Whether you’re new to the city, or just visiting, here’s my list of all the things…
I love it here.
Beauty
NAILS: I absolutely adore Amanda and Betsy at Golden Hour Beauty Studio. Gel only but my manicures last 4-5 weeks and I’ve never been disappointed. I also occasionally influencer watch at Rose Couture Nail Bar.
SPRAY TANS: Dallash, also great for lashes, brows, ect. They take it very seriously. 2 locations!
HAIR: I typically go home to Kansas to avoid Texas sized prices but I do love Madison at Voss Salon, she’s great with blondes.
MASSAGE: The NOW. For a gift… The Joule.
SKIN
BOTOX/TREATMENTS: SkinPharm is the BEST. Everyone is wonderful.
DERMATOLOGIST: Mindful Dermatology. I see Faith on the aesthetics side and Alyssa on the derm side and they help me keep my acne in check. Great product sales and treatments too!
BITES
COFFEE: Foxtrot. Merit. LaLa Land. Cafe Duro. Carte Blanche. Village Baking. It’s endless… although I typically opt for a smoothie at Juiceland or the Gem.
BRUNCH: Saddelle’s. The Henry. Shug’s Bagels. Waffle House. Depending on your vibe.
LUNCH: East Hampton. Cava. Eatzi’s. Velvet Taco. Pure Poke.
PIZZA: Louie’s. Thunderbird Pizza. Fireside Pies. Pizzana.
DRINKS: Standard Pour. Chelsea Corner. Cosmo’s. Old Crow. Mayer’s Garden. Clifton Club.
DESSERT: Jeni’s Ice Cream. Unrefined Bakery. Susie Cakes.
DINNER…
CELEBRATION: Beverly’s & Clifton Club. Drake’s. Cafe Madrid. Carbone.
CASUAL: Wabi House. Urbano (BYOB). Eataly. Royal China.
With GFs: Malai. Sixty Vines. Taverna. Honor Bar.
With PARENTS: Javier’s. Hudson House. Avanti.
Now if you’re new to the city, and you feel like you don’t have a “crew” yet - oh have I been there time after time for the past like 5 cities of my life. There’s a few things you can always do to keep moving and experiencing even if you’re going to be un-accompanied.
WALK
I missed all the city walkers after I came from Chicago, but then I realized everyone was walking on the Katy Trail. It’s a scene. So fun, and a few fun bars along the way. We like to park at Starbucks on Knox street, grab a drink, and enter down past Toulouse. It’s shaded but also sunny. After work hours well spent.
CHEF
I think the #1 thing I’ve done in new cities when I felt alone is turn a trip to the grocery store and a night in my kitchen into a cinematic event. Central Market is the best grocery store I’ve ever seen. You could wander in here for hours, and make something amazing at home. Jimmy’s Food Store and Eatzi’s are also fun for this - Italian style. Private Chef for yourself! Style your plate like a nice restaurant. Covid taught me the beauty of this.
SWEAT
The best way to build a community of people in your era is to find a fitness experience that’s more than walking around the gym and scrolling. Classes have that teamwork essence, and will hang out in the lobby before and after. Try out Class Studios, Soul Cycle, Barry’s Bootcamp, Sculpt House, Session Pilates, Solid Core or Black Swan Yoga.
PLAY
We have spent countless weekend hours right here in the sun doing this. The Sandy Pickle in the Villiage is always full of bustling community. I also love Cole Park for pickleball.
WATCH
Somewhere you can always go alone… the movie theatre. Alamo DraftHouse and Violet Crown are local theatre faves but I like the AMC at Northpark mall so that you can hide chipotle in your purse from the food court. BYO tote bag.
SHOP
And alas, there is the always mall. NorthPark in Dallas is the Rolls Royce of malls. The natural light is incredible. There’s a park in the middle. You can walk and shop for hours.