13 Fun Things to Do in Dallas for Couples – Dallas Weekend Getaway

I just got back from celebrating my 31st birthday in Dallas and it was the BEST Dallas couple’s weekend getaway!

Jon and I have a friend who moved to Dallas two years ago who we love to go visit. He’s a great tour guide and has shown us some really great spots that I thought I’d share. If you’re thinking of doing a couples weekend in Dallas and enjoy food + shopping, take notes (and don’t judge my photography)!

Best Brunch/Lunch Spots in Dallas

From aesthetic vibes to just plain good–these are a few of our favorite brunch and lunch spots in Dallas! 

 

1. Restoration Hardware Rooftop

   Nothing beats a mimosa and a light lunch at Restoration Hardware’s rooftop restaurant. The atmosphere and aesthetic are immaculate, the people-watching is top-notch, and if you get stuck with a wait, you get to wander around two floors of luxurious interiors that will make you want to burn everything you currently have in your home. The menu is smaller – but perfect for brunch/lunch! If nothing is jumping out at you, don’t feel weird about ordering the burger and fries. It’s simple–but it’s actually a really good burger.
   
   

2. Sadelle’s 

   If you’re looking for somewhere Instagramable, this is it. On the pricier side and usually a wait on the weekend (they take reservations in advance but have heard you’ll likely still end up waiting so don’t get married to the time), it is an experience – owned by the same people who do Carbone if that tells you anything! Tip: They also have a coffee shop on one side if you’re looking to just stop in, take a look, and grab a to-go drink!
   
   

3. Hudson House

   If you’re looking for heartier, simply good brunch food, Hudson House is great (and it’s still really cute inside–which you would not conclude from my horrible plate picture). It was packed when we went, but the bloody mary at the bar helped the wait not seem too long. There are a few locations to choose from! 
   
   

4. Mi Cocina 

   Mi Cocina is hands down our favorite lunch spot! The best Mexican food. There are several locations–the photo above is from the Mi Cocina at the Park, but we’ve also been to the Highland Park location. If you get stuck with a wait at the Highland Park location, head upstairs to their rooftop patio bar, Monkey Bar, to grab a drink and chips+salsa while you wait. Picture: the infamous mambo taxi – voted best margarita in Dallas. Note: eat extra chips and salsa if you have one (or two) of these babies. I don’t know what they put in them – they are delicious, but catch up to you QUICK. 

Brunch spots to avoid: If you Google best Dallas brunch spots, Yolk will pop up first. We went and actively disliked it–the food was average at best and not worth the long wait. We also had a less-than-stellar brunch experience at Yardbird. Only mentioning this because I wish someone would have told us to skip them!

Best Dinner Spots in Dallas for Couples

Note: we really love food and go all out when it comes to dinners (read: we overdo it). These recommendations are definitely on the higher end – but all great experiences. We make reservations as soon as they’re available (usually a month out!) – so if you’re wanting to try any of these on your visit, especially on peak weekend nights, I would make reservations as soon as you’re able to.

1. Drake’s

   Unassuming from the outside, swanky dinner club vibes on the inside – their website shows it well. Fantastic steak and pasta. Must get: the vin scully fries (pictured). They also have a filet pizza that I have heard is wonderful. Arrive early to grab a pre-dinner cocktail and take a look around. The caricatures on the walls are all of famous people–it’s fun to try and figure out who everyone is! They have a ‘cocktail attire’ dress code (which I love!), so don’t be afraid to get dressed up for this one! 
   
   

2. Carbone

   Carbone, Carbone, Carbone. Is it worth the hype? I’m 50/50. Our experience was a little off due to a bad storm the night we went. I think if you can go, go to cross it off your list and see what it’s all about. Do order: the tortellini (I am still dreaming of it). Do not order: the artichokes. And call me basic, but the bread basket had the best bread I’ve ever had. Tip: If you’re with a group, skip dessert at the table and go to their bar across the outdoor area. Order the mountain of ice cream with maraschino cherries on top to share (it’s not on the menu, you just have to ask for it!)
   
   

3. Nick and Sam’s Steakhouse

   If you’re looking for a high-end steakhouse with party vibes, this is it. Very showy, loud, crowded, and flashy outfits. I loved it, but it might not be for everyone. Super fun cocktails (warning: they will make your pictures blurry) and great food. My pictures don’t do the food – or the noise level – justice. I’m not sure if this is a “tip” – but if it’s your birthday, you can purchase ahead of time a floating balloon with lights at your table. Did we do this? Sure did. Did we steal it at the end of the night? … 
   
   

4. Kessaku

   Kessauku is on the 50th floor of The National, meaning it not only has incredible sushi (we ordered one of everything on the menu!), but also an incredible view. And a great sake collection. Our waitress introduced us to our new favorite sake, Cowboy Yamahai, and we drank them out of it. This is also probably why these are the only pictures I got, with questionable quality. If you go to Kessaku, definitely make a stop at Catbird, the cocktail bar on the floor below. It has such a fun patio, and the women’s bathroom is worth a visit alone – the furthest stall is the best view in the house – the wall is just a window! 
   
   

5. Uchi/Uchiba

   If you’re really looking for a sushi experience, this is the pick for you. We sat at Uchiba, which is the more “casual” upstairs seating area. It is high-end, super creative, and doesn’t get more fresh. Note: If you are craving “traditional” sushi – you’ll want to go with Kessaku over Uchi. Uchi has more nigiri style vs. traditional ‘rolls’.
   
   Update: My husband recently did Nobu and Uchi back-to-back nights and said Uchi won hands down. Nobu you’re definitely paying for the trendy Nobu vibe (aka the world’s fanciest chain restaurant), but overall quality and value were higher at Uchi. Take that for what it’s worth – or try both and decide for yourself! 
   
   

6. Bonus Mention: Dessert at Del Frisco’s

   This isn’t anything special to Dallas per se, so I feel weird even putting it on this list, but we made a stop at Del Frisco’s for a butter cake and champagne nightcap after one of our dinners – and it was glorious. Zero regrets. If you haven’t had their butter cake before…maybe don’t. Sometimes it’s better to not know what you’re missing out on (especially when it involves this much butter). 

Things to Do Around Dallas

While our trip mainly revolved around good eating, we also had a blast exploring and doing things during the day. Hint: we love shopping.

1. Scout Design Studio

   If you aren’t familiar with Scout Design Studio, go follow their Instagram right now. I had been following them for YEARS and didn’t make the connection that they were located in Dallas until this most recent trip. Their studio isn’t really in a convenient area so I felt bad about dragging Jon all the way out there, but WOW was it worth it. Jon even agrees it’s one of the best things we did on the trip. Think crazy modern, outside-of-the-box art gallery mixed with interior design/decor. Truly – you won’t get it until you go, PUT IT ON YOUR LIST.
   
   

2. Shopping – Highland Park

   If you like designer shopping, block off a whole day. And if your significant other likes cars, tell them they’ll be happy in the parking lot–there are insanely nice cars just about everywhere, especially on the weekends. I’m not good with cars, but when you see people swarming, it must be something special, right? Note a few of the higher-end stores are appointment-only, so if you think you might need an appointment, check. Honor Bar, 31 Bistro and Mi Cocina/Monkey Bar are all located here if you need a break from shopping. (Pictured: me on my 31st birthday at 31 Bistro – how perfect! With some shopping damage in tow 🙂 
   
   

3. Shopping – North Park Mall

   If you’re looking for a little more *realistic* shopping (but still nice, too!), you’ll want to head to North Park Mall. We love going to Neiman Marcus and getting champagne to sip while shopping (they have a full bar, or they have those fun Moet vending machines!). 

I think that about sums it up. We love Dallas and will for sure be going back soon. One of these days we might put more of a priority on doing things outside of eating our way through the city, but until then, catch us working out to burn off all of the incredible meals and memories made. 

I would love to hear if you have been to (or plan to go to) any of these spots in Dallas!