Uptown

Hector's on Henderson

2929 n. henderson ave., dallas, 214 821 0432 (http://www.hectorsonhende...). hector's is a four-star restaurant with american cuisine, featuring texas products. daily, "naughty and nice" happy hour with complimentary "naughty" bar snacks. live jazz nightly.

It must be said that a bona fide "foodie" would be remiss to skip the fabulous restaurants that line McKinney Avenue and environs -- if there's one arena in which Dallas merits its own pretentions to "world-class" status, it's in its varied, creative restaurants, where quasi-celebrity chefs hold forth with true flair. Just to the north of McKinney is the Knox-Henderson area. It is similar but more laid-back. The west side of highway is Knox Street. This is just on the edge of Highland Park, and it features a plethora of home-decorating boutiques as well as eateries and watering holes. Cross the freeway and Knox becomes Henderson -- bastion of hip but laid-back eateries, check out Hibiscus, Cuba Libre, and Fireside Pies.

Café Brazil

6420 n central expy., 214 691-7791, (http://www.cafebrazil.com). the local chain's most visible presence is an excellent late-night stop after a good time in deep ellum. good coffee, famous omelettes, and unique sandwiches. open 24 hours.

Located in Uptown Dallas, Dragonfly is a trendy restaurant that features fabulous food and an extensive wine list. A Hotel ZaZa restaurant, it serves as a magnet for both locals and hotel guests.

Gloria's

Is probably the best and most well known el salvadoran/tex-mex in dallas with locations in uptown, addison, & bishop arts district. great food & margaritas. definitely try a meltdown. very cheap.

Abacus

4511 mckinney ave, +1 214-559-3111, (http://www.abacus-restaur...). knox-henderson favorite from celebrity chef kent rathbun features top chef star tre wilcox as chef de cuisine. 5-star rated by the dallas news and zagat rated "most popular" in dallas.

Kathleen's Art Cafe

4424 lovers lane, university park, +1 214-691-2355 delivery: +1 469-330-9700, (http://www.kathleensartca...). the food is creative, succulent, and flavorful, and it is served in a unique atmosphere of bare brick walls hung with local art. the menu is diverse, from lamb medallions to wild mushroom pizza to sesame-crusted catfish to penne with sausage, prosciutto, and goat cheese. adjoining the restaurant is kathleen's art bakery,where perfect cakes, pies, and pastries are created, and if you have room after the generous dinner portions, they will be happy to bring you a dessert to top it all off. their sunday special is indeed a special, if you order any beverage even iced tea, the entrees are two-for-one! the restaurant only has about 20 tables, so the atmosphere is very intimate. reservations are only recommended after 7pm on friday or saturday.

La Paesana

4326 lovers lane, +1 214-890-1811, located in university park along the "miracle mile", offering a cozy and relaxed setting while serving the finest in italian cuisine. popular sunday brunch where you will find a variety of egg dishes served along with many italian favorites and specialty drinks, margaritas, champagne mimosas, bellinis and bloody marys.

Mi Cocina

Arguably the best tex-mex in dallas. without question the best frozen margarita. the flagship restaurant is highland park village. mi cocina has other locations throughout dallas, including preston at forest and in west village.

Roti Grill

Near knox exit i-75. excellent food. fresh homemade paneer indian cheese served with different gravy. $10-15 per person.

Shinsei

7713 inwood road, +1 214-352-0005, (http://www.shinseirestaur...). up-and-coming restaurant and sushi bar run by tracy rathbun and lynae fearing, wives of dallas super chefs kent rathbun and dean fearing, features a creative asian fusion menu. chef casey thompson was a top chef season 3 finalist and fan favorite.