The Fangirl Guide to Dallas

Dallas is home-base for The Fangirl Guides, so this is a special one for us, friends. If your adventures ever bring you to our hometown, here are some of the best spots to check out. (Also you better let us know you’re in town, bc we wanna crash your party.)

NEAR DEEP ELLUM VENUES

(Prophet Bar, Bomb Factory, Curtain Club, Dada, Trees, etc.)

Where to Stay

Airbnb: Urban Warehouse Loft

ISSA CONVERTED WAREHOUSE, FAM. If that isn’t the epitome of cool, idk what is. Plus, it’s reasonably priced AND just steps away from all the best spots in Deep Ellum. It doesn’t get better than this, y’all.

Might also like: Airbnb: Downtown Dallas

Where to Caffeinate

Mokah Coffee & Tea

This is one of Deep Ellum’s hidden gems. The coffee is great, there’s plenty of seating, and their playlist is always ace. Plus, there’s tons of (free) parking, right out front--a rarity for Deep Ellum.

Might also like: Murray Street Coffee Shop

Where to Eat

Cane Rosso

Our beloved Cane Rosso is one of our go-to spots in DFW. Pre-show dinner? Cane Rosso. Brunch? Cane Rosso. Someone’s birthday? Cane Rosso. Bored? Cane Rosso. Our recommendation: Order the Honey Bastard for your meal and the Edgar for dessert. You’re welcome. (Pro tip: They can get pretty busy on weekends, so you might wanna make reservations.)

Might also like: Revolver Taco Lounge, Monkey King Noodle Company

Pre-Show

Deep Ellum Brewing Company

One of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon is to hit up a local brewery, try a few different beers, and take it easy before all the excitement of a show. And Deep Ellum Brewing is the perfect place to do just that.

Might also like: Deep Vellum Books

Post-Show

Dot’s Hop House and Cocktail Courtyard

If the cool factor is what you’re after, look no further than Dot’s. With a courtyard adorned with string lights, murals, and a massive chandelier, the vibe here is best described as laidback sophistication. And they take their alcohol very seriously. Grab a cocktail, or choose from the 100 beers they have on tap, find a spot outside, and let those post-show good vibes last all night. (Or at least until last call.)

Might also like: Double Wide, Louie Louie’s Dueling Piano Bar

NEAR AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER/HOUSE OF BLUES

Where to Stay

Airbnb: Prime Uptown Location

Are you KIDDING ME with this cozy cuteness rn!? Omg. Plus, it’s located close to *literally* everything, which makes it the perfect homebase for a show at the HOB/AAC, or exploring the rest of Dallas.

Might also like: Airbnb: City Haven

Where to Caffeinate

Magnolias Sous Le Pont

Not gonna lie, this place is like if Pinterest came to life. Whether you choose to run inside and grab a perfectly pulled latte to-go or take your time with an espresso on the French bistro-style patio, you can’t go wrong with this place.

Might also like: Cafe Victoria, Ascension, Brewed+Pressed

Where to Eat

El Fenix

When it comes to Tex-Mex, it doesn’t get more legendary than El Fenix. And their downtown location serves up all your Tex-Mex favs (queso and margs anyone?), just a short walk from the House of Blues and the AAC.

Might also like: Ellen’s (this is *the* move for brunch); Special shoutout to the Hooter’s next door to the House of Blues, where our fav fangirl met Luke Hemmings of 5SOS one night.

Pre-Show

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

That funky-looking building you’ll see when you’re driving to the HOB/AAC? That’s the Perot. And the interactive exhibits inside--covering everything from space and the weather to the biology of sports--are just as captivating as the building’s attention-grabbing architecture.

Might also like: 6th Floor Museum, The Dallas World Aquarium, Klyde Warren Park

Post-Show

Happiest Hour

Everything’s bigger in Texas. And Happiest Hour is home to the largest patio bar in all of Dallas. And y’all should know by now, we have a thing for eating (and drinking) outside. It’s one of the most beloved spots in the neighborhood, and it’s just steps away from the HOB and AAC.

Might also like: BuzzBrews

NEAR THE GRANADA

Where to Stay

Airbnb: Greenville/SMU Oasis

This space is so airy and bright, and the back patio looks straight out of a dream. What more could you ask for?

Might also like: Airbnb: Urban Landing

Where to Caffeinate

Halcyon

Big, industrial windows + outdoor seating + funky light fixtures mean we love this place by default. Plus, they serve up a stellar brunch menu, carefully crafted coffee, and the stronger stuff once the sun goes down. What’s not to love?

Might also like: Mudsmith

Where to Eat

Sundown at Granada

This farm-to-table restaurant located right next to the Granada has a menu that honestly makes my mouth water just thinking about it. And the multi-level patio looks out onto Greenville Avenue, so you can keep an eye on the line next door ;)

Might also like: Pizzeria Testa, Cafe Izmir

Pre-Show

Truck Yard

The owner of Truck Yard describes it as a “playground for adults.” And that’s pretty damn accurate. There’s food trucks, alcohol, and even a friggin treehouse, y’all. Plus, it’s dog-friendly. Kind of a dream place, if you ask me.

Might also like: Steel City Pops

Post-Show

Sundown at Granada

Yeah. I know we already told you to eat here. But now we’re telling you to go back for post-show festivities. Whether you just want a nightcap or need a little more sustenance after dancing your tail off all night, this is the place. And it’s literally right next door, to make your life easier.

Might also like: Single Wide, Halcyon