This year brought Dallas a plethora of openings, and we are excited to release the results from our annual Best New Openings in Dallas poll! Thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to all the nominees and winners!
Updated December 2025
BEST NEW UPSCALE RESTAURANT
Evelyn
Inspired by the novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Evelyn is a three-part concept featuring a 50’s glam dining room, a ruby red bar, and a sophisticated disco lounge. The 9,500-square-foot space channels vintage glamour and modern edge, and the menu features local steaks, caviar, and even a $150 martini.
BEST NEW BAR
Photo courtesy of Dudley's Sports Grill
Dudley’s Sports Grill
Housed in the former Smithy space, Dudley's was an exciting addition to Henderson Ave's sports bar scene this year. They're known and loved for their Texan-inspired menu, which features burgers, chili, and plenty of Southern favorites, plus fun sips like frozen pickle margs and icy espresso martinis.
BEST NEW PATIO / ROOFTOP
Tie: Far Out & Terrazza di Triozzi
Our first tie on this list -- our followers just couldn't decide which of these outdoor dining spots they love more!
Far Out is a laid-back East Dallas bar and live music spot with a spacious patio and eclectic lineup of events. Known for hosting local bands, DJs, and themed nights, it’s a go-to for casual hangs, discovering new talent, and sipping drinks under the lights.
Terrazza di Triozzi is the rooftop bar and dining space above Via Triozzi on Greenville Ave. A new add-on to the restaurant this year, they offer classic Italian bites, cocktails like spritzes, and an elevated patio vibe. It’s a go-to for date nights, celebrations, and breezy evenings overlooking Lower Greenville.
BEST NEW GLOBAL CUISINE
Pine Isle
Pine Isle is the newest takeout-only gem on Fitzhugh, serving up Hawaiian comfort food that’s super fresh, nostalgic, and full of flavor. This concept is a heartfelt tribute to Lāna’i and O’ahu, serving up made-from-scratch Hawaiian lunch plates and local street food like meat options, fresh seafood, and Asian-influenced eats.
BEST NEW SUSHI / JAPANESE
Norman’s Japanese Grill
Duro Hospitality's latest venture, Norman's, garnered a lot of attention this year for its Japanese-meets-Western menu and decor. The Argentinian wood-style grill for larger cuts of meat and a Japanese charcoal robata grill for skewers is the focal point of the dishes, but you can try several handrolls, sushi, or crudo dishes too.
BEST NEW COCKTAIL / WINE BAR
Little Blue
From the owner of Fount Board + Table, this charming, French-inspired spot in Bishop Arts opened late 2024, and became a fan fave in 2025. It's known for classic bistro dishes, a thoughtful wine list, and intimate, old-world charm. From steak frites and escargot to decadent desserts, it’s a go-to for date nights, special occasions, and leisurely dinners in one of Dallas’ most walkable districts.
BEST NEW NEIGHBORHOOD SPOT
Hendy’s on Henderson
This lively spot with a living room feel instantly became a hotspot on Henderson when it opened this summer. With a patio, pool tables, and large booths, it's the perfect spot for groups. Get the spicy pickle marg (just trust us), some pretzel calamari to share, or the Happy Meal-style late-night box with tendies or a smashburger and fries for $15!
BEST NEW COFFEE SHOP
Tie: Cliff Coffee & Common Good
Our followers loved fueling up at both these spots this year...so much so that there was a tie in the votes!
Cliff Coffee resides at the brand-new Assembly Park Plano development, from the same owners behind Cream and Sugar in Fairview. The space has such a cool desert vibe, with terracotta walls, deep red accents, leather seating, a metal cactus sculpture, and a huge cowboy mural by Dallas artist Michael McPheeters. The menu features drinks brewed with Lemma Coffee Co beans (one of our Dallas faves) alongside fresh pastries and bagels.
Common Good is a Latino-owned neighborhood spot that is a triple threat: a coffee shop, hair salon, and listening room all in one. The retro space features plenty of seating, a wall filled with vinyl, and DJs spinning every other Sunday. It’s probably one of the most vibey spots in town for a haircut, with disco balls, vintage records, and greenery galore. Try unique sips like the Cardamom Rose Latte and the Mexican Mocha!
BEST NEW MATCHA / TEA
Kyoto Brew
Right in the heart of Lancaster, Kyotobrew is a cozy, Japanese-inspired coffee shop 20 minutes south of Dallas. Opened in March of this year, it serves up cozy izayaka vibes and a menu of classic and specialty options, including hojicha and matcha lattes that you can dress up with some of their house-made syrups. By night, it also turns into a cocktail bar, serving drinks like Spiked Hojicha Lattes, crafted by award-winning George Kaiho, who previously worked at Tei-An.
BEST NEW CASUAL DINING
The PoBoy Shop
From the creators of Evan's Meat Market came The PoBoy Shop this year, and its big Louisiana flavors and laid-back, Southern vibes have been all the talk around town. Everything is made in-house, from the deli meats to the sides, and you can build your own hot po’boy, grab a cold one stacked with house-prepped deli meats, or go breadless if that’s your thing! The sides are also a fan fave, which are all seasoned perfectly with Cajun flavors, from fries to potato salad and coleslaw.
BEST NEW BURGER
Burger Schmurger
One of Dallas’ most beloved pop-ups opened its first brick-and-mortar in East Dallas this year -- a full circle moment for this pandemic-born passion project! This spot feels like you're stepping back into the '70s, with a pool table in the back, karaoke nights, and retro touches throughout. Of course, their cult-favorite burgers are the star of the show, especially OG Schmurger (their take on a classic smashburger) and the Maverick, stacked with smoked bacon jam, double cheese, and an inverted bun.
BEST NEW MEXICAN
El Molino
Vandelay Hospitality made its first foray into Mexican cuisine this year, and clearly, it was a great move! This Mexico City-inspired spot is beloved for its elevated, wood-fired fajitas, moody candlelit vibe, and standout margaritas. With premium proteins, bold flavors, and a menu made for sharing, it’s a go-to for date nights, celebrations, and fajitas that feel anything but basic.
BEST NEW OUT-OF-STATE OPENING
Prince Street Pizza
The highly anticipated Prince Street Pizza from NYC has had long lines since its arrival on Henderson Ave! Known for their thick, cheesy, square-cut slices and signature spicy vodka sauce, this cult-favorite pizzeria brings a true New York slice shop experience to Dallas. Their motto is “If you can put it on pasta, you can put it on pizza.” -- famous for their handcrafted sauces made fresh daily, Sicilian-style “SoHo Squares,” and original Neapolitan pies. To nail that iconic New York texture, they even use a water filtration process that replicates NYC’s water!
BEST NEW POP-UP
Cliff Bagels
If you love bagels, Cliff Bagels became a very popular stop on many people’s morning routines this year, especially those who live in Oak Cliff! Every Saturday and Sunday, you can find Cliff Bagels popping up at 443 W Davis starting at 10am, serving fun bites like honey matcha spread and churro bagels. Get there early, as they sell out most days....but rumor has it they'll be opening a storefront in 2026!
BEST NEW BURBS SPOT
Elaine’s Cocktails & Kitchen
The latest concept from Alora Hospitality Group, brought European-style share plates, inventive cocktails, and timeless 1920s glam to the Rail District this year. Chef Amy DibIase curated the food menu, blending Italian flavors with Texas roots, and local mixologist Chris Norton curated the drink menu, which leans into fresh ingredients and really bold flavors. Between the velvet sofas, marble tabletops, and vintage chandeliers, this spot is perfect for a cozy dinner date or a cocktail-forward night out with friends!
BEST REOPENING
Chuy’s
After more than 30 years on McKinney Ave, the OG Dallas Chuy's has officially moved into a brand-new, bigger home on Lower Greenville this year. Housed in the former Desert Racer space, the restaurant has the same quirky vibes, legendary Elvis decor, and Big As Yo Face Burritos Chuy's fans know and love. The new location has some fun new additions too, like a shaded patio that doubles the outdoor space, a covered waiting area with cocktail service, and 80+ parking spots.
BEST NEW CAFE
Killer Joe
A little slice of NYC coffee culture made its way to East Dallas in 2025, and boy, are we glad it did! This trendy cafe is known for bold flavors, housemade breakfast sandwiches, and a curated menu of organic coffee and matcha. The food lineup is incredible, with a blend of in-house ingredients and items from local purveyors like Shug's Bagels, Empire Baking Company, and Reeves Family Farm!
