Explore Dallas’s Best Holiday Foodie Destinations
SMOKEY JOHN'S BBQ
1820 West Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75235
Smokey John's Bar‑B‑Que & Home Cooking opened in 1976 on the corner of Lemmon and Mockingbird under the name "Big John's." The aroma of hickory smoke quickly made the spot a neighborhood staple. Owner John Reaves earned the nickname "Smokey John," and the restaurant was honored as a 2016 Big Tex Choice Award Winner by the State Fair of Texas.
Menu Must‑Have: Their catering services deliver classic brisket or succulent ham—perfect for holiday gatherings.
THE CAKE BAR
3011 Gulden Lane, Suite 117, Dallas, TX 75212
Located in Trinity Groves, The Cake Bar offers a wide range of southern‑style, made‑from‑scratch cakes and confections. Long‑time baker Tracy German founded the shop with support from the Trinity Groves incubator program. "Making food for people is a very personal thing, and it connects you to every person," she says.
Menu Must‑Have: Tracy’s Red Velvet Cake—a moist, mild chocolate cake iced with cream‑cheese frosting—an unforgettable holiday treat.
THE ISLAND SPOT OAK CLIFF
309 W Jefferson Blvd, Dallas, TX 75208
Dallas’ renowned Jamaican Kitchen and Bar, The Island Spot, now has a second location at The Jefferson Tower in Oak Cliff. Patrons can enjoy award‑winning jerk chicken cooked on a wood‑fire grill that uses pimento wood and smoke techniques identical to Jamaica’s Boston Bay Jerk Center.
Menu Must‑Have: Fried Plantains—golden, crispy, and sweet—an island favorite.
SOULGOOD
Farmers' Market
Soulgood is a new vegetarian and vegan fast‑food restaurant that serves healthy organic dishes with a Southern twist. Chef Cynthia, a mother of three and cousin to Grammy‑winning gospel artist Tamela Mann, sources local organic produce and ingredients to create flavorful meals—from Italian Po’ Boy sandwiches to “Soulgood” Street Tacos.
Menu Must‑Have: Cynthia’s homemade vegan cupcakes, affectionately called Fruitcups.
