkroom was ready to retire, Savanna Kitchen was born. We’ve been here multiple times since they open and every visit we’re reminded at the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every dish they create.

225 E 16th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Crico’s Pizza

This place has the best pizza Gulf Shores has to offer. Their lunch buffet was our absolute favorite and so incredibly cheap. We ended up deciding to order 10 pizzas from here for our first night in Gulf Shores for our wedding. We accidentally found ourselves here for lunch on our first trip to Gulf Shores and we’ve gone back every single time we’re there because the pizza is just that good.

MAY 2023 UPDATE: They are still not running their lunch buffet. Nonetheless, it’s still worth a stop to try their delicious pizza!

What we recommend: There isn’t a bad pizza here, but if you can, skip the delivery and pop in here for lunch, you can thank us later! You also can’t pass up their cricostix, they’re absolutely to die for!

309 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL

Bahama Bob’s

One of our tried & true spots. They probably have the best popcorn shrimp in Gulf Shores. While it’s right on the beach, you can’t see the water from the restaurant, but that has never been an issue for us because the food is delicious. **Bahama Bob’s had a fire in 2023 – they have reopened as of May 2024**

What we recommend: Popcorn shrimp! And of course, a bushwhacker!

601 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Sea N Suds

Similar to Bahama Bob’s, this right-on-the-beach spot is filled with all of the quintessential beach food. We’ve been to Sea n Suds multiple times and always loved everything we’ve eaten. We usually try to snag a spot at the bar and watch the guys shuck fresh oysters. Unlike Bahama Bob’s, Sea N Suds is right on the water, so you’ll have perfect sunset views! And if there’s a wait, you can always grab a drink at the bar closest to the beach and hang out while you wait.

What we recommend: Snag some of the freshly shucked oysters and a delicious cocktail.

405 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Papa Rocco’s

This came at the recommendation of a local – which usually means it’s going to be tried and true, and that it was. Papa Rocco’s makes out list of the best places to eat in Gulf Shores not entirely because of the pizza. The real show stopper here is the baked oysters. Food is served until midnight, so no need to rush off the beach either.

What we recommend: The Italian salad is absolutely delicious, the all meat pizza is amazing and the baked oysters can not be missed.

101 W 6th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Lambert’s

Technically, this spot is located just north of Gulf Shores, in Foley, but close enough to be considered. Home of the “throwed rolls,” Lamberts is a delicious little southern restaurant. The sides are served family style (aka – all you can eat) after you choose your entree.

What we recommend: Definitely try the chicken fried steak and chicken tenders. Eat as many rolls as you can catch and fill up on all the delicious sides!

Pro tip: Bring cash! That’s all they accept – They do have an ATM, but who wants to have to pay ATM fees?

2981 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535

Orange Beach Restaurants

If you’re still confused on the whole Orange Beach/ Gulf Shores split, don’t be. It’s practically one big town, split down the middle by a giant park. Orange Beach is on the side closer to Florida.

The Ruby Slipper

Best brunch in Gulf Shores or I suppose it’d be the best brunch in Orange Beach, but you know what I mean. They have a HUGE menu and do happen to be a chain, but it’s a small, semi-local chain so definitely worth visiting.

What we recommend: If you enjoy a bloody Mary, GET THEIRS! They are absolutely delicious. And if you enjoy spicy, be sure to try the jalepeno infused vodka in your Bloody Mary…It’s delicious. The eggs Benedict is also fabulous. They get super busy – try to get there early during the busy season & holidays.

24151 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Brick & Spoon

Another great brunch spot in Orange Beach. This place is known for it’s huge build your own bloody Mary option and a delicious brunch menu. This place also get’s super busy so get there early and get to building your bloody Mary with your checklist!

What we recommend: Build a bloody Mary on the checklist card! You can pick whatever you want on it! DO NOT skip the stuffed french toast – it’s brunch perfection.

24705 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Buzzcatz

If you have a followed us for a while then you know that we love pastries, breads and sweets. Buzzcatz is all of those and much more. This small little coffee shop packs a big punch in the form of pastries and delicious treats. We tried Buzzcatz the first time we went to Gulf Shores and have been back every time since. We love it so much that we made an order for our goodbye breakfast for our wedding guests the day after our wedding. It is definitely one of the best breakfasts spots in Orange Beach and easily our favorite.

What we recommend: Homemade Pop Tarts, blueberry biscuit sandwiches (one of the most delicious things we have ever had), breakfast sandwiches and the cinnamon rolls…. AKA pretty much anything and everything there! And we’d be silly not to mention their breakfast quesadilla – we’d stand it up next to some of the best breakfasts we’ve ever had! It’s a “daily special” but if you ask nicely, your server may let you have one!

25689 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

 

 

 

 

 

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Cobalt, The Restaurant

Every good foodie town needs at least one really good, fine dining restaurant, regardless of how big or small the town is. When it comes to places to eat in Orange Beach, the fine dining options are somewhat limited. Thankfully, there’s Cobalt, The Restaurant, located on Perdido Bay, right next to the Caribe Resort. Spectacular views, awesome drinks and insanely good food is just a small part of what Cobalt offers. Whether it be for a romantic waterfront dinner or a nice dinner out with the family, Cobalt is the best fine dining in this awesome little beach town.

What we recommend: Crab bisque, pecan fried catfish (Heart eyes), the filet and the bloody Mary(catching on yet).

28099 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Coastal Orange Beach

This is a newer spot in Orange beach… Well, newer as in 2023! If you’re looking for something a little elevated, while still being right on the beach, Coastal is just that. This spot has two sides to it, the nicer, restaurant side and a beach bar side! They also have a massive gift shop!

What we recommend: The tuna poke nachos are always a winner here! There also wasn’t a single cocktail we had that wasn’t delicious.

25722 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Ginny Lane

There’s no shortage of restaurants at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama but one that has always stuck out to us was Ginny Lane (and the sister properties)!

4851 Wharf Pkwy E, Orange Beach, AL 36561

After what feels like a million trips to the area over the last couple of years, we think we have a pretty good grasp of the best restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange beach. Did we leave out one of your favorites? Or have a new recommendation that we should try? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Best Restaurants in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach appeared first on Tastebud Travels.

The best part about Breckenridge restaurants is, most of them are either right on Main Street or just off of Main Street! This makes all of the spots on our list of the best Breckenridge restaurants super easy to get to!

Breakfast in Breckenridge

Crepes A La Cart

Crepes a La Cart might have been one of our favorite stops while in Breckenridge. Their main shop is a little cart on Main St, but they now have another location one street over. Everything is made fresh and all of the items are absolutely delicious. No trip to Breckenridge is complete without a stop at Crepes a La Cart!

Clint’s Bakery & Coffee House

We may or may not have gone back to clients 37 times. That may be an exaggeration, but Clint’s has the MOST delicious blueberry-lemon-poppy seed muffins that Thomas and I can’t resist, which alone helps this spot land on our best Breckenridge restaurants list! We were also in love with their bagel breakfast sandwiches. Seriously, the most perfect carb-loaded breakfast and bakery option to prepare you for a day on the slopes.

Blue Moose Restaurant

Causal breakfast and brunch in Breckenridge spot with a huge menu and cocktails! We highly recommend the Bloody Mary. There can be a wait, especially if you have a larger party, but it’s worth it. Grab a cocktail while waiting to get table! 

BreckFast Co

Lunch and Dinner in Breckenridge

Giampietros Pasta & Pizzeria

Whenever we go skiing, no matter what town we’re in, we always have to find a pizza spot. We’ve done it in other ski towns like Crested Butte and Park City, so finding delicious pizza in Breckenridge was high on our list. Giampietros Pasta & Pizzeria in Breckenridge was everything we could have asked for. The giant pizza and delicious bread is always the perfect meal to eat after a long day on the slopes.

Empire Burger

Empire Burger is truly one of the best places to eat in Breckenridge. It’s our tradition to always go here on our first night anytime we’re in Breckenridge. And it NEVER disappoints. Burger, fries, and an adult root beer float are what we always share, and it only gets better every time we have it.

Downstairs at Eric’s

We had a BLAST at Downstair’s at Eric’s. Granted, we didn’t eat anything, we just played old arcade games, the food looked delicious. It totally had the coolest vibe, and who doesn’t love playing arcade games while eating delicious food?

Soupz On

We stopped in at Soupz On after our snowmobiling adventure! You know, you really work up an appetite when the temps are -30 degrees! This was a spot the local guys (our tour guides) recommended we try, and we know why! Easily one of the best and cheapest meals we ate all week! Pop in, grab some soup and some of their delicious bread and sit a while!

Kenosha Grill

We usually want at least one nice dinner while in Breck and Kenosha always delivers. What originally came as a recommendation from locals for a nicer, affordable dinner in Breckenridge, Kenosha easily lands a place on our list of the best restaurants in Breckenridge! Kenosha was a little  more casual than the steakhouses we are used to, but the food was just as good. We had the beer pretzels, steaks, and some delicious desserts! Definitely a must stuff if you’re in town for a special holiday, or just want a dang good meal!

Dessert in Breckenridge

Mountain Top Cookie Shop

We may stop in at Mountain Top Cookie Shop (formerly Mary’s Mountain Cookies) almost every single day we’ve been in Breckenridge. Okay, that’s a stretch, but the cookies and sweets are just too hard to resist. They have fresh, unique cookies that are undeniably delicious.

Higgles Ice Cream

Higgles is the perfect spot if you’re a little crazy like us and want ice cream even when you’re in icy temps! There aren’t a ton of places for dessert in Breckenridge, but out of all of the ice cream spots, Higgles is our favorite!

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If you missed it, we shared our favorite areas to hang out in when checking out San Diego, and now we’re back with all the hottest places to grab a bite to eat!

Where to eat in San Diego

Donut Bar

This famous little hot spot is the perfect stop if you have a busy day ahead. There are SO. MANY. DONUTS. And they are GIANT. We snagged two Monte Cristo donuts, a maple bacon, a pop tart donut (donut with a pop tart in the middle), a lemon blueberry and a Homer- which is exactly what you might think! All of them were delicious, and I am SO glad we had four people to help even out the tasting!

Juice Wave

If theres one thing San Diego has no shortage of, it’s acai bowls! We saw so many spots around San Diego, but Juice Wave was easily the best acai bowl in San Diego, and possibly the best acai bowl I’ve ever had!

Miss B’s Coconut Cafe

Stopped in here while on a recent girls trip to San Diego and it did not disappoint! I was with a big group and they got us in super quick! There wasn’t a single thing we had that wasn’t delicious. I ordered their plantain coconut shrimp and it was delicious! We also shared the coconut seafood ceviche that i’m still dreaming about.

Madison on Park

Madison on Park is one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve ever been to! They have a semi-open air concept that looks almost like a giant wine cask. It was absolutely stunning! But the amazement doesn’t stop there. The food was absolutely delectable. I went here on that same girls trip and was able to taste a few different dishes. We started with the brie and mussels with toast – both were absolutely stellar. For my entree, I ordered the Ravoli Rossini which was filled with spinach and ricotta and came topped with lobster meat… Talk about pasta heaven. I was also insanely impressed with their gnocchi! Possibly the best gnocchi I’ve ever had, making this spot a shoe-in for our list of the best restaurants in San Diego.

The Crack Shack

Crack Shack is one of those spots that easily flies under the radar, but there’s no question that it should be on our list of the best restaurants in San Diego! This open-air chicken spot is perfect anytime of day. Every single thing we’ve ever had here has been totally mouth watering.

Island Prime

If you’re looking for a steakhouse in San Diego, Island Prime should be at the top of your list! We went here for Thomas’ birthday and it absolutely blew us out of the water. A portion of the restaurant jets out over the water, providing the ultimate views of the bay! We ordered all of our steakhouse favorites – ahi tuna, tons of sides and a decadent filet. All lived up to our high steakhouse standards.

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Liberty Public Market

Liberty Public Market is actually a food hall – but it definitely deserves a spot on this list. There are so many delicious spots. We’ve eaten at Chris’ Ono Grinds, Latin Chef, Mama Made Thai, Parana Empanadas and the ice cream spot! All of which are fantastic.

Barley Mash

Brunch Brunch Brunch. If you’ve been following along for any amount of time, you know I have a serious love affair with brunch. We had actually received a rec to go here for dinner and enjoy the nightlife from a friend, but never made it. So we popped in for brunch and fell in love. If you enjoy all of the typical brunch items, but amplified this spot is for you! A few of our favorites included the super sticky cinnamon roll appropriately called the Sin-A-Bun, a veggie sweet potato hash, the breakfast burger, and lots and lots of bloody Mary’s from their extensive bloody Mary bar! Barley mash is easily one of the best restaurants in San Diego.

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

This is one of those super local spots that Thomas dug up. Tucked away outside of the city is this little fish market and shop. The main attraction (for us) was the halibut fish tacos. Sort background- Thomas’ family is from Alaska, and his mom really knows her fish, especially halibut, so we were on the hunt for halibut fish tacos. Unfortunately they were out of halibut, so we opted for the Ono fish tacos and they were amazing! Actually, all of the tacos we got were amazing. I loved how you chose your fish, then your seasonings and then if you wanted them fried or grilled! Options make me happy!

Casa de Reyes

This delicious spot in the heart of Old Town San Diego is fabulous for some Al Fresco dining! We love sitting in the open patio area munching on chips and salsa, and margaritas. Lots of margaritas. We all shared their tortillas soup and enchiladas. They were good and definitely reminded me of some of our favorite restaurants at home!

Buon Appetito

This spot in Little Italy is perfect for a nicer dinner out. We came in for our one nice dinner of the trip, by nice I mean we got dressed up, wore something other than comfy shoes, and drank lots of wine. Thomas’ mom and I shared their risotto and it was one of the best risottos I have ever had. She and I also shared the insulate tricolor, and holy YUM. The boys shared some kind of meat & pasta dish and it was fabulous. Definitely a great stop if you’re in the mood for something a little more formal- don’t forget to make a reservation!

Rust General Store

I mentioned this spot in our Places to explore in San Diego post, but this general store is just too fabulous to miss. Both Thomas’ mom, Janet and I love finding unique things, aka walls filled with tons of different spices and chocolates. So as you can imagine, we were both in heaven. The ladies in the general store were so friendly and incredibly helpful. We ended up taking home lots of their chocolates, unique salts and other goodies!

Extraordinary Desserts

If you are willing to look for it, you will find it. This immaculate spot is hidden away in somewhat of an industrial area. They have cases and cases of gorgeously decorated desserts and fun sweets to see!

The Cravory

After we filled up on Fish Tacos we needed a little something sweet. So to The Cravory we went! The Cravory had tons of artisan cookies that I could have never dreamed up, and of course, some of the traditional ones! Stop in, grab a dozen and enjoy them for a few days at home, that’s what we did!

It’s easy to see the list of the best restaurants in San Diego could go on forever! Did we miss any of your favorites?SaveSaveSaveSave

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Breakfast in Park City:
Little Donuts
I can not explain how stinking cute these little guys are! They fit in the palm of your hand, meaning 1- you can eat double the amount and 2- you can try DOUBLE the amount of awesome flavors. And believe me, you’ll want to eat ALL of these donuts. We chatted with the owner, who came from LA to start Little Donuts in Park City. The whole atmosphere of this little shop is fantastic, and definitely a must stop! Bonus- if you’re there when the donuts are being made, and you’re able to snag a hot cinnamon donut!

The Bridge
When you arrive at The Bridge, you will quickly understand why it is called The Bridge. Nestled at the base of Town Lift, The Bridge has a small cafe feel, with big cafe flavor. There is a Brazilian flare to many of the dishes, and the coffee is to die for! I highly recommend the eggs Benedict and don’t skimp on the salsa, it’s so worth it – definitely one of the best restaurants in Park City

Lunch in Park City
High West Distillery
Stop what you are doing and bookmark this. Write it down. Hit save. And then write it down again. High West Distillery is the worlds ONLY ski in/ ski out distillery! How freaking cool is that? High West is home to some amazing whiskey, delicious cocktails, exquisite food, and incredible distillery! Housed in an old stable, High West started out as a small distillery turned restaurant.

Legends
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not crazy about bar food, and I don’t normally find bar food to be something I just love, but Legends bar is a game changer! This spot is located at the base of the Pay Day lift (aka right outside of our resort) so we hit it up to check it out. Thomas had (of course) done the research on this place before I did and he knew we had to check out the ahi tuna nachos, and y’all, they do not disappoint!

Dinner in Park City
Tupelo
Tupelo was easily one of my favorite restaurants in Park City. We started the night with some of the delicious mini biscuits with honey butter. I am from the south, and I can proudly say these are some of the best dang biscuits I have ever had. Add a little butter, and you’re in heaven. Such a simple appetizer, but so so so good! 

If you’ve been following along for any amount of time, you know I really, really, REALLY hate eggs. I don’t like them here or there, I don’t like them anywhere (Dr. Seuss anyone?). I just don’t like them. But somehow Thomas convinced me to order these deviled eggs, really he knew I couldn’t turn down prosciutto in any form, so we got them. And I devoured them. I almost ate three of them, but Thomas snatched his second one before I could. They were to die for. Seriously. Amazing. Have I been wrong about eggs this whole time? Probably not. But I sure am glad I tried these eggs!

For dinner, Thomas grabbed the Elk bolognese, and it practically melted in my mouth. But while his was good, mine was spectacular. I had the bass with the most incredible flavor. Both of our entrees blew us away!

Snowed Inn
This restaurant is an experience y’all. Not only did we get to ride a horse drawn sleigh up the mountain, we got to have the most amazing meal to accompany that sleigh ride.
First course: Chili! I love chili, I really really love chili, but I don’t love other peoples’ chili. I’m skeptical, and very partial to my recipe. But you guys, this chili made my chili look silly. There’s something about chili, being served with a ladle, out of a cast iron pot. It was delicious, and the jalepenos gave it the perfect kick!

Have I mentioned their apple cider? Im not a huge apple cider fan, apples make my stomach hurt, their apple cider made me want to swim in it with a straw. It’s a recipe that is made every single day from scratch. There is something about the words “from scratch” that just make my mouth water.
For dinner, we were able to choose what we wanted, there was fresh trout, steak, pot roast, and another option, but as always, I went with the trout…. The trout that was caught that morning, the trout that was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. Don’t let the picture fool you, this was one of the most immaculate pieces of fish I have ever tasted in my entire life. It was divine.

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Back when I was working for CheapCaribbean.com, I actually wrote an entire set of articles on Tulum… What I, along with just about everyone else, failed to realize is, without ever setting foot in Tulum, you can’t possibly know the magic this former fishing village in Mexico possesses (Most of the time, CheapCaribbean doesn’t actually send it’s staff writers to visit the places they put out information on, so you could see where that led to a few issues). Nonetheless, I wanted to clear a few things up, so what better of a way than to write our own articles?!

The Best Restaurants in Tulum

ARCA Tulum

We actually had no intention of stopping in at ARCA Tulum – we were just strolling along after our amazing dinner at Hartwood and couldn’t resist the super cute vibes!

What we recommend:

Like we said, we’d already eaten dinner in Tulum and weren’t technically looking for more food or drinks…. But for some reason we ordered the scallop crudo, topped with a basil and coconut salsa verde, positioned atop a chia seed chip that provided the PERFECT crunch with the soft fish.
Drinks: Mayami Nice – Rum, Xtabentun (fermented honey liquor), passion fruit, almond orgeat (sweetener) and lemon. Har Mar Suprstar – Mezcal, ginger, honey, lemon and thyme. The Mayami nice was definitely the better of the two drinks, but if you like Mezcal, give the Har Mar Superstar at ARCA Tulum a try!
Location: Tulum Beach across from Hotel Playa Xcanan

Bonita Burger Bar Downtown Tulum

This little burger bar is absolutely adorable. From the giant “BONITA” sign out front to the colorful decor of the restaurant and the amazing food, this spot is not to be missed… And dare we say, the best burger in Tulum? We found Bonita Burger Bar via Instagram (read how we find restaurants and vendors on Instagram) and are so happy we did.

What we recommend:

Aloha burger, Peanut & Chipotle burger and fries. The vegan cheesecake is worth a try. The one they had was goji berry. It wasn’t our favorite dessert ever but it was so unique, we couldn’t pass up trying it.
Location: Tulum Town @ Av Tulum & Calle Beta Sur

Dos Ceibas Beach Club

Dos Ceibas was the beach club our AirBnB/hotel offered access to. While it may not be as picturesque as some of the other beach clubs in Tulum, it’s still super cute and has tasty food, drinks and beach beds!

What we recommend:

Shrimp Ceviche and the Agua de Piedra still water. Agua de Piedra is by far the best still water we’ve had and was available at every place we went to other than ARCA.
Location: Tulum Beach @ Hotel Dos Ceibas Eco Retreat Tulum

Food Peddlers

This might be a little intimidating to some, buuuuut, throughout the day, in the Tulum beach area you’ll see people riding down the street on bicycle carts with coolers of food and drinks. Mostly, you’ll see locals stopping at the carts to grab a bite to eat or drink. Don’t be intimidated by these guys. Stop them, ask what they have… Usually, it’s all sorts of delicious things! From tacos to tamales to empanadas and more. You never know, it could be some of the best food in Tulum!
Pro tip: These guys are cash only, so be sure to have pesos, especially in smaller denominations.
Location: Tulum Beach

Gitano Tulum

Gitano Tulum was one of those places we’d been eyeing from the minute we first learned of it! For years we’d been watching their Instagram and other social channels, admiring some of the best drinks in Tulum and dreaming of snapping the infamous pic in front of one of the hottest Instagram spots in Tulum – the neon Gitano sign!

What we recommend:

Red snapper tostada, apparently this one sells out nightly, so don’t miss it. Served cold, the shrimp chaya tortilla tacos with cilantro, sweet onion and lemon jam, while super spicy, they were unlike anything else we’ve ever had before and a real treat for our tastebuds.

Gitano Tulum is known for their mezcal cocktails, so, we of course went straight mezcal and shared them all. We started with a mezcal mule (Union Joven Mezcal, Pentimans, ginger beer and lime), Gitano Margarita (mezcal, lime, rosemary and cucumber) and the Gitano Carajillo (mezcal, cold brew and cacao honey).
Pro tip: Go at night and order all the mezcal drinks, but if you aren’t a mezcal fan, you can get any of their signature cocktails with other liquors or your average run of the mill cocktail. BUT if you can stomach mezcal (some people just cant) try something from their list of signature cocktails.
Location: Tulum Beach down from Hartwood

Hartwood Tulum

My oh my. This was another one of those spots we’d been dreaming of for years and it beat every expectation we had. From the food to the insanely friendly servers, there wasn’t a thing we’d change. The decor here is insanely cute and they do everything they can to keep the vibe of this place totally Tulumy.

What we recommend:

The Costillas Al Agave (Pork Ribs), Ensalada de Jicama (Jicama Salad), Ceviche Yucatan, Passion in The Jungle (Rum, passion fruit and watermelon), Flamingo (Vodka, dragon fruit and lime), Cenote (Mayan Gin, substituted for vodka, real ginger, lime and mint), corn & honey ice cream and vanilla, peanuts and caramel ice cream. The ice cream is a MUST try.
Pro tip: Hartwood reservations are not usually easy to come by. Try to make your reservation at least a month in advance by emailing Reservations@HartwoodTulum.com. Also keep in mind, they’re closed Monday and Tuesday and only accept cash (but can do PayPal)!
Another thing to remember- the Hartwood Tulum menu changes daily based on what’s available and/or fresh, so the items we loved may or may not be available when you visit Tulum.
Location: Tulum Beach across from Casa Ganesh Hotel

Ki-Bok Coffee

Popped in to Ki-Bok Coffee the morning we went to Matcha Mamma for smoothie bowls. We knew we had a long list of things to do in Tulum so we wanted to make sure we were well fueled, so we stopped here. We sat in the back garden room which was covered in plants and was totally serene. The staff was so inviting and nice. Easily one of the best coffees we’ve ever had!

What we recommend:

Chilaquiles rojos with homemade tortilla chips and americano coffee (SOO good).
Pro tip: There is parking around the corner. The restaurant is all about “being present” so no WiFi.
Location: Tulum Town @ Av Tulum & Calle Centauro Sur

Kookie by Kitchen Table Tulum

Kookie might just be the most random find on our list of the best restaurants in Tulum…. We found it searching Instagram and it’s undeniably a hidden gem in Tulum. Owned by the same people who run Kitchen Table Tulum (which was closed while we were there), Kookie is a delivery-only cookie spot with six unique flavors.

What we recommend:

Lunette (butter cookie and house pineapple jam), Double chocolate (chocolate cookie filled with dark chocolate), Peanuts (butter cookie filled with house peanut butter and house hibiscus jam), Cinnamon (butter cookie filled with apple and cinnamon), Gorilaz (chocolate cookie, banana cream and lime meringue) and The Legit (butter cookie with chocolate chips).
Pro tip: You have to order online through Tomato.MX by 8:30 pm.

La Pinche Taqueria Food Truck

We stopped in here our first night when we were absolutely starving after our drive from Cancun to Tulum. It is part of a food truck park with a few other food trucks and a bar called Tulumunchies, right on Tulum Beach road.

What we recommend:

TACOS (Al pastor, chicken and fish) and the guacamole with homemade tortilla chips.
Location: Tulum Beach across from La Zebra Tulum Hotel

Matcha Mamma Tulum

I know we’ve said this a dozen times, but Matcha Mama Tulum was another one of those places we’d been dreaming of. The swings, the smoothie bowls, ALL OF IT. This little shack might go down as one of the best restaurants in Tulum (can you call a shack a restaurant? We don’t know, but it’s definitely on our list) and if it’s not on your list of Tulum restaurants, it should definitely be on your list of the best Instagram spots in Tulum!

What we recommend:

Mamacita smooth bowl (matcha, almond milk, banana, mango, peanut butter and topped with amaranth which is a pseudo-cereal.) and Mango Tango Smoothie (mango, banana, ginger, turmeric, passion fruit, GOJI BERRIES, honey and oats. Topped with bee pollen, shredded coconut, chia, almonds and fresh fruit). We have a thing for goji berries.
Location: Tulum Beach across from Casa Aakbal Hotel

Mateo’s

We stopped in here for lunch after a morning at Cenote Calavera and we were pleasently surprised. Mateo’s is one of the first restaurants you see when entering the Tulum Beach area. Mateo’s doesn’t look as “Tulumy” as some of the other spots on our list of the best restaurants in Tulum, but we’d stack the food up next to the best of them!

What we recommend:

We dined on the white fish ceviche, fish tacos (4 tacos with white fish, chipotle slaw, mango salsa and secret sauce), served with rice and beans. This was also the only place we were served complimentary chips and salsa in Tulum, both were DELICIOUS and made our Tex-Mex lovin’ hearts so happy. If you enjoy a good agua fresca, definitely order the strawberry agua fresca.
Location: North Tulum Beach across from Tulum Bay Hotel

Posada Margherita

Yet another on the list of restaurants in Tulum that has been on our list of must visit spots. Posada Margherita is a true oasis. The walkway from the main road is lined with plants and greenhouses while the beach area is lined with picturesque white daybeds and the most stunning shades of blue. Definitely on our list of the best Instagram spots in Tulum.

What we recommend:

We stopped at Posada Margherita post-lunch/pre-dinner and were bummed we weren’t going to be able to try the pizza or pasta, but opted for scoops of their gelato. We ordered the berries as well as the pistachio – both were absolutely delicious and we highly recommend
Pro tip: You need to order food to have beach bed access. They prefer cash but there is the option to use Zelle if you have it.
Location: Tulum Beach @ Posada Margherita Hotel

The Real Coconut Tulum

The Real Coconut is another one we’ve been eyeing for some time now! They focus on total wellness and it’s evident from the minute you step foot in the restaurant. You can tell they care about every minute detail, not only from the food and drinks they serve but in the people who work there and the perfectly curated setup of the restaurant.

What we recommend:

Breakfast – Ranchero Eggs (quite possibly the best we’ve ever had), Seasonal Chia Parfait (chia, fresh coconut milk, coconut yogurt, mango chia jam, and fresh mango) with the super sprinkles (toasted hemp, chia, chopped almonds, cacao nibs, coconut flakes) and the fresh mint tea.
Afternoon Snack – Bone broth (slow simmered for 12 hours), Pinada Ice Cream Smoothie (Coconut milk, frozen pineapple & bananas and dates), Mint Passion Healthy Hydration (fresh coconut milk, ginger juice, mint, passion fruit and maple syrup, muddled) and of course, more Agua De Piedra.
Pro tip: Go for breakfast for the perfect start to your day. It’s also a great afternoon spot to escape the sun and lounge around.
Location: Tulum Beach @ Sanara Hotel Tulum

Taqueria Honorio

We had Taqueria Honorio on our list, but may not have known exactly where it was without the help of our AirBnB host. It’s right off the main street in Tulum town/ Downtown Tulum. We’d actually passed it the day before and wondered why the heck so many people outside! These tacos are easily some of the best tacos in Tulum and are totally worth the trip to Downtown Tulum! If you’re looking for the best tacos in Tulum, this spot should definitely be at the top of your must-try list.

What we recommend:

TACOS (Carne Asada, Pollo Chicken and Lechón Al Horno Pork), Pineapple Agua Fresca, Horchata Agua Fresca, Mexican Coke and Cream Cheese Empanada.
Pro tip: Look for the yellow building with tons of people (probably mostly locals) hanging outside and bring cash.
Location: Tulum Town @ Satélite Sur and Andromeda Ote

Tulumunchies Food Truck Park Bar

If a city has food trucks, we will find them. This little food truck park in Tulum is one of the only ones that had a bar and THIS BAR was fabulous.

What we recommend:

Passion Fruit Mojito! We stopped in during happy hour so the mojitos and margaritas were even cheaper. If you even remotely enjoy passion fruit, this mojito is a must!
Pro tip: The mojitos and margaritas happy hour is from 6-8 pm.
Location: Tulum Beach across from La Zebra Tulum Hotel

Every restaurant in Tulum was beyond anything we imagined. We consistently left places with our taste buds on a high. Fresh, local, ingredients at every turn, brought so many unique flavors together… From the ceviche, to the fish tacos, to the smoothies and even the burgers. There is something about Tulum food that draws you in to not only the food, but the entire town. Whether it was the higher end spots like Hartwood or local food stands, everything we feasted on showed how exquisite all restaurants in Tulum are! Basically, you can expect the food in Tulum to absolutely blow your socks off.

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NYC Dessert Spots

Junior’s Cheesecakes – Brooklyn

Arguably, the best cheesecake I have ever laid eyesupon my taste buds! And I’ve had a lot of cheesecake in my day. There was just something about the texture and flavor. It’s a must try when in New York. There was just something about Juniors Cheesecakes that just blew me away. So much so, we’re thinking of adding it to our dessert bar at our wedding (they do online orders/delivery!

Levain Bakery – Upper West Side

These cookies may be some of the most decadent things you have ever tasted. After a stroll through Central Park (or after getting engaged at the Bethesda Fountain which you can read about HERE) you absolutely must stop in at this tiny little cookie shop. It’s so small, you might miss it! Look for the blue door and follow the delicious smells down the steps to the cookies. It really is one of the smallest shops ever, so grab a few cookies, and get the heck out, because you’re going to want to devour these things! Best cookies in New York City. 

Treat House – Upper West Side

Again, another fab find after an afternoon of strolling through Central Park! This little shop will transport you straight back to one of your childhood favorites… Rice Krispy treats! But these are far superior to any treats that came in a wrapper through grade school. Tons and tons of fancy flavors fill these cases. They can even do custom orders with different emblems or flavors!

Dylan’s Candy Bar – Upper East Side 

Obviously Dylan’s is famous, and a chain, but come on you guys. You have to admit, the store is awesome, the candy is tasty, and the ice cream shop is the bomb! We got the fruity pebbles ice cream with fruity pebbles on top and it was absolutely mouth watering! Stop in! Grab a treat, and enjoy the views.

Spot Dessert Bar – East Village 

This little hidden gem is an absolutely diamond! One of the best NYC dessert spots. Initially, Thomas and I stopped in here for the bubble tea in a light bulb, hello, who wouldn’t love drinking out of a light bulb? But when we arrived, just about everyone around us had one of these toasts. So we succumbed to the peer pressure, and ordered a toast. And holy cow, were we happy we did! This “Golden Toast” literally melts in your mouth and the ice cream and strawberries are the perfect addition. I would put this as one of the MUST TRY places in New York!

Snowdays Shaved Cream – East Village

Dessert Club Chickalicious – East Village 

If you are looking for absolutely delicious, unique, totally out there desserts, this place is for you. Also on our street in East Village is this little gem. There are two similar locations right across the street from one another, but Dessert Club Chickalicious is the most relaxed of the two. We got the black sesame ice cream in a churro cone (calories don’t count when you’re traveling- duh), and it was so good, we contemplated getting a second one. The toasted sesame chips and the condensed milk drizzle made for the most exquisite dessert and definitely one of the best NYC dessert spots.

Wowfulls – Lower East Side 

I don’t even know where to start. Puffy waffle cones are totally a thing now, and I am loving it. We got green tea ice cream with pineapple, coconut, and green tea Pocky, it was bomb. Wowfulls has so many different creations, there is bound to be something for everyone!

Cookie DÕ – Greenwich Village

Yes, this place really exists, and it really is good. This place deserves ALL of the hype it gets. It’s delicious. End of story. We were fortunate and went right in the middle of dinner time on a Friday night, and had only a 5-10 minute wait, but I’ve heard horror stories of people waiting for HOURS. It’s good, but not worth a three hour wait. Get the smallest size they have, and plan to share it. This treat is amazing, but also so so sweet.

Buns Bar – Chelsea 

Are there actually people in the world who don’t like milkshakes? These over-done yet overly delicious milkshakes come in a crazy decorated mug and are absolutely delicious. Don’t think you can drink one by yourself, it’s next to impossible. You also can’t “choose” your own design for the mug, but beggars can’t be choosers. If you are really feelin’ it,  get a shot of your favorite alcohol in your milkshake, totally worth it!

Bubby’s – High Line

Technically this isn’t a dessert place, but technically, who cares? We stopped in at Bubby’s after a morning of sleeping in for brunch. Which was fabulous! Our server was incredible friendly, and managed to talk us in to a slice of lemon meringue pie, and clearly she could see that lemon meringue pie was both mine and Thomas’ weakness, so we ordered a slice. And no sooner than we ordered it, we devoured it. The pie was amazing. Order the pie, you can thank me later. 

Ring Ding Bar @ Duane Park Patisserie – TriBeCa 

I’m not exactly sure how I have gone my entire adult like not <knowing this place existed, but I am elated that I now know. These little pieces of handheld heaven transport you back to a childhood paradise of ring dig heaven, except these are a little more sophisticated, and come in about 47 different flavors.

Taiyaki – Chinatown 

The whole ice cream in a fish trend has gone CRAZY since we were in New York! Maybe it was before, and i just didn’t realize it, who knows. What I do know, is this green tea ice soft serve in this decadent fish cone, might just be one of the best desserts ever. (Pictured with a skewer of mochi also)

Beard Papa – Upper West Side  

Duchess Cookies NYC– Penn Station 

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Markets in London

Camden Market in Camden Town

Camden Market might be the mecca of all markets in London. This place is HUGE. Located right on the Regent’s Canal, with over 1,000 different vendors, you could spend ALL day here. We were fortunate enough to be able to see this market with our friends Hayley and Richard who we met while on our honeymoon at Cocobay Resort in Antigua. They live outside of London but came in to the city to spend the day with us (queue all the feels y’all – they are the BEST!)
While we were at Camden Market, they introduced us to Halloumi Fries (pictured below) and holy heck they are amazing. Be sure to pop over to the Oli Baba and dine on these delicious deep fried cheese strips – trust us, you won’t regret it!
Camden Market Hours: 7 days a week, 10am – late (you can figure out what that means when you get there).
Location: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF

Borough Market near London Bridge

Foodie market galore. Borough Market is quite famous for its impeccable food stalls that offer tons of local treats and cuisines from all over. And for us Harry Potter fans, it’s the location of the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Borough Market is right by the water and only a street away from the London Bridge. Perfect location. It has all the food you could ever dream of. Mac & cheese, oysters or whatever you want. Borough is the food market everyone should snack at. Street food is the best and Borough does it justice.

Borough Market Hours:
Location:8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom

Portobello Road Market In Notting Hill

We have a true love for antiques. In fact, we would shop at antique stores every weekend if we could. Thankfully for us, in London is home to the largest antique market in world. On Saturdays at Portobello Road Market you’ll find tons of unique antiques. It doesn’t hurt that this London Market is in the beautiful Notting Hill area, made famous by the 1999 Notting Hill movie. It’s an amazing neighborhood in itself but the streets filled with colorful houses make it even better. Portobello Road Market is a gem and is surely one of the best things to do in London.
Portobello Road Market Hours: Monday to Wednesday 9am – 6 pm(No antiques), Thursday 9am – 1 pm (half day, no antiques), Friday 9 am – 7 pm (antique stalls open), Saturday 9am – 7 pm (main day, all stalls open) and Sunday closed.
Location: 306 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TA, United Kingdom

Columbia Road Flower Market in Shoreditch

Flowers can brighten just about anyone’s day. Whether it’s hydrangeas, sunflowers, house plants or roses! On any given Sunday in East London you’ll see men, women and children strolling down the street with bunches of flowers, houseplants and everything in between. The Columbia Road Flower Market in Shoreditch fills the street with the most colorful flower and plant vendors on both sides, for as far as the eye can see. The flower market is always packed so be sure to get there early to get the best of everything. We went with gorgeous white hydrangeas and sunflowers. Get some pretty flowers that smell amazing and check out the local shops too.
Columbia Road Flower Market Hours: Sundays from 8am ’til 3ish
Location: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG, United Kingdom

Covent Garden Market

We didn’t make it to the Covent Garden Market while it was open but we did walk through and are super bummed we didn’t go while the market was in full force. Covent Garden is as well known as any neighborhood in London but not everyone knows there’s an adorable market right in the middle of all the high end shops. Shop here for crafts & goods and be sure to check out the London Underground Museum in Covent Garden as well.
Covent Garden Market Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 7 pm, Saturday 8 am – 6 pm and Sunday 10am – 4 pm
Location: 130 King Street, London N6A 1C5, United Kingdom

Norwich Market

Though it’s not in London, the Norwich Market definitely makes our list of the best markets in England. Nestled in the square of Norwich, about 2 hours Northeast of London, you’ll find the oldest outdoor market in the UK. It’s believed to be 900+ years old and has always run in the same spot. The Norwich Market has almost 200 colorful and vibrant stalls, selling anything and everything you can imagine. Local produce, cheeses, seafood, clothes and more.
Norwich Market won 2019 Best Large Outdoor Market and we totally understand why. There are a ton of things do in Norwich but the market was definitely a highlight for us. We highly recommend doing a day trip to Norwich and if you’re lucky you’ll catch Prince William, Kate and George at Norwich soccer club game… or you’ll find out when you get on the train to leave Norwich that they were there…We aren’t bitter… really.
Norwich Market Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday closed
Location: 1 Market Pl, Norwich NR2 1ND, United Kingdom

London is officially our favorite city we have ever visited… I mean, did you actually read the list above? It’s a no-brainer, at least for us. The incredibly diverse selection of street markets is a big reason why. These markets take the term “London attractions” to a whole new level. We could have spent all day, every day shopping and eating at all the street markets in London. Did we miss one of your favorite London markets? Let us know in the comments!

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Shady’s Burgers and Brewhaha (Lake Highlands)

First off, what an awesome name – Brewhaha. Shady’s is the neighborhood spot you crave when you need a good burger, a shake and maybe a cocktail or beer. We decided to spice it up and got The Hood burger which comes with white cheddar, avocado, grilled onions and grilled jalapeños and it was the kick of the night.

Table etiquette: leave it – someone will come to bus the table

Del’s Burgers (Richardson)

We’d be lying if we said we’ve known about this spot forever. We were driving home after dropping our nieces off one day when we saw this little spot right off of Main Street in Richardson. We planned our return and were not disappointed. The charcoal burgers are some of the best we’ve ever had. The deliciousness doesn’t stop with the burgers, the homemade root beer and fried Twinkies are only two of our endless favorites from this spot.

Table etiquette: Clean it up – bus your own table

Griffs (Garland)

This little spot is such an oldie and probably the least known of all of our list. But oh man is it a solid burger spot. Stop in, grab a burger or two and a shake and you’ll see what we mean. This is a no-frills spot, that is sure to wow you!

Table etiquette: Clean it up – bus your own table

JG’s Old Fashioned Burgers (Old Greenville)

I’m not so sure I want to share this one with the masses… Tucked in to a tiny strip shopping center is JG’s Old Fashioned Burgers. There’s not a lot of glitz and glam when it comes to this little burger joint, but boy is there delicious burgers. We stopped in on a rainy weekday to grab a couple burgers and they did not disappoint. We shared a mushroom Swiss burger and a bacon cheese burger – classics. They were also classically delicious. This is the kind of place where your burger comes with the basics, and you load it with all of the toppings your heart desires.

Table etiquette: leave it – someone will come to bus the table

Sky Rocket Burger (North Dallas)

Sometimes, it’s the hole in the wall places that really knock you off your feet. Sky Rocket Burger is as hole in the wall as it gets and it definitely lives up to the bill with its food, in every way possible. This spot has one of the most mouth watering burgers in all of town and cheese fries that will blow your mind. Drooling over this one as we write this.

Table etiquette: Clean it up – bus your own table

Blues Burgers (Love Field)

Smokestack, julienne fries, king rings and coconut cream pie with cherry limeade… These are the things dreams are made of. Ask and you shall receive at Blue’s, the guy running the counter suggested the Smokestack burger and we are so glad he did! We split the burger and ordered onion rings and fries. Definitely a must! And we cant even put in to words how delicious the fried coconut cream pie was.

Table etiquette: leave it – someone will come to bus the table

Hunky’s (Bishop Arts)

This classic, soda-fountain-style, restaurant has been a staple in Oak Cliff for many years now. The burgers are good, but the nostalgia is better. We recommend the Texas Cheeseburger, served on Texas toast. This burger is both delicious and easily shareable. We also opted for 2 sides (if you’re sharing a burger, why not!?) and got the fries AND onion rings. Both were freaking delicious and I’m not just saying that because I was starving. In true soda-fountain fashion, Thomas got a float and I ordered a malt. There’s just something about a chocolate malt with a burger! Needless to say, Hunky’s easily made it on to our list of best burgers in Dallas with all of their delicious options.

Table etiquette: leave it – someone will come to bus the table

Butcher Block (Addison)

OMG, this place has some of the best food and presentation we have ever seen. This little shop opened up last summer and we had driven by it so many times and we finally looked it up. When we saw a perfect 5/5 rating with 140 reviews, we knew we had to check it out!

We popped in for lunch one day and ordered the Ugly Duckling (pictured below) and the Mexican Flirt which both came out on these awesome wooden boards with the sauces decorating them. Any burger that combines beef with brisket, marinates in duck fat, adds an IPA tempura onion ring and throws some truffle mayo on it will always have our heart and our money. Butcher Block is in every way a 5 star restaurant and is a must try.

Table etiquette: leave it – someone will come to bus the table.

Did we mention your favorite hidden gem burger spot in Dallas? Or maybe we missed it on our search! Let us know in the comments…. We’re always down to try more burgers!

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Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse

With so many great options for steak in Dallas, Nick & Sam’s is definitely on top for us.  From their amazing tuna tartare with cotton candy on it (just trust us on that one), to the damn good fries, which is what they’re actually called, to their deliciously huge desserts for that special occasion. This clubby-steakhouse is exactly what we’re looking for when we want a special meal or just an all around great steak.

One of our favorite features Nick & Sam’s offers is being able to order a half order of all the sides and most appetizers. More room to order more! The ability to see their great selection of steaks before you decide, and their staff’s extensive knowledge of the menu gives us that welcoming feeling that you look for when looking for the best steak in Dallas. The cherry on top has to be the chance to see a few of Dallas’ top celebrities anytime you eat here. You never know when you’re going to walk right past Jason Witten (your favorite former Cowboys player) and you completely miss it!

Zio Cecio

We visited Zio Cecio a few months back for a birthday celebration and have been kicking ourselves for not visiting sooner!

We had one of the most delicious pork chop that was almost too big to finish! Paired with their amazing brussel sprouts, this dish can’t be beat. We also tried the bolognese which was packed with flavor. Chef Francesco went above and beyond for the birthday girl and made every dessert they offer for our table. Our favorites were the lemonchello cake, the raspberry sorbet, and the incredible tiramisu! What a special treat to have made all of these desserts himself for us all to try. The best service we’ve had at a Dallas restaurant, by far.

Neighborhood Services

The jack of all trades. Neighborhood Services has been our favorite restaurant in Dallas for as long as we can remember. This spot is perfect for anything from a date night in Dallas  to a dinner with your girlfriends. There are now a few different locations of Neighborhood Services in Dallas, but we highly recommend NHS on Lovers. With locations sprinkled all across DFW, we still put the original location on Lovers and Inwood at the top, by a fairly large margin!

Start off with their meatballs dipped in their special voodoo sauce and some of the crispy asparagus. Two of the best appetizers we’ve ever had. If you’re extra lucky, they might have lobster nachos, in this case, order 5 plates, they’re freaking amazing.

If you’re like us and you love a wedge salad then you’re in for a treat! NHS’ is so good that we’ve been known to order one after we have already had dessert… they are that good.

From the entrees list we love the chicken fried steak or steak frites that come with that amazing voodoo sauce again. The nightly fish and pastas are always delicious but if you’re really hungry order the prime Delmonico which can easily compete as one of the best steaks in Dallas!

The sides might be the real show stopper, Brussels, fries and Mac cheese are always our go-tos and are perfect to share with the table. But we’re warning you, don’t fill up too fast. You absolutely HAVE to save room for dessert. NHS does a nightly fried pie with Henry’s vanilla ice cream and we have yet to have one that we weren’t in love with. If you’re not a pie person then we recommend the amazing butterscotch pot de crème, it’s always perfect.  Make a reservation ASAP and go try our favorite Dallas restaurant!

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Sushi Rock

This little spot in Richardson is the perfect place to go for affordable yet high-end sushi. We stumbled upon this place a few years ago and we can’t get enough. Everything we order here blows our mind with flavors and ingredients we had no idea went so well together. Our favorites have to be the home smoked salmon that Chef Mark cold smokes himself or the ottoro blue fin tuna that literally melts in your mouth.  Grab a glass (or bottle) of plum wine or sake, sit at the sushi bar and let Chef Mark and his family serve you some of the best sushi you’ll find anywhere in Dallas. There a reason we labeled it the neighborhood version of Uchi on our Yelp review.

E Bar Tex Mex

A few years ago we were looking for a place to go for lunch on Cinco De Mayo and we found E Bar! A quiet little spot on Haskell that you wouldn’t think much of from the outside. We tried it and we have been back many times since. We are big fans of the food and the happy hour drinks here, but we both agree the service could be better at times. Some of our favorites include the tortilla soup, taco salad, sour cream enchiladas and the chicken fajita nachos. E Bar has been so good every time we go, we can easily say it’s the best Tex Mex in Dallas. When you’re done devouring a delicious meal at E Bar, head down to Deep Ellum and check out some of the best Dallas murals!

Jeng Chi

2018 was definitely the year of the dumpling for us! Jeng Chi is easily our favorite dim sum spot in the DFW area. Nestled in Richardson’s Chinatown community, Jeng Chi has a huge assortment of dumpling options to choose from. Our go-to’s are the beef juicy steamed dumplings, pork and Napa boiled dumplings and chicken steamed dumplings. All the dumplings come made to order and are piping hot and ready for you to devour. Is there a better combination then a glass of sangria, dim sum, and dessert from their bakery? We don’t think so!

Mai’s Vietnamese

If you’ve lived in Dallas for a number of years, chances are, unless you’re “in” with the locals, there’s a good chance you still haven’t heard about Mai’s. Lucky for you, your girl here was born and raised in East Dallas and is about to be your “in.” If you are in search of the best Vietnamese food in Dallas, look no further. I’ve been coming here since I was in the womb. I grew up going to church with the owners and their sons. You could say I’ve been coming here since before I knew how to properly devour thier delicious chicken clay pot or shrimp spring rolls (don’t worry y’all, my mom taught me how real quick!). They recently reduced their restaurant size to about half of what it once was, due to the boom of East Dallas. But fear not, the food and service are just as good as they’ve always been!

Cris & John

My oh my. This little spot became an instant favorite from (literally) the day they opened. I stumbled into Cris and John with my two favorite mini-foodies when we were on the hunt for Asian one night. Little did we know, it was the first day they were open and we were about to get a glimpse of a spot that would take Dallas by storm. The ramenrito was what initially blew our minds, but as we evolved we’ve grown to love the dumpling noodles and the phoritos. And if you’ve managed to save room for dessert, and they aren’t sold out, the café churros will be the cherry on top of your perfect meal. Cris & John easily have the best Vietnamese street food in Dallas.

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Carmine’s Pizza

Ever since Tiffani and I were kids we’ve been coming to Carmine’s Pizza Spring Valley Rd in Dallas. We didn’t even know each other until we were in college but both of our families, from different areas of Dallas, somehow found this place and loved it. A no frills NY style pizza shop that’s been slinging pizza for over 30+ years. We love to come here for lunch and get the lunch pizza special with a large slice of pizza, dinner salad and drink. The pizza tastes like you’re deep in NYC. We hope this place never closes and we’ll be able to bring our kids here someday.

Keller’s Drive-In

In the day and age that prices continue to go up, Keller’s continue to stay the same with cheap burgers and fries. With old-school carhops that still bring your order out to your car and cheap eats, it’s no wonder this is and always will be a must on our list of the best restaurants in Dallas. Our favorite is the classic, number 5 special with double meat and cheese, lettuce, tomato and special dressing on a poppy seed bun for $2.85. Add fries and a drink and you’re still under $6!! Good luck finding anywhere this good for this cheap. Keller’s has been bringing food to people at their cars since around 1950 and we hope they continue to, forever! You can find more burgers in Dallas on our list of The Best Burgers in Dallas!

Chiloso 

It almost wouldn’t be fair to mention this place and leave out the little detail that we had our first date here! Two, cute little 18 year olds, eating tacos. Coincidentally, we also came here the morning Thomas asked me to be his girlfriend because he about lost his marbles when he found out I’d never tried their breakfast tacos. We’d easily say they have the best breakfast tacos in Dallas. With a set up similar to Chipotle or other fast-casual dining spots, where you can pick all the toppings your heart desires. Their breakfast tacos are heavenly, but their lunch and dinner offerings are just as good. We usually aim for a taco and a bowl of their chicken tortilla soup. They might have one of the best chicken tortilla soup in Dallas.

Whether you’re on the hunt for the best steakhouse in Dallas or just a spot to grab a quick breakfast, this list has a little bit of everything for everyone!

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If there’s one thing I know about, it’s food in Dallas. The only thing I know better than the places you can get the best meal, is the places you can get the best dessert. Hello, I haven’t gained these extra L-B’s eating salads and skipping dessert, duh! Don’t get me wrong, Dallas has some great dessert spots, but there are a lot of overrated ones, and definitely a few that aren’t technically Dallas based, but people have no idea. Desserting, as I like to call it, is such a fun adventure in Dallas. You can have a bomb dinner at one place and head off to another spot for a delicious dessert. That’s just how Dallas rolls.

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