I've lived in Dallas for the past three years, and Patrizio in Highland Park Village has really slipped in terms of quality. Now, it just seems to be one of those restaurants where the Park Cities socialites go to be seen (and get drunk off peach bellinis). I think the best affordable Italian places in that area would be Campisi's, although it has a terrible atmosphere, or Penne Pomodoro in Snyder Plaza--small menu though.

The best steak I've ever had was at Bob's Steak and Chop House. I'm not big into Texas BBQ, but Peggy Sue is probably my favorite BBQ place in Dallas.

Someone before mentioned Buck and Loons in Arlington. The burgers are decent, but the real reason to go is for their mug of cheap beer (it even says on the menu "Cheap Mug of Beer-don't ask what kind it is). For $1.50 you get a mug the size of a small child ^