Once annexed from Dallas, Oak Cliff is one of the city’s most storied neighborhoods. The 72-square-mile area is home to landmarks like Texas Theatre, where Lee Harvey Oswald was captured in 1963 after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination; the historic Top Ten Records; and Jefferson Boulevard, where lowriders cruise on Sunday evenings.
Over the last decade, the northern pocket of Oak Cliff known as the Bishop Arts District has blossomed into a lively hub driven by passionate entrepreneurs who’ve cultivated a tight-knit, creative community. The arts and entertainment district has become a go-to destination for nightlife with LadyLove Lounge & Sound, indie Poets Books, and vinyl haven Spinster Records. The district is roughly bordered by West Davis Street and Melba Street, stretching slightly west past North Llewellyn Avenue and east past North Zang Boulevard. Though ripe with development, the neighborhood’s soul remains rooted in the tastemakers that have helped shape Dallas culture.
On the culinary side, Bishop Arts is diverse in its offerings, showcasing flavors from around the world with more than 60 independently owned restaurants. Here is a handpicked selection of the best eateries Bishop Arts has to offer.
La Reunion
This gem serves everything from eye-openers like a potent cortado ($5) and Kyoto cold brew ($7) to flavor-packed chicken tinga tacos ($14) and avo and egg toast ($11) for breakfast or lunch. Return for a nightcap, and choose from creative craft cocktails like the Novacaine ($17), a delight crafted with Sagamore Rye, Pedro Ximénez sherry, Cynar 70, sweet vermouth, and orange oil. The evening kitchen menu pairs perfectly with a rotating event lineup including local vocalists, live DJs, and tarot readings. 229 N. Bishop Ave., lareunioncoffee.com
Hugo’s Seafood Bar
This coastal hotspot highlights fresh seafood dishes infused with Mexican flavors and is a destination for ocean-forward indulgence. Expect dishes such as the oyster shooter ($7) with aguachile and trout roe; a crudo-sashimi trio ($26); and a showstopping seafood platter with whole lobster ($120). The Ultimate Hugo’s Tostada ($22), stacked high with shrimp, scallops, octopus, and aguachile rojo is next level. 334 W. Davis St., hugoseafoodbar.com
Pane Nostro Ristorante Italiano
After closing its McKinney location in 2023, Pane Nostro Ristorante Italiano relaunched this year in a restored, century-old home in the Bishop Arts District. The family-run restaurant serves a tradition-rooted Italian menu of antipasti, pastas, salads and soup, seafood, and meats. For a date-night showstopper, try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina ($159), a 32-ounce porterhouse with roasted potatoes and vegetables made for sharing. 508 W. 7th St., pane-nostro.com
Atlas
Atlas is a cocktail lounge beloved by Dallas service industry vets. Step behind the bookcase and you’ll find Library Bar, a speakeasy known for hosting the neighborhood’s most talked-about parties, including the can’t-miss day party called Breakfast Bender. In addition to world-class cocktails, Atlas’ lesser-known food program features global comfort eats at unbeatable prices, like German pretzel bites ($10), Italian meatballs ($10), and a Cuban sandwich ($12). Stop by during happy hour for $7 cocktails and $5 eats. 408 N. Bishop Ave., #101, atlascocktailbar.com
Little Blue Bistro
Little Blue Bistro carves out its own romantic oasis on Bishop Arts’ Eighth Street. Candlelit tables are dressed with vibrant red roses and wine glasses poised for a hand-selected pour. The bistro champions sustainable, often small-production winemakers, turning every sip into something to savor. Embrace the moment with a stracciatella drizzled in Arbequina olive oil ($15) and tender escargot ($18). 320 W. Eighth St., littlebluebistro.com
Lucia
Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient Lucia is one of the most sought-after dinner reservations, not only in Bishop Arts, but in the entire Metroplex. The intimate, 32-seat restaurant opens reservations 30 days in advance, at 9 a.m. And with only a single six-person table, it’s best to keep your party small. Helmed by 2024 James Beard Award nominee David Ugyur, Lucia’s ever-changing menu features housemade pastas, farm-fresh produce, tender meats, house-cured salumi, and savory sauces. 287 N. Bishop Ave., luciadallas.com
Pillar
Chef Peja Krstic, known for his Michelin Bib Gourmand Vietnamese restaurant MộT Hai Ba, expanded to Bishop Ats in late 2024 with Pillar, an American bistro. The restaurant fills the void left by Boulevardier’s closure and has quickly become a destination for elevated, chef-driven fare where even the most understated dish transforms into a masterpiece. Take for instance the burger ($19)—Krstics rendition layers two thin patties with brisket pastrami, smoked paprika spread, American cheese, pickles, and lettuce on a duck fat potato brioche bun. 408 N. Bishop Ave, #108, pillardallas.com
Ten Bells Tavern
Bishop Arts District thought it saw the last of Ten Bells Tavern when development shuttered the business in 2022. But owner Meri Dahlke revived the neighborhood favorite on Eighth Street in late April of this year. This local bar is for those who can appreciate a Peticolas brew, hearty country-style plates, a shrine dedicated to Harry Styles, and the occasional visit from a neighborhood cat. Stop by for gravy-drenched chicken fried steak ($15), and maybe leave with a cat rescue advocacy sticker or two. It’s for a good cause. 231 W. Eighth St., Dallas
Otaru Sushi & Handroll Bar
Stand outside of Otaru Sushi & Handroll Bar and you’re almost guaranteed to overhear someone raving about the Bishop Arts newcomer. Rounding out its first year, Otaru offers chef-led dining in an intimate setting. Starters like the crisped brussel sprouts ($14) have become a house favorite, while chef’s special Scalloped Foie Gras ($22) comes highly recommended. The cocktail menu is small, but mighty, with standouts like a lychee martini ($15), yuzu margarita ($15), and matcha mojito ($14). 408 W. Eighth St., Ste. 101, Dallas
Potpourri Boulangerie
Once a cake and flower shop, this sun-soaked yellow house has been reimagined as a Canadian-inspired boulangerie by Quebec-trained chef Andres Barreiro. Potpourri Boulangerie offers a reservation-only afternoon tea service ($75), which is a five-course experience anchored by a tower of tea sandwiches and pastries. For casual visits, the counter serves seasonally inspired baked goods, fresh breads, espresso drinks, and teas. 317 N. Zang Blvd., potpourrioakcliff.com
Hunky’s
This retro burger joint has been a Dallas staple for 41 years, with its Bishop Arts location celebrating 20 of those this year. The Oak Lawn original built a loyal following in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and carried on its legacy with old fashioned hamburgers, hand-battered onion rings, and hand-spun milkshakes at both locations. 321 N. Bishop Ave., hunkys.com
Valle
Valle shines a spotlight on overlooked Mexican wine regions, pouring selections from Baja California, Querétaro, Chihuahua, and beyond. The wine and cocktail bar recently expanded with a new lounge, where guests can experience the flavors of Mexico by way of curated wines or cocktails like the Tulum’s AirBnB, a coconut rum-infused tropical drink. 509 N. Bishop Ave., Ste. C, vallebishoparts.com
