Visiting Dallas

Welcome to Downtown Dallas, Texas! We’re excited to have you here for the 2024 MELUS Conference, and we hope you’ll have some time to explore all that Dallas, Texas (and the greater Metroplex) has to offer.

Air Travel: The Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex is served by DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport (a Southwest Airlines hub and Dallas’s original airport). Though Dallas Love Field is geographically closer to the Westin Dallas Downtown (around 8 miles) compared to DFW International Airport (20 miles), the time it takes to get to the hotel from each of them is negligible (between 20 and 30 minutes on average). Dallas Love Field is a much smaller airport; DFW International is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, and you’ve likely had a layover at DFW in the past.

You have several ways to get to the Westin Dallas Downtown from either airport. Rideshare and public transit seem to be the best options. The local public transit is known as DART. The DART rail can take you from either airport to the Downtown Dallas area for a small fee ($6 for a day pass). As with most rail, the more significant cost is the time it takes to get from one location to another.

Using the DART system

While many of the restaurants and attractions are just a short walk from the Westin Dallas Downtown, you may also want to use the local rail and bus system. Getting around Downtown Dallas is easy thanks to the DART rail system. (DART stands for Dallas Area Rapid Transit.) The Westin Dallas Downtown on Main Street is conveniently located a couple of blocks near the Akard Station, which is served by all of the rail lines. You can take the DART to many of the city’s top attractions, including the ones listed below. Please visit https://dartorgcmsblob.dart.org/prod/docs/default-source/dart-maps/dartsystemmapdowntowndallas26sep22.pdf?sfvrsn=559ee313_3 for the detailed DART map for Downtown Dallas.

To use the DART, you’ll need to purchase a pass. You can buy these at any DART station using credit card. Make sure to always keep your pass with you, as you may be asked to show it while riding the rail. Kiosks are readily available at the station locations, or you may download the “GoPass” app and conveniently purchase your tickets in this fashion (this is generally the most convenient method as you can do all of this from your phone). Your pass also allows you to ride any of the numerous DART buses. The DART website (www.dart.org) has more information on fares, schedules, and route maps.

If you’re staying at the Westin Dallas Downtown on Main Street (the venue for the conference proper), you’re in a great location to explore many of the city’s top attractions. Here are a few places we recommend:

  1. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – This museum is located just a few blocks away and is dedicated to the legacy of President John F. Kennedy. It’s located in the former Texas School Book Depository building where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK.
  2. The Dallas Museum of Art – Just a short ride on the DART rail system, the Dallas Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the country.
  3. The Dallas World Aquarium – Located in the historic West End district, the Dallas World Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers.
  4. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science – a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the natural world and its wonders. Located in Downtown Dallas, the museum features interactive exhibits and educational displays that are fun for all ages.
  5. Klyde Warren Park – This park is located just a few blocks north of the conference and is a great place to relax and enjoy some fresh air. It has a large lawn area for picnics, food trucks, and regular events like yoga classes and concerts.
  6. Reunion Tower – Reunion Tower is an iconic landmark in Dallas, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It also features a revolving restaurant at the top, called Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck.
  7. Deep Ellum – One of the original commercial areas in Dallas for African-Americans and European immigrants, Deep Ellum has a long history of cultural significance that resonates even today. It is an area near Elm Street that features a concentration of music, arts, and dining that can’t be missed.

We hope you have a great time in Downtown Dallas and enjoy all that the city has to offer. If you have any questions or need additional recommendations, feel free to ask the staff at your hotel or stop by the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at 1807 Ross Ave Ste. 450, Dallas, TX 75201. You may also visit www.visitdallas.com for more visitor information.

Restaurants: Below, you’ll find some useful information about local restaurants to try.

  • Pecan Lodge: This barbecue joint is a Dallas institution, with some of the best brisket in the city. Be prepared to wait in line, but trust us, it’s worth it.
  • Terry Black’s Barbecue: If you’re craving some authentic Texas barbecue, look no further than Terry Black’s Barbecue in Downtown Dallas. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and sausage since 1941.
  • Meso Maya: For dinner, try Meso Maya, which serves up delicious Mexican food with a modern twist. Don’t miss the guacamole!
  • Ellen’s: This cozy restaurant serves up delicious Southern-style comfort food, including breakfast all day long. Try their famous cinnamon roll pancakes or chicken fried steak.
  • Cane Rosso: For authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, head to Cane Rosso. Their wood-fired pizzas are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and cooked to perfection in just 90 seconds.
  • The Woolworth: Located in a historic building on Elm Street, The Woolworth is a trendy spot for drinks and dinner. Their menu features American classics with a modern twist, like bacon-wrapped meatloaf and lobster mac and cheese.
  • The French Room: If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, The French Room at the Adolphus Hotel is a must-visit. Their elegant menu features French-inspired dishes like foie gras and escargot, and their wine list is extensive.
  • Tejas Taco Factory: This taco joint offers delicious and affordable tacos with a variety of fillings, including carne asada, al pastor, and veggie options.
  • 3Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails: Located in the historic Davis Building, this restaurant features an eclectic menu of American classics with a twist, along with a creative cocktail menu.
  • Chet’s Dallas: This restaurant serves up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads with a focus on local and organic ingredients.
  • Monarch Restaurant: This upscale restaurant features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Café Momentum: This non-profit restaurant provides culinary training and job opportunities to at-risk youth, while also serving up delicious dishes like shrimp and grits and fried chicken.
  • Chimalma Taco Bar Co.: This taco joint offers a variety of unique fillings, including barbacoa, lengua, and al pastor, along with tasty margaritas and craft beers.
  • The Exchange Hall: This food hall features 16 different eateries, offering everything from pizza to sushi to Mediterranean cuisine.
  • City Hall Bistro: This restaurant located in the historic Adolphus Hotel features classic American fare with a modern twist, along with a cocktail program featuring local spirits.
  • Sassetta: This Italian restaurant offers a variety of house-made pastas, pizzas, and antipasti, along with a selection of Italian wines.
  • Press Box Grill: This sports bar features a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and salads, along with a variety of beers on tap.
  • Porta Di Roma: This Italian restaurant offers classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, along with pizzas and calzones.
  • Partenope Ristorante: This Italian restaurant offers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, along with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti carbonara and chicken parmesan.
  • Overeasy: This breakfast spot serves up classic diner fare like pancakes and omelets, along with more creative options like breakfast tacos and shrimp and grits.
  • Salsa Limón: This taco joint offers a variety of tacos with fillings like barbacoa, lengua, and vegetarian options, along with a selection of margaritas.
  • Power House Deli: This deli offers wraps, sandwiches and salads, along with a wide ranging selection of smoothies.
  • Dakota’s Steakhouse-Dallas: This upscale steakhouse offers high-quality cuts of meat along with seafood and classic sides.
  • Medina Oven and Bar: Medina Oven and Bar is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that features a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • El Fenix: El Fenix is a Dallas institution, and has been serving up Tex-Mex favorites since 1918.
  • Pyramid: Pyramid is a modern American restaurant that features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu includes dishes like grilled octopus, roasted chicken, and mushroom risotto.
  • Kuai Asian Kitchen: For a quick and healthy meal, check out Kuai Asian Kitchen. This fast-casual restaurant specializes in Asian-inspired bowls and salads, with a range of protein options like chicken, shrimp, and tofu. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • Corrientes 348 Argentinian Steakhouse: Corrientes 348 Argentinian Steakhouse is a popular spot for meat lovers. Their menu features a range of steak cuts, as well as other traditional Argentinian dishes like empanadas and chorizo.