48-Hours in Dallas: What to Do & Where to Eat

If you’re flying into Dallas any time soon, chances are you’re either visiting family, attending a major sporting event or are on a business trip. If you’re doing the latter, you may not have much time to check out TripAdvisor and find what the city has to offer. Well, you’re in luck! Below I’ve planned out how to spend 48-hours in the city with things to do, places to eat, and some hot nightlife.

Day One

Breakfast:

Bread Winners Cafe. Bread Winners is well-known throughout Dallas as a great restaurant overall, but they have a delicious breakfast menu offering healthy items and savory ones as well. Pro Tip: They serve many types of mimosas but the frozen blood orange mimosa is pretty crave-worthy!

Place to Go: 

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Here you’ll see where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. You can attend exhibits and go into a reading room and learn more about what happened on November 22, 1963. Pro Tip: Listen to some of the conspiracy theorists that surround the grounds outside. Some are comical and some are super interesting.

Lunch: 

Pecan Lodge. No trip to Dallas {or Texas for that matter} is complete without getting some barbeque. But Pecan Lodge barbeque isn’t just your average brisket and beans. This is some of the best barbeque in the state and is found in Deep Ellum, a Dallas neighborhood. Pro Tip: Go early. They are open until 10pm Fridays and Saturdays, but only until 3pm on weekdays or until they sell out… and this happens frequently.

Place to Go:

Dallas World Aquarium. This aquarium is NOT your average one. Here you’ll find species from all over the world ranging from large cats such as ocelots to eagles to sloths to penguins and more. Pro Tip: Watch one of the many live feedings they do throughout the day!

Dinner: 

Rodeo Goat. This is a highly-acclaimed restaurant in the Dallas area famous for its crazy burgers made with ultra-fresh ingredients. Pro Tip: You can substitute your burger patty for the Impossible Burger, salmon, turkey, and more so don’t shy away if you’re not a beef eater.

Nightlife: 

Deep Ellum. Whether you’re looking for a quirky bar or live music, you can pretty much find it all in a grungy Dallas neighborhood called Deep Ellum. Pro Tip: Go to Adair’s Saloon for great live music and drinks. Many celebrities have passed through these doors over the years dating back to even Elvis way back when.

Day Two

Breakfast:

Torchy’s Tacos. This is a Texas chain that originated in Austin, so you know they know how to make some tacos. You can find them all over the city as they have multiple locations making them a convenient place to pop in for a quick meal. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner, but I must say, they have some bomb breakfast tacos. If you pop in for a quick lunch or dinner, their queso is some of the best as well. Pro Tip: When in Dallas, you must have a breakfast taco {or two.}

Place to Go: 

Dallas Arboretum. This arboretum not only offers gorgeous gardens to walk through, but also hosts great events on a regular basis featuring live music, art exhibits, and more. Pro Tip: Go to their Concert Series on Thursday nights. It’s the only music venue that provides a view of White Rock Lake in Dallas. 

Lunch: 

Eatzi’s Market. This is a Dallas-based chain, so you can find a few locations in the area. It’s a European style market with lots of pre-made foods, bakery items, a cafe, and more. This is an excellent place to go with a group of people, because there is literally something for everyone. If you’re vegetarian, on a Paleo diet, or just want some clean eats, they have options for you. Pro Tip: Their Caprese Salad is amazing and their sushi is legit, too.

Dinner: 

Mia’s Tex Mex. This is one of the BEST Mexican food restaurants in the city of Dallas. Hands down. You can get tacos, burritos, enchiladas, all the foods you would expect but you can also do brisket! What makes this spot special? Everything is scratch-made and served with love. No, really. This restaurant is truly a gem. Pro Tip: Order a margarita {or a pitcher.} They’re some of the best in the area.

Nightlife:

Double Wide. This trailer is a big deal in Dallas. With ice-cold beers, stiff cocktails, great bartenders, it’s a great dive bar to stop at while visiting the Big D. Pro Tip: Check out their website for upcoming shows if you’re trying to catch some live music. They rotate through some great music.