Kevin Gray

Dallas is rightfully famous for its steakhouses, barbecue and Tex-Mex, but there’s a lot more to eat across this big and diverse city. Some of its best restaurants are serving excellent Japanese, Italian, French and more world cuisines, with a mix of a la carte and tasting menus to keep things interesting. Many lauded staples still stand the test of time, but the dining scene is ever changing, as young chefs bring their own talent and perspectives to new kitchens and concepts.  All of the above boils down to a simple sentiment: It’s an exciting time to be a diner in Dallas. For some inspiration on where to enjoy your next meal, these are 16 of the best restaurants in Dallas right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas🏨 The best hotels in Dallas

Dallas is big, diverse and ever-changing, and that dynamic character is reflected across all the fun attractions and activities available in the city. Yes, there’s some cowboy culture here, but the old tropes are outnumbered by world-class art, vibrant neighborhoods, a compelling culinary scene and a surprising amount of green space. Experience it all with this guide to the best things to do in Dallas right now.   RECOMMENDED:🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas🏨 The best hotels in Dallas This guide was updated by Dallas-based writers Alex Temblador and Kevin Gray. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Whether it’s flights, hotels or on-the-ground activities, priorities vary among travelers. Some want to experience the best, most luxurious options across all categories, while others are happy cramming into middle seats and sleeping on a budget, caring more about the destination than the details. There’s no wrong answer. But when your trip demands a fine hotel, you can answer the call with these top-notch properties in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.  Each offers more than just a place to rest your head at night. With award-winning restaurants and bars, rooftop pools, luxe spas and other amenities to improve stays, these are 20 of the best hotels in Texas.

Whether you’re looking for a rowdy dive, classic cocktails or DJ-fueled dancing, Dallas knows how to party. But when your plans call for a big night out, set your sights—and hard-earned dough—on the city’s club scene. There’s a little something for everyone, from bottle service and sparklers to cowboy culture, moody lounges and high-energy LGBTQ+ bars, so pick your favorite, then get ready to mix it up on the dance floor. These are the 11 best clubs in Dallas right now. RECOMMENDED:🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas🏨 The best hotels in Dallas This guide was updated by our Texas-based freelance writers. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Whether your 2024 was a year to remember or one to forget, it’s quickly coming to an end. So either way you look at it, that’s cause for celebration. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ways to ring in the new year because bars, restaurants and other venues across Texas are gearing up to host the season’s biggest parties. We’re talking champagne-fueled rooftop soirees with fancy finger foods and DJs spinning records. We’re talking sprawling bacchanals with live music and fireworks. And, yes, we’re also talking about seated, multi-course dinners—because you’ve got to eat. Revelers in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio have plenty to choose from, even getting a handful of fun themes to explore as the clock strikes midnight, from a New York-style disco to a party inspired by Spotify Wrapped. So there really is something for everyone. That means whether you're looking to dance the night away, enjoy an over-the-top meal or keep things a bit more low-key this year, Texas has a New Year’s Eve party to fit your vibe.  We’ve done the legwork to round up a dozen of the best New Year’s Eve party options across the state, so all you have to do is put on your best party attire, gather your favorite people and score tickets to one of these champagne-popping experiences. That last part is key, lest you’re forced to stay home and scroll through your social feeds as everyone else has fun without you. You can try that “quiet night at home” thing next year.

Texas knows how to celebrate, no matter the occasion. That’s evident more than ever when the holidays roll around, as each day presents a new opportunity to visit a festive bar pop-up, see a light show or join a Santa-themed costume party. It’s enough to overwhelm even the most yuletide-spirited among us. But in recent years, hotels have claimed the mantle as the ideal headquarters for enjoying the season, transforming their rooftops into snowy chalets, their grounds into winter wonderlands, and their lobbies into decorative scenes fit for the North Pole. These 10 Texas hotels are hosting holiday celebrations you don’t want to miss.

This trippy, immersive art installation hails from Sante Fe and debuted in DFW in 2023 as the brand’s fourth permanent exhibit. Dubbed “the Real Unreal,” it tells the story of a suburban family that went missing after unlocking portals to a different world. You can explore their home, where nothing is as it seems, to unravel a series of clues across more than 30 rooms. It’s weird, wild and worth a visit.