Deep Cuts Dallas
Best Butcher Shop
Nathan Abeyta processes animals from snout to tail, makes his own whole-muscle pork shoulder sausages, and carries European cheeses and accoutrements for the perfect charcuterie board. Don’t miss the daily lunch specials, which include a Friday Philly cheesesteak made with wagyu beef.
Scardello Artisan Cheese
Best Cheese Shop
It’s not just the best selection of cheese in the city (nearly 150 to choose from) that keeps us returning. We also dig the classes, hosted by some of the city’s best cheese mongers, and the curated selection of wine and beers.
Cultivar Coffee Bar & Roaster
Best Coffeehouse
Since Jonathan Meadows and Nathan Shelton founded Cultivar a decade ago, the shop-slash-roaster has brought the finest single-origin coffees to Dallas, most of them Central American. Order the cortado or local honey latte and savor at La Casita Bakeshop pastry.
Empire Baking Company
Best Bakery for Bread
Our first source for artisanal bread is now an empire of cranberry-walnut, seeded Hippie Health, and loft challah. Loaves like their long-fermented levain using heirloom Rouge de Bordeaux wheat from Barton Springs Mill—nutty flavor, crackling crust—remind us they still like to act like spry new kids on the block.
Royal Blue Grocery
Best Gourmet Shop
At Royal Blue Grocery’s expanding realm, like our own Dean & DeLuca, you can sip Stumptown coffee, get a complimentary biscuit for your dog, and find Everett & Elaine pies and Milk & Patience yogurt. Look for a niche, local object of current obsession—it’s there. Plus: the tarragon chicken salad!
Melt Ice Creams
Best Ice Cream
We’re in love with the textures at Melt, newly landed in Bishop Arts. You’ll find classic creaminess in flavors like salted caramel, blueberry pie with cornmeal crumbles, or house-made buttered popcorn. Seasonal toppings like Meyer lemon marmalade, thyme butterscotch, or coconut meringue pile into sundaes or house waffle cones.
Bar & Garden Dallas
Best Place to Buy Booze
This is the cleanest way to live a liquor-filled life. Everything on the shelves is organic, and many of the wines are biodynamic. Staff is helpful, and surprising bargains abound. Pick up a hostess gift of a succulent along with a sparkling pét-nat, and you’ll always be invited back.
Sassetta
Best Place to Run Into a Designer
After a long day shopping the Design District, unwind with a glass of wine and a delicious meal at Sassetta. Located in the Decorative Center, it’s the perfect place to spot some designers in their natural habitat. You might overhear discussion of the latest trends. Pro tip: Order the meatballs.
