DALLAS / FORT WORTH HISTORIC RESTAURANTS, BARS, SALOONS, BUILDINGS & HOTELS

Dallas and Fort Worth (and the whole Metroplex) are great cities! Not surprisingly, being right smack between the East and West Coast, these places reminded me at times of San Diego and at other times of Baltimore. The greatest thing about Dallas and Fort Worth is good old fashion Texas culture (regardless of race or national heritage) which is about as warm and friendly as I've ever seen anywhere. Sadly, I think regional cultures are dying out in the U.S. due to modern mobility and the generic influence of television and movies.  For example, I spent a week in Myrtle Beach South Carolina and only twice heard a Southern accent (sad!!!). In Dallas and Fort Worth, you have to work a bit to find a place where the people have mostly Texas accents, but this guide will help big time in that regard. Fort Worth seemed a bit more old Western and Dallas a bit more cosmopolitan. And I have to say, I've never seen people drive like they do in Fort Worth (you'd think they were riding a raging bull!). In most of the coffee shops and diners listed, if you sit at the counter or communal tables (with a smile on your face and just ask the people next to you "how's it going"), you'll come in a stranger and walk out with a bunch of friends.  That's just the way genuine Texas culture is. I even had people in cars stop when they saw my camera, ask me if I was a tourist and proceed to tell me places to see. Another nice thing about both cities is the widespread availability of cheap parking everywhere you go. Of course, as with all cities - some places, no matter how friendly require caution. I've obviously missed some places in this vast area, but I think I did pretty well for a short visit!

DALLAS, TEXAS	It ain't Fort Worth, and we like it that way!
Adair's Saloon, 2624 Commerce St Dallas, TX 75226 (214) 939-9900 since 1963 T T T T	I had a really great time here, despite dire warnings from some locals about "Deep Ellum" in general.  It seemed tame enough in the late afternoon at least.  Every inch of the walls are covered with writing, which creates a cool dive ambiance.  Sitting next to a nice Texas couple, by the time I left they were patting me on the back and inviting me to go with them to some other local places.  That's just how Texas is I guess. The day I was there, there was about 10 male musicians/singers and two female singers gathered around a big table.  I don't think they were all professional musicians.  Mostly guitar, with an acoustic bass guitar and banjo thrown in.  Man were they playing and singing their hearts out.  I would let you in on a secret that their music, so full of Texas culture, brought tears to my eyes, but then they wouldn't let a wimp like me back in there! As with the rest of my website, I make no representations about the safety of any bar. Near the Zodiac restaurant, El Fenix Mexican Restaurant, Old Warsaw (which would make quite an interesting contrast) and Fair Park.
Adolphus Hotel, 1321 Commerce St Dallas, TX 75202 214 742-8200 Since 1912	Named after the hotel's founder, Adophus Busch (of Anheuser-Busch beer fame as well). If you want to stay in a beautiful ornate historic hotel, with plenty of dark woods and original interior design, this place is made to order.  Don't know what the rates are, but this would be my choice for a hotel in downtown Dallas (might have to save up for it). Near the Zodiac Restaurant, Old Red Museum, the Majestic Movie Palace, Fair Park, the Sixth Floor Museum and not too far from the Belmont hotel
Barbec's Restaurant. 8949 Garland Rd Dallas, TX 75218-3918 214 321-5597	Another very solid good old fashion coffee shop with friendly service. No one seemed to know just how old it was, but it's old school all right.  They make a mean homemade vegetable soup (almost as hot as Texas chili). Kind of on the outskirts of town, with plenty of interesting locals.  They are known for their "Beer Biscuits" which unfortunately my diet didn't allow for the day I stopped in.  You can't go wrong here. Not too far from the Arboretum
Belmont Hotel (bar), 901 Fort Worth Avenue, Dallas, TX 75208 (866) 870-8010	This is probably the hippest hotel in town. They going for the Shawn Hausman style of the Standard Hotels in LA, and they have done a reasonable job of it. Sort of a mid-century modern look with nice views and an upscale restaurant on site. I have not stayed or eaten here, but it looks like it would be fun.  A bit on the outskirts of downtown, so it should be pretty peaceful. Not too far from the downtown Zodiac restaurant, the Adolphus Hotel, the Majestic Movie Palace and the Old Warsaw Restaurant.
Campisi's Egyptian Lounge, 5610 E Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75206 214 827-0355 since 1946 T T T T	I ate at the bar one night and talked to some nice local people, and another night I came back with some colleagues who liked the place as well.  This is one of the very best old school places in town.  Very tasty original recipes made from scratch.  This place introduced pizza to Dallas in the '40s and it appears they have retained their original pizza style, which is quite different from your usual generic pizza. It's similar to Casale's Half-Way Club in Reno which, not coincidently, was the first pizza in Reno. There are other branches of Campisi's in town, but for the purposes of this site, you just have to go to the "Egyptian" original locale. And what's with the name "Egyptian"?  They explained to me that when they opened in 1946, they opened in the space occupied by a bar called the Egyptian lounge.  The budget at the time did not allow for them to tear the neon sign of the old place down, so they incorporated it into the new name. You have have to love that!  This place is still a hangout for famous retired sports figures.  Eat in the original room or at the bar which has the best old school, time machine ambiance. A big plus is that you can go to Trader Vic's for a drink (don't drink and drive!) only a few blocks down the street, after dinner. Very near Trader Vic's, and not too far from Keller's and the Highland Park Pharmacy Soda Fountain.
Club Schmitz, 9661 Denton Dr. Dallas, TX 75220 (214) 350-3607 since 1946 T T T T	This place, although some might call it just a hole in wall, is really a living time capsule of American culture. It's a place where time has stood still and still owned I believe by the sons of the original owner.  Nice pool tables and bar as well. Good old American burgers and chili (at 1970's prices) and a bar with the coldest O'Doul's in town! The owner and a long term waitress were the only people there when I went in and they were interesting folks.  You could pass this place by 1000 times and not notice it, but it is a true Dallas classic.  President George W. Bush ate here while still governor and the owner states that he gave the Prez the idea to run!  He even has a picture of "W" with a Club Schmitz tee shirt on (which make nice souvenirs). President Bush has indicated he might come back with his dad, but the owner is still waiting (I'll bet you "H.W." would appreciate a place like this).  If you are into hole in the wall greasy spoons like I am, this is a must see place. Patronize this place Dallas!  You have precious few places like it left. Close to Love Field Airport, the Mecca Diner, and not too far from Sonny Bryan's Barbecue and the Original Market Diner.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, 411 Elm Street, Dallas, TX  75202 (214) 747-6660 The infamous "grassy knoll" and if you look in the picture on the street with the modern building, the exact spot of the assassination is marked with an "X". Moronic tourists can be seen every few minutes darting out into traffic to get a picture next to the "X".	I had some reservations at first about going here, thinking it might be a bit on the morbid side. The museum part of things turned out to not be of great interest to me. While it is well done (essentially a recorded headphone tour of pictures), I've seen so many documentaries on the Kennedy assassination that I was not going to learn anything new.  But being able to look through the window essentially where Lee Harvey Oswald did (actually you have to look through the next window over) and look down upon the exact spot where the President met his end, was a very powerful experience.  I can't recall ever being so close to such a enormous historic event.  It also brings up very strong emotions regarding the loss of such a great figure of history (who may well have saved the world from a nuclear holocaust).  As with anyone who was older than four or five that infamous day, I still remember coming home from elementary school and seeing my mother crying and watching all of the news reports. Looking down on the street also makes it clear that it was not so great a feat for Oswald to make that shot, contrary to the conspiracy theories.  So just being able to stand in the midst of history is well worth the price of the ticket. And of course - the grassy knoll is still there as well.  Thankfully the Texas School Book Depository has not met the same fate as the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.
Dallas Texas in General	Just some miscellaneous pictures of Dallas to give you a flavor of the place.
El Fenix,  1601 McKinney, Dallas, TX 75202 214-747-1121 since 1918 T	This is Dallas' oldest Mexican restaurant, if my facts are right.  The original branch (although it has moved) is downtown.  I am told that the original family has sold to investors, although they may have some on going role.  It has become a chain, at least in Dallas.  The food is quite tasty.  The interior seems fairly new and uniform among other branches. It is bright and cheerful, although not terribly old school and no time machine effect.  Lot's of history behind this place, as the family dates back to the earliest Hispanic community in Dallas. Definitely worth visiting for a great meal. Try their puffy tacos - an original! The downtown branch is right next to Hernandez's Fine Foods.  It's not too far from Old Warsaw Restaurant, the Majestic Movie Palace and the Zodiac Restaurant.
Fair Park, Dallas, TX	I am not going to get into the rich history of this park.  Suffice it to say that the park originated as the Texas Centennial Exposition, a homage to Texas' independence from Mejico in 1836. The timing of the celebration was fortuitous since it fell right during the height of the art deco craze (perhaps right at the center of the Streamline Moderne phase).  So the main interest to readers of this site are the wonderful art deco statues and some art deco interiors for the museums here. As to art deco interiors, the real star here is the Hall of State, which is in pristine condition.  This is a must see for art deco lovers (like myself). It is a little unusual seeing Western themes, like a cactus, incorporated into art deco adornments.
The Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 824-9933	This classic movie palace is in great shape (at least the exterior - I did not have the opportunity to go inside).  It is now a music venue. The Greenville Avenue area is pretty upscale and fun starting South of Mockingbird until you get fairly far South. Not far from the Greenville Bar & Grill and Winedale Tavern
Greenville Bar & Grill, 2821 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75206  469 334 0001 since the 40's? T	Some sources list this as the oldest bar in Dallas. If so, it has been substantially remodeled into a fairly upscale new looking place. Some older wood here and there and a pressed tin ceiling.  This place caters to a younger crowd than old farts like me, but I'll list this place for history sake.
Hernandez Finer Foods. 2120 Alamo St. Dallas, TX  742-2533 since 1918	Hidden on a quiet street behind the massive El Fenix restaurant downtown is this quiet and very humble food store and eatery with a big chunk of Dallas Latino history.  Back in 1918, Juan Hernandez, an immigrant from Guanajuato, Mexico started this historic business, in what was then the original thriving "barrio" of Dallas.  A share cropper, Juan would first started selling produce with a horse drawn buggy. If my facts are right, Hernandez Fine Foods and El Fenix where next to each other, even back then and they both moved later to the present location.  Pedro Hernandez-Calvillo, Juan's son then took over the business and his daughter, who was nice enough to give me this history, Socorro Garcia, now runs the place.  Hernandez Finer Foods, along with the much more well known El Fenix mark the last of the historic Dallas barrio.  I hate to be critical, but I think Dallas is neglecting a big part of it's history by not publicizing this historic store and it's story. It's the last of it's kind. In any event, I strongly recommend that you stop by for the best barbacoa tacos in town and if Ms. Garcia is not too busy, maybe she can share her family's important story with you as well.
Highland Park Pharmacy, 3229 Knox St. Dallas, TX  75205 214 521 2126 T T T since 1912	A real blast from the past.  I fondly remember when drug store lunch counters were the "fast food" before McDonald's took over completely.  Kids will love this place.  But before you check out all of their fountain treats, try the chicken salad - it's really good! Near Keller's Hamburgers, Campisi's Egyptian and Trader Vic's Restaurant. Not far from Campisi's Egyptian Restaurant, Trader Vic's and Keller's Drive-In.
Keller's Drive-In, 6537 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 214-368-1209 established 1950	A real Dallas institution.  An original 50's hamburger stand where they still come out to your car and serve you. Great hamburgers and other sandwiches at prices long gone in other parts of the country. You could probably stuff yourself silly on their chili dogs for about $7 total. A must see. It's worth it just to hear the waitresses call you "honey". Not far from Campisi's Egyptian Restaurant, the Highland Park Pharmacy Soda Fountain and Trader Vic's Restaurant.
The Majestic Theater,  1925 Elm Street, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75201-2516 since 1921 (John Eberson)	Former movie palace that was once part of several blocks of movie palaces in Dallas. Now an all purpose theater. Hard to imagine anyone could ever think of tearing a movie palace down, especial since it seems we can no longer make them.  A truly lost art from what may be a lost culture. The Marquee here is actually a replica of the original, but I'm told there is still a nice original interior.  Back in the day, the Majestic not only provided child care on the premises, but it also lavished the kids with a mini-zoo and carousel. Not far from the Zodiac Restaurant, the Old Warsaw Restaurant and Belmont Hotel.
Mama's Daughter's Diner, 2014 Irving Blvd, Dallas, TX 214 742-8646	This diner looks pretty new (although it appears to be in a building that housed an older coffee shop), but the family that runs the place, a mother and daughters (hence the name) has a long history in Dallas.  Way too spotless to be called a greasy spoon. The mom formerly ran a place called Norma's.  This place is full of nostalgia and the food is phenomenal.  The crowds at lunch attest to that.  One of the big draws here for me was a waitress named Barbara.  This gal has seen it all in Dallas but hasn't slowed down one bit (and she is not only an expert on the history of Dallas restaurants - she's personally witnessed a big chunk of Dallas pop culture history).  She's full of the Texas spirit and has a unique style unparalleled in any other place I visited (well, except for her sister at the Original Market Diner who also carries on the family style).  If you are served by Barbara, you are in for a treat, especially with her knowledge of Dallas goings on.  If the city of Dallas were more creative (City governments rarely are) they would hire her to be ambassador (along with her sister) of the city for commercials and other tourist purposes.  Plenty of sayings on the wall by Mama - the restaurant originator, which shows she was as wise a woman as she is a great cook. Don't forget to try the Okra here if you want to be a real Texan. Near the Original Market Diner, and not too far from Sonny Bryan's Barbeque, Club Schmitz and the Mecca Restaurant.
The Mecca Restaurant, 10422 Harry Hines Blvd. , Dallas, TX 75220 214 352-0051‎ (214) 357-6803 since 1938 T T T T T	I think of all the restaurants I visited, I enjoyed this one the most.  The food is wonderful (all from scratch) and homemade (redundant?).  If you sit at the counter you can't help but make a friend or two and the waitresses treat everyone as if they have been regulars for 20 years or more (which most people at the counter are).  Great spot for pure Texas culture. And the pancakes are nearly the size of Texas as well. Buy one of their tee shirts before you leave.  If you don't stop by here, you really haven't seen Dallas! People in Texas eat things I never had living in Maryland or California - like Turnips and Okra (which were all quite tasty).  Why can't they have places like this where I live. Not far from Club Schmitz, the Original Market Diner, Sonny Bryan's  and Mama's Daughters' Diner.
Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture, 100 S Houston St Dallas, TX 75202 214 745-1100	This is no doubt the best looking historic building in downtown Dallas (and one of the best exteriors for a building for any city I've visited).  It used to be the Dallas County Superior Court.  I have always contended that you enjoy a visit to a new place 10 times more if you have some familiarity with it's history, and the museum here is one of the best ways to bone up on Dallas history without a big investment of time.  You can just walk around or take the tour (call ahead for times).  The interior is mildly reminiscent of the Bradbury Building in Los Angeles (albeit a much simpler style).
Old Warsaw Restaurant, 2610 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75201 (214) 528-0032 T T since 1948	This is a very elegant restaurant, with oil paintings (probably a bit racy for kids) and beautiful flowers everywhere. Sitting at the bar, I was having fantasies of being a Polish prince (something my grandfather hinted at with no credibility whatsoever), waiting for my court to arrive.  While the place appears to be almost completely remodeled, it still has a very old school feel.  It's extremely relaxing and dark. This would be great for a romantic date (but you better be ready to get married given the likely effect of this place).  The manager insisted he would not charge me for my O'Doul's because it contained no alcohol?  Ok by me!  Nice place for a real splurge. Not far from the Zodiac restaurant, the Fenix Mexican Restaurant, Fair Park and Adair's Saloon (which would be pretty wild to combine with a trip to Old Warsaw!).
Original Market Diner, 4434 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75219 214-521-0992 T T	The food is top's here.  I'm not sure this restaurant is that old but it looks like it took over an older diner.  The stars here, as I mention in the Mama's Daughters' Diner write up are Barbara (a regular) and her sister, a waitress, who are some of the most unique people you'll ever meet and great ambassadors of Texas culture.  Try the fruit plate here for a healthy breakfast (although I was savoring the ham steaks I saw while eating my fruit). Located on or near Harry Hines Blvd. you have the great "gang of five" - The Mecca Restaurant, the Original Market Diner, Club Schmitz, and not far off Harry Hines, Mama's Daughters' Diner and Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse.  Talk about convenient!
Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse, 2202 Inwood Road Dallas, TX 214-357-7120 T T T T T since 1910	Holy mackerel!  The barbeque (barbecue?) here is insanely good.  It makes you feel like you've never truly eaten before! I'm glad I do not live in Dallas because I would be instantly addicted to the food here and gain 300 pounds.  You have to go to the original locale on Inwood Road for the full experience (although I assume the food's great at all the branches).  Beside the incredible barbeque, it's the ideal place to meet people, sitting scrunched together on the ancient elementary school-like seats (I wouldn't have it any other way).  You'll see every type of person here from corporate executives to cowboys, looking toward the sky and savoring the bliss of the ribs they are eating. And did I mention the great prices? Another unique, quirky feature of this place is that they cook up a batch of barbecue each morning and when it runs out, they close. So call ahead to see if they are open. Located on or near Harry Hines Blvd. you have the great "gang of five" - The Mecca Restaurant, the Original Market Diner, Club Schmitz, and not far off Harry Hines, Mama's Daughters' Diner and Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse.  Talk about convenient!
Trader Vic's - 5330 E. Mockingbird Lane Dallas, TX 75206 214 823-0600 T T T T	Tiki fans have much to rejoice here.  Not only did Trader Vic's return to Dallas, but amazingly in the same space that they previously occupied that had been boarded up for years.  As a result, this Trader Vic's is very close in style to the original older branches of the chain.  In other words, Tiki purists will love it!  No understated nautical stuff here.  It's also in a very easy spot to reach and with valet parking. Tiki heaven! And for those of you not into Tiki - it's just a pleasant, relaxing place with yummy food and drinks (you'll be converted to Tiki culture instantly anyway). Near Keller's, Campisi's Egyptian restaurant, all of the Greenville Ave. bars and restaurants, the Granada Movie Palace and the Highland Park Pharmacy Soda Fountain.
The Winedale Tavern, 2110 Greenville Ave. Dallas TX 75206-7126 214 823 5018	This is a pretty typical dive bar. I'm breaking my 1970 cut off rule here, but it seemed like a friendly place and deserving of recognition.  An odd place to find a display on human evolution. When it comes to dive bars, it doesn't much matter if they are 50 years old or 20.  If you are going bar hopping (with a designated driver) on Greenville Ave., you should have this one on your list.
The Zodiac Restaurant (inside Neiman Marcus),1618 Main St. Dallas, TX 75201 214-573-5800	I mention this place strictly for historic reasons. It's not likely to appeal to old schoolers like you and I looking for a historic interior, although I'll bet the food is quite good.  If I have my facts right, however, I believe this restaurant has been located here since 1953.  Walking around the Neiman Marcus Department Store in downtown Dallas, you can finds small remnants of the original interior.  I'm guessing the interesting circles in the picture to the left are pretty old. I like the old clock on the wall.  I have a theory (well not really, but it sounds good) that these old clocks are like Pictures of Dorian Grey and they keep the cities running.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS	It Ain't Dallas, and we like it that way!
Caro's Restaurant, 3505 Blue Bonnet Cir Fort Worth, TX 76109 (817) 924-9977 T T T T since 1937	A very nice elderly couple in Kincaids told me to come here. They pronounced it like Cairo's. I think Caro is short for Carolina. Good thing they told me about it, because you would never notice this hole in the wall unless someone directed you to it.  And you guys know I love "hole in the walls".  While the interior of this place was somewhat non-descript, I really liked it. It gave me the feeling of a living time capsule where generations of local families have come for a great meal, small talk, meeting neighbors and just being down right happy. It's dark and relaxing. You're treated like a regular as soon as you walk in.  They specialize in puffy tostados (something I've never seen before).  Hard to describe - sort of mini sopes.  In any event they are definitely addictive.  You won't find Oaxacan fusion haute cuisine here - just good old Tex-Mex. Highly recommended for true old schoolers.
Cattlemen's Restaurant, 2458 North Main St. Fort Worth, TX 76164 817 624 3945 T since 1947	This place looked pretty much remodeled, so I didn't eat here.  It appears to be very popular, however. Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Fort Worth Stockyards.  I let you do the research as to the incredible history of the stockyards. I'll just point out a few fun places there. White Elephant Saloon, 106 E Exchange Ave Fort Worth, TX 76106 817 624 9712 The White Elephant Saloon seemed like the coolest old time place going at the stockyards.  See pictures below. Riscky's Steakhouse, 120 E Exchange Ave Fort Worth, TX 76164 (817) 624-4800 This restaurant, formerly a bank with the vault still there (you can eat inside it), has done a nice job of recreating an old time feel. See below.	Miscellaneous pictures from the Stockyards:
Joe T Garcia's Mexican Restaurant, 2201 N Commerce St. Fort Worth, TX 76164  817-626-4356 T since 1935	Located near the Stockyards area, this place had a line about a mile long to get in, so I assume the food is pretty darn good.  I took a picture of the interior, but it didn't seem very old school.  Most Mexican restaurants tend to remodel, I guess because it's not too expensive to do so.  This place is definitely considered a Fort Worth institution.
Kincaid's, 4901 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107-4152 817-732-2881 since 1946 T T T T	This was an excellent find.  Plenty of communal tables to make some friends.  Good old American Burgers and other comfort food at very low prices.  Another Fort Worth institution. This is the type of place we need to keep going forever. A very nice elderly couple who had lived in the area just about forever gave me a few additional good ideas for places to include. Not far from Caro's Mexican Food.
Original Mexican Food Restaurant aka Original Mexican Eats Cafe,  4713 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76107   817 738 6226 since 1926	This was a nice place that I found just by accident when driving by.  The place is so old President Franklin Roosevelt ate here.  Nice pressed tin ceilings and old murals. You'll love the food as well.  They appear to be the oldest Mexican restaurant in Fort Worth. Not far from Kincaid's, and Caro's Restaurant.
Paris Coffee Shop, 704 W Magnolia Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76104-4609 817 335-2041 since 1926 T T T	Another very famous Fort Worth Coffee shop that is a real icon in the community (one of the oldest).  Friendly regulars and staff and good old American comfort food at reasonable prices. An important holdout in an increasingly generic America.  A very knowledgeable guy at the Mecca in Dallas told me to go here.  They are known for their killer fruit pies. The area seems to have a lot of historic buildings and great neon.  In Texas, most of the liquor stores and flower shops seem to have historic old neon signs for some reason.
The Rose Marine Theater, 1440 N Main St Fort Worth, TX 76164 (817) 624-8333	Another movie palace now used as a general theater.