Dallas' Best Budget Date Spot 2008

Authentic Thai fare and gracious staff makes this cozy east Dallas eatery an institution with urbanites since 1992.

Reviews:

• “Amazing!!!”

Tips: The delivery service runs daily from 5pm to 10pm within a five-mile radius.

Bangkok City

Thai fusion restaurant in North Dallas strip center notable for its mod decor and inventive desserts.

Reviews:

• “Great find "
• “Thai food ? 5555”
• “Best Thai in north Texas”
• “Fab Thai!”
• “Why?????”

Tips: Try a sakejito, Mint’s version of the Cuban mojito with sake substituting for rum.

Asian Mint or email Asian Mint

Tiny matchbox of a spot in Uptown serves authentic New York-style thin-crust pizza.

Reviews:

• “Manager JEFF harasses his employees, steals their money”
• “Bad Service, small place”
• “Rude Service”
• “Worse Staff in Dallas, They are very Rude”
• “Abrupt service and they rushed us out!!!”

Tips: Brunch is Sunday 11am-1pm.

Coal Vines

North Dallas strip center houses authentic cuisine from Spain’s Costa Brava.

Reviews:

• “Nice atmosphere, food okay.”
• “THE CHIC WAS RATHER COOL”
• “Good place for a private party”
• “Worst Experience”
• “Best patio in town ! Covered too!”

Tips: This child-friendly restaurant invites young ones to submit a drawing of a chicken and enter it to win a Chic T-shirt.

Chic From Barcelona

Gourmet ingredients and a Knox-Henderson location lure Dallas hipsters to this upscale pizza joint.

Reviews:

• “Will not go back”
• “Great food!”
• “great pizza and great patio. "
• “Best pizza in Dallas”
• “Does not answer their phone – ever, incredibly long wait”

Tips: A parking shortage makes valet an attractive option. Best of all, it’s free if you get there before 10pm.

Fireside Pies

Soak up the sun and make a day of it at this multipurpose east Dallas lake.

Tips: For large groups and a panoramic view of the lake, make reservations at Winfrey Point, the Dreyfuss Club and Big Thicket. Call (214) 670-8239.

White Rock Lake

Popular Richardson spot where locals dine on Lebanese home cooking and pastries and smoke hookahs—always an authentic experience.

Reviews:

• “I get cravings for this place. "
• “food is ok”

Tips: Although the restaurant does not serve alcohol, please respectfully refrain from bringing your own as many customers are Muslim.

Afrah Restaurant and Pastries

Mingle at downtown’s architecturally impressive Mexican-chain transplant from Austin.

Reviews:

• “Great Restaurant & Bar”
• “very helpful”
• “Avoid it”
• “Horrible large group experience here”
• “I’d go back”

Tips: Valet is $6. Street meters are free after 6pm, Monday through Saturday.

Iron Cactus Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

Indian restaurant from Austin offers quality Indian cuisine in an elegant, sophisticated space.

Reviews:

• “unhygienic, poor service”
• “My first Lunch here, left me lacking……….”
• “Not Bad”
• “A great surprise”
• “The restaurant that turned me on to Indian cuisine”

Clay Pit

Upscale Mexican taqueria in the heart of Mockingbird Station.

Reviews:

• “Very small portions”
• “Great food "
• “Great Tacos and Ritas”
• “All I can say is YUM!”
• “real authentic mexico city tacos!”

Tips: Take advantage of the local entertainment with a movie at the Angelika.

Urban Taco