Some restaurants you find. Others find you. Jonathon’s Forestwood is the second kind. Somebody mentions it, you file it away, and then one morning you’re pulling into the parking lot at Forest Lane and the North Dallas Tollway wondering why you waited so long. The place has been drawing crowds since Jonathon and Christine Erdeljac opened the doors in September 2023. That opening came at the end of a two-year renovation that tested every bit of patience they had.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Bubba Cooks Country in Dallas is renowned for its comforting, traditional Southern cuisine served in an inviting, diner-like setting that evokes the charm of a 1920s Texaco service station turned into an Art Deco-style diner. Since opening in 1981, Bubba has become a local staple, cherished for its family-friendly atmosphere and consistently delicious food.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
by Steven Doyle Babe’s CFS
Today is a day of celebration and joy as we mark the official Texas Chicken Fried Steak Day. The day’s founder, Jeffrey Yarbrough, said on this auspicious occasion, “I am honored to have worked closely with restaurateurs Tom Perini and Ralph Sheffield to elevate this savory southern dish that reflects our state history. Besides my wife and kids as the loves of my life, creating the official Texas Chicken Fried Steak Day has been a dream come true and makes me so proud to be a Texan.” Continue reading
Filed under Chicken Fried Steak, Crave
Prego Pasta House on Greenville Avenue in Dallas is best known for its Southern Italian cuisine, but among its offerings, one dish quietly steals the show: the Chicken Fried Steak. This sleeper menu item surprises many diners who might come expecting only pasta and classic Italian dishes. It’s a 14-ounce New York strip steak, pounded thin, breaded, and fried to a golden crisp, delivering a perfect balance of crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness inside. Served with a generous portion of cottage fries, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that has become a favorite for those in the know.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
There’s something about Jake & Dorothy’s Café in Stephenville that feels like time slows down the moment you walk through the door. The hum of conversation, the clatter of coffee cups, and the smell of sizzling batter and peppered gravy fill the air like an old country song. Since 1948, Jake & Dorothy’s has been more than a café—it’s a gathering place where ranchers, college kids, and travelers pull up a chair and dig into something that feels like home. The booths are well-worn, the coffee’s always hot, and the smiles come easy. It’s the kind of place that hasn’t needed to change, because it’s always done things right.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
In a land where cookie-cutter chains and quick-service concepts seem to dominate every corner, Lounge Here rises above the noise with style, soul, and a menu that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Found in a mid-century building at 9028 Garland Road in East Dallas, this locally owned gem is the brainchild of Julie Doyle — known for her work with Tripping Daisy, The Polyphonic Spree, and Good Records — and it carries that same creative energy into every corner. It’s a restaurant that feels curated rather than constructed, with the warmth of a neighborhood hangout and the polish of a retro-cool supper club.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Street’s Fine Chicken is a Dallas institution with family roots that run deep in Texas dining history. The Street family name has long been synonymous with comfort food, thanks to Gene Street, the legendary restaurateur behind beloved brands like Black-eyed Pea, Dixie House, and Good Eats. His nephew, Marco Street, and the next generation have carried that torch with Street’s Fine Chicken — a place that feels both nostalgic and fresh, blending family tradition with French-inspired finesse. Every dish tells a story, every plate feels like home, and the vibe is equal parts Southern charm and modern comfort.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
October 26th isn’t just any day—it’s Texas Chicken Fried Steak Day, and if you’re anywhere near Strawn, you need to stop at Mary’s Café. This isn’t a place for tiny plates or delicate bites. Mary’s serves chicken fried steaks that practically demand a fork-and-knife duel, slabs of tender beef drenched in gravy that’s creamy, peppery, and somehow irresistible. One bite, and you’ll swear Texas itself is whispering, “Yes…this is how it’s done.”
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
