Herreras
5427 denton dr., 214 630-2599. the epitome of texmex. herreras began as a tiny, ten-table restaurant in a very shady neighborhood; its main location is now a huge gaudy place in a less shady neighborhood. caters to those who enjoy gigantic proportions; they serve simple but delicious food that should scare you silly if you're on a diet. the bean soup is stupendous.
Sonny Bryans
(http://www.sonnybryans.com/). probably dallas' most famous barbeque restaurant, and a beloved local institution that has served everyone from celebrities to presidents. although there are now several locations, the original, and many say the best, is at 2202 inwood, between maple and harry hines. get there early, though, because they close when they run out of food, which pretty much always happens at lunchtime. if in the mood for authentic local barbeque, you can't go wrong at sonny bryans'.