Best of Dallas: 10 Essential and Affordable Restaurants

[caption id="attachment_1761" align="alignnone" width="850"] Great peppered gravy at Bubbas Cooks Country. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn We've broken down 10 of the most essential and affordable restaurants in Dallas. rnAs one of it's numerous attractions, Dallas is home to a bevy of famous and delicious restaurants throughout the city. From Mexican food to Italian to barbecue, you can find just about anything you are craving from anywhere in the city. Chains and franchises are as abundant in Dallas as any city. Places like Hopdoddy, East Hampton Sandwich Company, and Jake's Hamburgers are just a few examples of this. But what about the free standing local staples that we all grew up loving?rnrnJust like in any city, there are a handful of places that are considered can't miss "essentials" throughout the Metroplex. Some of the more famous ones are on the pricier side of things than many of us would like. Bob's Steak and Chop House and Hibiscus are great, but what about the cheaper options?rnrnThat's where we come in. Here at LocalPOV, we have decided to bring you our list of 10 of the most affordable Dallas restaurant "essentials," that are not only easy on your wallet, but also irresistibly delicious as well.rnrnWe'll start off our list with a neighborhood favorite of the Lower Greenville area, that puts together some of the best sandwiches in the city.rnrn[nextpost teaser="The Corner Market" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1754" align="alignnone" width="850"] A BLT at Corner Market. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn The Corner Market rn3426 Greenville AvenuernDallas, Tx 75206rnrn cornermarketdallas.com rnrnEstablished in 2005 in the historic Belmont Pharmacy building, The Corner Market brings a down to earth, local feel to its customers that is hard to beat. With a slew of different sandwiches to choose from, as well as the ability to build your own, this Lower Greenville staple is as unique as it is tasty.rnrnAt The Corner Market, patrons can do anything from enjoying a delicious sandwich to grabbing a quick latte, or perusing their bakery to satisfy that sweet tooth. Breakfast is also available until noon every day, with specialty options available on the weekends.rnrnBut why stop there? Customers can even buy plants or flowers from the rooftop garden, or choose from one of many unique gifts to buy.rnrnPut it all together and The Corner Market is one spot in Dallas you simply must check out. The city has it's fair share of delicious sandwich options to choose from, but this is one of the best you'll find in town.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Pecan Lodge" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1756" align="alignnone" width="850"] The hot mess from Pecan Lodge. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn Pecan Lodge rnDeep Ellumrn2702 Main StreetrnDallas, Tx 75226rnrn pecanlodge.com rnrnIf you're a Dallas resident, or even just a resident of the great state of Texas, you're probably a fan of barbecue. If that's the case, smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sausage have been a part of your life for as long as you can remember. It's a point of pride for us Texans that we know good barbecue, and Pecan Lodge is a place that deserves to be on every Texan's 'must try' list.rnrnLocated in Deep Ellum, this Dallas staple has been labeled as one of the Top Four Barbecue Joints in the World by Texas Monthly Magazine, and rightfully so. Their brisket is smoked to perfection, and falls apart to the touch, and their hand-stuffed sausage is packed with flavor. Even their sides are out of this world good. The mac 'n' cheese is one of my personal favorites, but you can't go wrong with any of the sides they have available.rnrnPerhaps the best item on the menu is the "Hot Mess," which is shredded brisket with chipotle cream, cheese, butter, and green onions all piled together on a jumbo sweet potato. It's a lot to handle, but if you're up for the challenge, you'll be glad you did.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Keller's Drive-In" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_599" align="alignnone" width="850"] A No. 5 special from Kellers Hamburgers. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn Keller’s Drive-In rn6537 E. Northwest HwyrnDallas, Texas 75231rnrn facebook.com/kellersburgersandbeer rnrnNothing beats an old-fashioned drive-in burger joint. Great burgers and cold beer at cheap prices is the name of the game for Keller's Drive-In, and you won't find a more iconic burger joint in Dallas that can compete with them.rnrnSince 1950, Keller's has been serving the Dallas community hot, juicy burgers at bargain prices, and there are no signs of that changing anytime soon. The top option here is the No. 5 special, which is a double cheese burger with all the usual burger fixings, and then topped with their 'special sauce'. You can even add bacon, jalapeños or an extra patty for under a dollar each. Even the fries and tater tots are world class at this Dallas landmark.rnrnFollow that all up with a milkshake for just $2.25, and you'll leave Keller's full and satisfied with a big smile on your face.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Jimmy's Food Store" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1757" align="alignnone" width="850"] Jimmys Food Store. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn Jimmy's Food Store rn4901 Bryan StreetrnDallas TX, 75206rnrn jimmysfoodstore.com rnrnIf you're looking for a sandwich, there's nothing quite like a New York-style Italian deli to satisfy your craving. Jimmy's Food Store, owned and operated by the DiCarlo Family, is just that. Located just north of the Park Cities on Bryan Street and Fitzhugh, Jimmy's has been a Dallas monument since 1966.rnrnServing classic Italian style sandwiches such as Calabrese Paninos, Muffulettas, and other subs with fine Italian meats, Jimmy's fame continues to grow throughout the state. It even sells fine wines, Italian sweets such as cannoli, and other market items needed for cooking.rnrnJimmy's most famous menu item to date is its Italian Stallion sandwich, which comes complete with seven different Italian meats, as well as both mozzarella and provolone cheese on fresh baked bread for just under $10. Whatever you decide to order, it's almost guaranteed that you will leave Jimmy's upon your first visit, ready to come back again as soon as possible.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Louie's Pizza" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1758" align="alignnone" width="850"] A thin crust pepperoni from Louies. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn Louie's Pizza rn1839 N Henderson AvernDallas, TX 75206rnrn facebook.com/pages/Louies/117309914953946 rnrnLouie's Pizza, located on Henderson Avenue, has widely been recognized as one of Dallas' premier pizza spots for some time. The simple laid back atmosphere, along with its irrationally good thin crust pizza, makes it the next can't-miss Dallas essential on our list.rnrnThe pizza comes with a number of classic and different combinations, but the pepperoni is the attraction here. Coming in both small and large sizes, you can order the pizza that's right for you. Other menu favorites include calzone, crab claws, pasta, and oysters, all cooked to perfection. A handful of other delicious entrees are also on the menu if you're not in the mood for pizza, and a host of beers are also available to wash it all down.rnrnBut don't take our word for it, head down to Louie's as soon as possible and try their famous thin crust pizza. You won't regret it. Louie's is a cash-only establishment, so make sure to hit the ATM before coming in, and enjoy.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Avila's" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_392" align="alignnone" width="850"] Fish tacos from Avilas. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn Avila's rn4714 Maple AvenuernDallas, Texas 75219rnrn avilasrestaurant.com rnrnAvila's sits between Kings Road and Clara Street on Maple Avenue, and has been serving unbeatable Tex-Mex for more than 29 years. Set in an understated building, this modest restaurant serves all of your favorite Tex-Mex classics. Each and every item on the menu is carefully prepared and perfectly crafted for its consumers.rnrnUpon my latest visit, I ordered the Avila Special, which comes with three different kinds of enchiladas, as well as rice and beans. But there is a slew of different choices on their menu, including nachos, fajitas, burritos, and a chile relleno that is out of this world.rnrnThe service is great here as well. The small but dedicated staff is friendly and does their best to make sure that you enjoy your visit. The prices are also nearly impossible to beat, as my party of three got out of there spending just under $40 dollars total.rnrnAs Dallas essentials go, this one is up there at the top, and for good reason. If you're looking to get some Tex-Mex, there's no reason to look any farther than Avila's.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Fuel City Taco's" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1759" align="alignnone" width="850"] A little bit of everything at Fuel City Tacos. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn Fuel City Taco's rn801 S Riverfront BlvdrnDallas, TX 75207rnrn fuelcity.com rnrnTaco shops have popped up all over the Dallas area over the last few years, each claiming they're the best, and each boasting different styles of tacos. Some are fancy, some are not, but all of them have their own specialty that sets them apart from their competition. Fuel City Tacos stands tall above the rest as perhaps the best tacos in the entire state of Texas.rnrnFuel City has been rated as the "Greatest Tacos Ever Sold" by Texas Monthly, the Best Taco in Dallas by D Magazine, as well as being featured in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.rnrnLocated on South Riverfront Boulevard in a truck stop, Fuel City's Mexican Style street tacos are simple enough. With five different tacos to choose from (picadillo, beef fajita, chicken fajita, pastor, and barbacoa), these tacos are delicious, and come at a price of just $1.62 each. They also offer breakfast tacos from 5am-11am, which are every bit as good as their regular tacos. Quesadillas and burritos are also available on the menu, but it's the tacos that bring visitors from all across the country to this truck stop.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Daddy Jack's" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1150" align="alignnone" width="850"] Seafood Fra Diavolo at Daddy Jack's. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn Daddy Jack's rn1916 Greenville AvenuernDallas, TX 75206rnrn daddyjacks.org rnrnLocated in the heart of Lower Greenville, Daddy Jack's is a New England-style seafood restaurant with decent prices and an award-winning menu. They import their seafood fresh from the east coast every week and pride themselves on preparing it every bit as authentically as they do in New England. Over the years, Daddy Jacks's has been featured in the Dallas Observer, D Magazine, and other major publications as one of the best seafood establishments in the DFW area.rnrnThe Lobster Bisque and New England Clam Chowder are some of the best you can find in the city, with the crab cakes and fried calamari also as good as it gets. Every option on the menu is as delicious as the last. Not a seafood person? Not to worry. Daddy Jack's also features a mouthwatering 12 oz filet of beef, topped with garlic mushrooms, that is as good as any other steak you'll find in Dallas.rnrnLastly, Daddy Jack's features specials every day of the week that make it one of the most reasonably priced dinner outings out there. From the Dinner For Two Take Out Special for just 29.99 to the Lobster Madness special, you can find a reasonably priced and lush meal that will have you coming back for more.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Wild About Harry's" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1760" align="alignnone" width="850"] The entrance at Wild About Harry's. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn Wild About Harry's rn3113 Knox StreetrnDallas, Texas 75205rnrn wildaboutharrys.com rnrnIn 1996, Harry Coley opened Wild About Harry's Knox Street location in hopes of serving hot dogs and his mother's famous frozen custard to Dallas residents. Since then, Harry's has expanded to Deep Ellum and Burleson locations, but the Knox Street store is still where most come to try Harry's hot dogs and custard. Unfortunately in 2014, Harry himself passed away, but his friendly and fun-loving personality lives on in his restaurants.rnrnAs far as the food goes, Harry's has the rest of the competition beat. It has won Dallas's best Hot Dog multiple times, and gives its consumers a myriad of different but equally delectable options to choose from. My personal favorites are the New York, which comes with spicy mustard, sauerkraut, and onions, as well as the Knox Street, which comes with thousand island, sauerkraut and swiss cheese. If you're up for it, you can upgrade to a jumbo-size dog, and add fries and a drink to complete the meal.rnrnAs good as their hot dogs are, Harry's custard is what has kept people coming back for the last 20 years. It has won best ice cream in Dallas in multiple publications, and has also been named a Top 10 Ice Cream Shop in America by Fox News.rnrnThanks to Harry Coley and his family, Wild About Harry's has become one of Dallas's most celebrated eateries in the area; and one that you should add to your list sooner rather than later.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Bubba's Cooks Country" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1761" align="alignnone" width="850"] Great peppered gravy on chicken fried steak at Bubbas Cooks Country. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn Bubba's Cooks Country rn6617 Hillcrest AvenuernDallas, TX 75205rnrn Bubbasdallas.com rnrnAs far as 'essential' Dallas eating establishments go, Bubba's Cooks Country, or simply Bubba's as it is known by the locals, is the granddaddy of them all. Opened in 1981 by Mary Beth and Paul "Bubba" Vineyard, Bubba's is arguably Dallas's most celebrated southern home cooking restaurant out there.rnrnFried chicken (strips and pieces), chicken fried steak and catfish fill out the main dishes on the lunch and dinner menus, with your choice of mashed potatoes, green beans, and a rotating roster of other vegetables to choose from as your sides. And whatever you do, do not sleep on the dinner roll that comes along side every meal; it'll be one of the best dinner rolls you've ever tried. Finally, the cobblers, banana pudding and apricot fried pies give you the perfect ending to an already delicious meal.rnrnThe Breakfast at Bubba's is world class in its own right. From eggs (prepared any way you like), to pancakes, biscuit sandwiches, and biscuits and gravy, you can find any of the classic diner breakfast items you crave. Sides of their perfectly cooked bacon and sausage, as well as hash browns and grits go great alongside any of their main dishes.rnrnSo do yourself a favor and head over to Bubba's immediately, and enjoy some scrumptious southern cooking as quickly as possible.rnrn Well, there you have it. Please comment below and let us know think of our list. Did we miss any? Tell us! We’re always looking for new great restaurants to check out.

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10 Essential and Affordable Eating Destinations in Dallas

We’ve broken down 10 of the most essential and affordable restaurants in Dallas.

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