Since you have a car, I would suggest one of two places.

Bob's Steak and Chop House
www.bobs-steakandchop.com

Nick and Sam's
www.nick-sams.com

Although there are many other places you could hit, I find that both of these give one a true taste of Dallas. A lot of the other places are great, but they're chains (i.e. Capital Grille, Smith & Wollensky's, Ruth's Chris, Morton's, the Palm) and you can see those in any number of other American cities.

If you choose Bob's, I would strongly recommend the original on Lemmon... much more "quirky." Both places are loud, fun, etc., and I think will give your guests what they are looking for.

For reviews and other suggestions, check the easy to use (and free) Dallas Morning News website at:

www.guidelive.com

I live in Dallas, but travel extensively, and like both places a great deal.

In terms of Mexican food, another great and upscale "locals" place is Javiers.

You can check them out at:

www.javiers.net

Trust me on this, I'm a bachelor and eat out nearly every night!!