In Texas, queso is not a side item. It’s a litmus test. A bowl of bad queso can ruin the whole table’s mood; a great one turns strangers into friends before the chips are gone. Dallas takes this seriously, and its queso scene ranges from Tex-Mex institutions that have been doing it the same way for decades to newer spots putting real thought into what goes into the bowl. These are seven worth driving for.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
In Dallas, where a taco may range from chef-driven creations to late-night street bites, Fito’s Tacos de Trompo has carved out a niche that is unmistakably its own. With multiple locations across the metroplex—from Oak Cliff to Arlington—Fito’s has grown into a small chain that emphasizes speed, consistency, and, above all, flavor. While the décor and ambiance remain casual, it’s the food that truly commands attention.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
What began as a modest farmers market stand has evolved into one of Dallas’ defining culinary institutions, a place where long lines once signaled not just popularity, but a shift in the city’s barbecue identity. Pecan Lodge is rooted in Central Texas tradition—offset smokers, wood-fired discipline, a reverence for brisket—but it leans harder into intensity. The smoke is assertive, the bark deeply developed, the seasoning confident. This is meat that announces itself.
And nowhere is that philosophy more clearly expressed than in the Pitmaster sandwich.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Fort Worth’s original beer emporium, Flying Saucer, is hosting a lively St. Patrick’s Day celebration in downtown Fort Worth on Tuesday, March 17, bringing together Irish beer specials, festive food, and live music for one of the city’s most anticipated holiday gatherings.
As a longtime staple of the downtown bar scene, Flying Saucer is known for its extensive craft beer selection and energetic atmosphere — making it a natural destination for St. Patrick’s Day in Fort Worth. This year’s celebration features $5 local Irish drafts, including specialty brews from Peticolas Brewing Company, Manhattan Project Beer Co., and False Idol Brewing. Beer enthusiasts can explore seasonal and limited releases while raising a glass to Irish tradition.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
For more than four decades, Aw Shucks Oyster Bar has been a seafood staple in Dallas, dishing out coastal charm, Southern hospitality, and fresh-off-the-boat flavor right on Lower Greenville Avenue. Since first opening its doors in 1983, Aw Shucks has earned a reputation as the go-to spot for raw oysters, spicy crawfish, and ice-cold beer in a come-as-you-are, beach-style setting.
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Jorg’s Cafe Vienna in Plano, Texas, continues to offer a delightful taste of Austria in the heart of the Dallas area. Owned by Jorg Fercher, an authentic Austrian himself, the café delivers a unique European dining experience, marked by personal touches and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The menu at Jorg’s Cafe Vienna remains faithful to its roots with traditional Austrian dishes. Schnitzels, particularly the Wiener Schnitzel, are a highlight, breaded and fried to perfection, and served with sides like potato salad or sauerkraut. Other notable dishes include the Goulash, a hearty stew that is meaty and rich in flavor, and the bratwurst, served with mustard and fresh bread.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
S&D Oyster Company has been a constant on McKinney Avenue since 1976, and walking through the door still feels like discovering a place that refuses to chase trends. The room carries an easy confidence — vintage 1950s touches, worn wood, simple tables, and a bar lined with high stools that invite you to settle in. It’s casual, comfortable, and unmistakably old-school in the best way. Nothing feels staged. It feels lived in.
Continue readingFiled under Crave
Chicago has long been a city that tells its story through food. From the immigrant kitchens of the early 20th century to the Michelin-starred dining rooms that now dot the skyline, the city’s culinary voice is one of diversity, invention, and bold flavors. It’s where working-class traditions like deep-dish pizza and Italian beef live comfortably alongside tasting menus that push the limits of creativity. Yet for every marquee restaurant drawing national headlines, there are countless neighborhood spots quietly serving some of the best food in the country—places where the atmosphere is unpretentious, the flavors are bold, and the loyalty of locals says everything you need to know.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
