Are you planning a trip to Arlington, TX, or looking to explore the vibrant dining scene in your backyard? Deciding where to eat can be overwhelming, especially with Arlington’s vast restaurants. But worry not, food enthusiasts! This comprehensive guide unveils the best restaurants in Arlington TX, catering to various tastes and budgets, from mouth-watering menus and diverse cuisines to enticing meal options and unique menus.
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Unveiling Arlington’s Culinary Landscape
Arlington’s restaurant scene is a melting pot of flavors, reflecting the city’s vibrant culture. Here’s a glimpse into the best restaurants in Arlington TX, and the diverse culinary landscape you can expect:
- American Cuisine: A cornerstone of Arlington’s dining scene, American cuisine offers classic comfort food alongside innovative twists on familiar dishes. American fare caters to all appetites, from juicy steaks at the best restaurants in Arlington TX, to gourmet burgers at The Tipsy Oak.
- Tex-Mex: A Texan staple, Tex-Mex restaurants dish up flavorful fajitas, enchiladas, and sizzling mesquite-grilled specialties. Pappasito’s Cantina and Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch are must-visits for authentic Tex-Mex experiences.
- Italian Cuisine: Indulge in classic Italian pastas, pizzas, and seafood dishes at charming trattorias like Piccolo Mondo and Saviano’s Italian Kitchen.
- Seafood: For fresh seafood lovers, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen offers an extensive menu featuring Cajun-inspired specialties.
- Asian Cuisine: Embark on a culinary adventure through Asia with options ranging from Vietnamese pho at Piranha Killer Ramen to Korean barbecue at Mr. Max.
- Upscale Dining: Arlington offers fine-dining establishments like Restaurant 506 for special occasions. These venues feature seasonal American cuisine in a plush setting.
A Look at The Best Restaurants in Arlington TX
Now, let’s delve into some of the best restaurants in Arlington TX, categorized by cuisine and dining experience:
1. The Tipsy Oak:
This lively gastropub boasts a vibrant patio, perfect for enjoying innovative burgers, creative cocktails, and weekend brunch. For a casual atmosphere and delicious burgers, The Tipsy Oak is a strong contender for the best restaurants in Arlington TX.
Cuisines: This Arlington favorite combines American and bar food, featuring innovative takes on classic dishes.
Meals: The Tipsy Oak caters to various dining occasions:
- Lunch: Enjoy a casual lunch with options like hand-cut fries, juicy burgers, and creative salads.
- Dinner: The menu expands with heartier options like smoked brisket grilled cheese, steak frites, and enticing pasta dishes.
- Brunch (weekends only): Remember their weekend brunch, featuring delicious dishes like eggs Benedict, breakfast tacos, and bottomless mimosas (for an additional charge).
Menu Highlights: The Tipsy Oak boasts a menu that caters to diverse palates. Here are some tempting options:
- Signature Burgers: They’re famous for their creative burgers with unique toppings, like the “Fried Bacon Barbecue Korean Burger.”
- Craft Beer & Cocktails: Complement your meal with craft beers on tap or indulge in one of their signature cocktails.
- Weekend Brunch Delights: Their weekend brunch menu features classic brunch dishes with a twist alongside bottomless mimosas (available for an additional charge).
Features:
- Enjoy the Arlington weather with a seat on their vibrant outdoor patio, perfect for people-watching.
- Liven up your weekend nights with live music performances on select evenings.
- The Tipsy Oak offers a relaxed and welcoming environment, ideal for a casual night out with friends or family.
Location: 301 E Front St. in Arlington, TX
2. Babe’s Chicken Dinner House:
Are you craving comfort food? Babe’s Chicken Dinner House is a must-try for anyone seeking the best restaurants in Arlington TX. A local favorite, Babe’s serves classic fried chicken alongside homestyle sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. Their signature catfish-fried rice is a must-try.
Details:
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Features: Casual Atmosphere, Family-Friendly
Timing:
- Babe’s Chicken Dinner House has multiple locations throughout Arlington. Each area typically operates with the following hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Menu:
Babe’s menu is all about comfort food. Their star attraction is, of course, the fried chicken. Here’s a breakdown of their offerings:
- Fried Chicken: Choose from various cuts of chicken, all fried to crispy perfection. Popular options include chicken tenders, fried chicken breasts, and whole-fried chicken.
- Sides: An actual Southern spread would only be complete with classic sides. Babe’s offers a variety of options, such as mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, and fried okra.
- Other Entrees: While fried chicken reigns supreme, Babe’s offers other comfort food favourites like chicken fried steak, catfish, and shrimp.
- Desserts: Finish your meal sweetly with a slice of pie or a scoop of ice cream.
Features:
- Babe’s offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
- With a menu full of kid-pleasing options and a casual atmosphere, Babe’s is an excellent choice for families. They even have a dedicated kids’ menu with smaller portions.
- Be prepared for generous portions! Babe’s is known for serving enough food to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
- Don’t feel like dining in? No problem! Babe’s offers takeout service, so you can enjoy their delicious food at home.
3. Twisted Root Burger Co.:
Craving the best restaurants in Arlington TX? Look no further than Twisted Root Burger Co., a local favorite known for its gourmet creations. Twisted Root offers inventive burger creations with unique toppings. Vegetarians can enjoy their black bean burger option.
- Cuisine: American (Specialty: Burgers)
- Price Range: Moderate
- Time: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Menu:
At Twisted Root Burger Co., we take pride in our menu, bursting with unique flavours. Here’s a tantalizing glimpse:
- Signature Burgers: These aren’t your average burgers! Think options like the “Pig & Fig” with fig marmalade, goat cheese, and prosciutto or the “Avocado Bacon Swiss” with a fried egg for a truly decadent experience.
- Salads & Sandwiches: Twisted Root offers a selection of fresh salads and delicious sandwiches for those seeking lighter options.
- Sides: Complement your burger with classic crinkle fries and onion rings, or indulge in their signature cheese crisps.
- Drinks: Quench your thirst with handcrafted sodas, draft beers, or a selection of wines and cocktails.
Twisted Root’s Features:
- The vibrant and fun atmosphere makes Twisted Root a perfect spot for a family outing.
- Enjoy the pleasant Texas weather on the restaurant’s inviting patio seating.
- Twisted Root Burger Co. also offers catering services for your next event.
Location: Multiple locations throughout Texas, including one in Arlington at 310 E Abram St., #100, Arlington, TX 76010
4. Vault Steakhouse & Seafood
Vault Seafood & Steakhouse is a locally owned and operated restaurant in Arlington. It is renowned for its upscale ambience, impeccable service, and a delectable menu featuring classic steakhouse favourites and innovative seafood dishes. Vault Seafood & Steakhouse, lauded for its exceptional steaks and seafood, contends for a spot among the best restaurants in Arlington TX.
Details:
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood, American
- Price Range: Fine Dining ($50 and over)
- Ambience: Fine Dining, Elegant, and upscale
Timing:
- Lunch: Sunday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
- Dinner: Tuesday – Wednesday, Sunday (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
- Dinner: Thursday – Saturday (4:00 PM – 12:00 AM)
Menu:
Vault Seafood & Steakhouse offers a comprehensive menu catering to meat and seafood lovers. Here’s a glimpse into what awaits you at the best restaurants in Arlington TX:
- Steaks: Indulge in succulent, USDA Prime cuts of steak cooked to your preference. Popular options include the New York Strip Steak and the Ribeye.
- Seafood: Dive into a world of fresh seafood offerings, including Chilean Sea Bass, Snapper Orleans, and a signature Shrimp Scampi.
- Land Options: For those who prefer land-based delights, the menu boasts tempting options like Lamb Chops, Jerk Chicken, and a Tomahawk Pork Chop.
- Sides: Complement your main course with a selection of delectable sides, including fingerling potatoes, house vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Features:
- Vault Seafood & Steakhouse boasts an impressive wine list, allowing you to pair your meal with the perfect vintage.
- Treat yourself to a handcrafted cocktail from their extensive bar menu, featuring classic libations with unique twists.
- Enjoy live music from local artists on select evenings, adding a touch of ambience to your dining experience.
- Are you planning a special occasion? Vault Seafood & Steakhouse offers private dining options to cater to your needs.
- While the ambience leans towards fine dining, Vault maintains a smart casual dress code, allowing for a comfortable and stylish dining experience.
Location: Vault Seafood & Steakhouse, 1000 N Main St, Mansfield, TX 76063
5. Hurtado Barbecuec
Craving Texas barbecue with a Tex-Mex twist? Look no further than Hurtado Barbecue, a contender for the best restaurants in Arlington TX. It offers mouthwatering smoked meats infused with Hispanic flavours, creating a genuinely distinct dining experience.
Details:
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex Barbecue
- Price Range: Moderate (expect to pay around $$ per person)
- Known For: Unique smokehouse creations with a Tex-Mex twist, delicious sides, and a friendly atmosphere.
Timing:
- Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Menu:
Here’s a glimpse at some of their signature offerings:
- Smoked Brisket: Their signature brisket is slow-smoked to succulent perfection and available by the pound or in sandwiches and tacos.
- Barbacoa: Tender shredded beef seasoned with Mexican spices, perfect for tacos or nachos.
- Chorizo Sausage: A house-made chorizo sausage with a smoky and spicy kick.
- Elote: Mexican street corn grilled and slathered with a creamy sauce, cotija cheese, and spices.
Features:
- Hurtado Barbecue offers catering services that are perfect for your next event.
- Show your love for Hurtado Barbecue with their official merchandise, which includes T-shirts, hoodies, and hats.
- For the ultimate backyard barbecue experience, Hooray Grill Co. offers the Hurtado SmokeboxTM, modelled after their smoker pits.
Locations:
Hurtado Barbecue has three locations in the DFW area:
- Arlington
- Little Elm
- Fort Worth
Conclusion
Arlington, TX, boasts a vibrant and diverse restaurant scene with something to entice every tastebud. This guide has provided a glimpse into some of the best restaurants in Arlington TX, categorized by cuisine, dining experience, and features. Whether you crave a casual burger, a romantic Italian dinner, or a fun and interactive fondue experience, Arlington has a restaurant waiting to be discovered. So, grab your appetite and embark on your culinary adventure at the best restaurants in Arlington TX.
FAQs
What is the best part of Arlington for restaurants?
There isn’t a single “best” part of Arlington for restaurants. The Entertainment District offers many options near the stadiums, while West Arlington has a mix of casual and upscale dining. Ultimately, the best area depends on the type of cuisine and experience you’re looking for.
Does Arlington have any Michelin-starred restaurants?
As of May 2024, Arlington does not have any Michelin-starred restaurants. However, the city offers many excellent restaurants with diverse cuisines and impressive menus.
Are there any vegetarian or vegan best restaurants in Arlington TX?
Yes, Arlington has several vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Look for restaurants that offer plant-based options or cater specifically to vegetarian and vegan diets.
