Dallas has a little bit of everything, whether you want to see an up-and-coming band or eat dinner on a downtown rooftop. Growing up in Dallas, I have been lucky to experience this city for 21 years, and it has been so much fun seeing the city through fresh eyes with my friends from out of state. With both world-class museums and delicious food all residing in the same city limits, it can be hard to pick the best of the best, but here is a Dallas guide from a Dallas native.
Deep Ellum
One of the coolest areas in Dallas, Deep Ellum, is home to amazing music, eccentric food, and unique shops. I personally love Deep Ellum because I take improv classes at Dallas Comedy House every week and have met so many amazing people there. And I had one of the most surreal experiences when I ran into Halsey outside her show at Club Dada and got to snap a picture with her.
Here are my top hits in Deep Ellum.
(Do not forget to snap a picture in front of the many murals)
- See an improv show or even take a class at Dallas Comedy House.
- Grab beignets at Le Bon Temps or a donut at an odd hour at Glazed Donut Works.
- Keep your eye on the show list for some of the small music venues like The Door, Club Dada, and The Bomb Factory.
Downtown Dallas
Many people forget that Dallas has an actual downtown scene, where students come to both to eat, shop, and work. I have spent the last two semesters interning in Downtown Dallas at the D Magazine office, and working in Downtown has been one of my favorite college experiences. Run Downtown to see a Stars or Mavs game at the American Airlines Center, or plan a night out to see a Broadway show at the AT&T Performing Arts Center; Downtown has a ton to do!
- DFW is home to dozens of museums of all genres, but Downtown is home to the Dallas Museum of Art and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
- Grab lunch at a food truck at Klyde Warren Park, or see Dallas from new heights at Reunion Tower.
- Shop all day at the original Neiman Marcus, and then grab dinner on the balcony of The Woolworth.
Uptown & Oak Lawn
On the Hilltop, we are lucky to have so much around our campus directly, whether it be a short walk or a 5-minute drive. Mockingbird Station is right across the highway, and Uptown is just a short drive, giving us lots of options for a quick dinner off-campus, or spending time with friends. That is one of the best things about SMU; it’s a small town in a big city.
- Take a morning run or walk on the Katy Trail and then grab brunch at Henry’s Majestic.
- Ride around on the Mckinney Ave Trolley and then have dinner with live music at the Rustic.
- See a box office smash or a black and white picture at the Angelika Film Center, or grab a cheesy sandwich at the Dallas Grilled Cheese Company.
I have loved growing up in Dallas and spending my college years here. I hope this list provides some insight into what the city has to offer and why living on the Hilltop is worth it.
Pony Up,
Kathryn Chavez
Ig: @Kathrynchavez