A big town or a small city? Part of Dallas or a standalone community? You can debate the answers, but what you can’t question is that Addison punches above its weight. At just 4.4 square miles, it offers entertainment and events that draw thousands of people, not to mention a few hidden gems.
La Spiga Bakery
4203 Lindbergh Dr. | 972-934-8730
You can do a whole lot of baking in a 15,000-square-foot commissary, and the Addison institution puts theirs to good use for everything from sandwiches and scones to pizza and pasta and, of course, cakes. Just don’t let the spartan warehouse exterior fool you into believing this is a takeout spot; the cozy dining room is a great place to catch up with a friend over lunch.
Addison Circle Park
4970 Addison Cir.
For a smattering of days each year, the park plays host to the events that are the town’s lifeblood: Taste of Addison (June), Kaboom Town (July), Addison After Dark (Aug. 19), and Oktoberfest (Sep. 14–17). On all the others, it’s a place for walks, dogs, yoga, sports, and more.
Cavanaugh Flight Museum
4572 Claire Chennault Dr. | 972-380-8800
Want to have your breath taken away for $12? Buy a ticket and wander through four hangars’ worth of vintage airplanes, helicopters, and even motorcycles dating back to World War I. Better still, rent it out for your next wedding or bat mitzvah.
Astoria Caffe & Wine Bar
15701 Quorum Dr. | 972-239-5853
The drinks are fine. The food will suffice. You’re not there for either of those things. Come for the patio, which is one of the best vibes north of 635 with its location in the heart of Addison Circle and the view of neighboring Bosque Park. Keep the order simple, and enjoy the ambience.
Bitter Sisters Brewing Company
15103 Surveyor Blvd. | 972-479-0949
Much like Addison itself, Bitter Sisters is small but mighty, with range and flavors far bigger than one might expect from a modest brewery crammed into a nondescript block of office buildings. The Family Trip is a highlight, and that’s especially true of the Raspberry Family Trip small batch, in which the Belgian Tripel is brewed with more than 200 pounds of raspberries.
The Addison Improv
4980 Belt Line Rd., Ste. 250 | 972-404-8501
For decades, the brick building’s marquee has ranked among the most recognizable sights in Addison. Craig Ferguson, Jay Pharoah, Dave Attell, and Michael Rapaport are among the comedians who have graced the Improv’s stage so far this year.
This story originally appeared in the August issue of D Magazine with the headline, “One Day In…Addison.” Write to [email protected].
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