Since we are suggesting chain restaurants like Houstons, why don't we go ahead and state that there is a PF Changs in Grapevine and (soon to be) a Cheesecake Factory in Southlake? :confused:

:confused:

Again, depending on how far out of Grapevine you want to cruise, if you head towards Plano, a little restaurant "miniland" has developed at the Shops at Legacy (Tollway & Legacy) - Jaspers (sister restaurant of my personal fav Abacus that M8 endorses above), Bobs (great steakhouse), Naan (Pan-Asian), and at least a half-dozen other great restaurants (including good Italian and two good Tex-Mex places) as well as the wine bar Cru. The area has lots of shops and an "indy" movie theatre so its a great place to spend an evening.

C'mon, techgirl, Houston's is a great place to eat, has consistantly great food that is not "chain food," the one on Preston is a great people watching place for anyone wanting to "see" Dallas peeps, and teaming it with pf changs is like teaming Dominos with Fireside Pies, which, BTW, is becoming a "chain" too.

For heaven's sake... you just sent the OP to Legacy, which is a faux urban village in the far north of McMansionville Plano, with suburban copies of all-original urban core bistros, cafes and steak houses, and you are complaining about Houston's?!
:confused: ;)

OP... if you can get into Dallas proper, try something Local. It's more than 50 bucks. Or search the top 100 via the pizza link site.

Best of fun to you! ^

Houstons has 33 locations nationally. I'm not knocking their food... but if the OP wants something that is distinctly "Dallas", sending him to a California chain is a bit off the mark. While I love several of the Hillstone group's restaurants - particularly Gulfstream & Rutherford Grill), I wouldn't say they are a "Texas thing".

Despite its location, you can't tell me Jaspers isn't excellent. And you can't convince me that going to Houstons (a California-based chain) is a uniquely Dallas experience. ;)

Hey, didn't mean start a debate.

Considering that some consider a "chain" as anything with more than 1 location, a local chain can be on the list. Some of my favorite places for a casual dinner out at home could be considered local Twin Cities chains (Axel's, Sidney's etc). Being slightly retentive, I have added the suggestions from here to the "folder" along with menus and reviews found online. Thanks all!

One place my girlfriends and I have stuck on the "need to check out" list is Kenny's Wood Fired Grill.

I've followed Kenny's career through various Dallas restaurants (always seafood, always good) and its nice to see he finally has his OWN place.

Another Dallas Favorite
 

St. Martin's Wine Bistro

This place is muy romántico. The perfect place to take the wife, misstress, or both!

The food is excellent, and there is live jazz and/or piano bar type music.

M8

I always try to go to La Calle Doce on trips to Dallas. It's hard to find good Mexican seafood in many cities.

Best Steak in Dallas
 

Bob's Chop House

There are two locations but the one downtown has a great ambience.

35 years experience...
 

The Green Room in Dallas is my favorite restaurant - maybe in the world. Marc is an incredible chef. That being said, I have not been there in a couple of years. So, I am reluctant to stand behind this 100%. Restaurants change. Some quicker than others.

Bob's on Lemon gets a yes vote - more for crowd than food, although the steaks are great.

I really like Via Real in Las Colinas. The oversized margaritas are awesome. Keep in mind I grew up in Las Colinas and went to Via Real when it was on Beltline at Northgate.

These are the three places I will definitely take the significant other when she visits Dallas this summer.

Of course we will go to OTB (on Copeland?) by the Ballpark in Arlington before a baseball game (tradition for me), and I will take her to the Dairy Queen near the ranch. Although I think Whataburger is probably better for burgers.

Chuy's needs to be included in any Dallas (or Austin) mexican food discussion.

Instead of Cafe Pacific, I tend toward Patrizzio's. Same owner (Jack Knox) and same shopping center (HP Village). I have not been to Plano location.

Primo's on McKinney is a scene on Tuesdays, and the food is really good. Neighbor Breadwinners is an awesome breakfast/brunch spot.

Cafe Express is a chain, but it's good if you want a healthy salad. Surprisingly I had coffee there for the first time last week, and it was horrible. My latte tasted burned.

With regards to chains and salads, I really like the Cobb Salad at Champps.

Daddy Jacks (on Greenville) has great lobster. I haven't been there in AGES, and it might not even be there anymore. Again, restaurants change too frequently.

Sam

I can vouch for Bob's. It's great.

If you want an "experience", then try the M&M Steak House on NW 28th street in North Fort Worth near the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Go west from Main St. about 1/2 miles, it's on the right (north side) of the road. Cash only and the Christmas lights are up all year inside. Hugh cheap steaks and cold cold beer. Don't let the appearance stop you. It's been there for over 50 years.

Try out Kincaides hamburgers on Camp Bowie Blvd in Fort Worth for a great burger.

Have fun and welcome to Metroplex.

DFWBOB

Daddy Jacks is still there. Just avoid lower Greenville Ave on the weekends or carry a gun.

I agree with every last one of Sam's recommendations.

And I too love Bob's. They, along with Nick & Sams and Pappas Bros, comprise the steakhouse trifecta for me.

Thanks for the suggestions

One last question- Which of the following would you suggest
Fogo de Chao
Texas de Brazil
Boi Na Braza

Boa Na Braza is my favorite of the three - its also closest to where you will be staying. Of the three, I always feel the least rushed there and find that the service is best. I occasionally crave their garlic tenderloin.

All three are good though - I would put Texas de Brasil above Fogo de Chao. If you go for TdB, I would recommend the Fort Worth or downtown locations over Addison. At the Addison location, I always have had to wait at least 30 minutes past my reservation time on weekends.

Dallas Dining (merged threads)
 

I am going to be in Dallas in July on business and want to take some clients out to a fairly upscale restaurant for a steak. Looking to spend up to around $100 - $150 per head.

Any recommendations of where we should go? :)