Bistro 31 exemplifies what a truly exceptional dining experience should be. From the moment you enter, the restaurant establishes a sense of elegance without pretense: impeccable service, a thoughtfully curated menu, and an atmosphere that is simultaneously sophisticated and inviting.
Situated in one of Dallas’ most exclusive plazas, surrounded by high‑end retailers such as Fendi, Dior, and Hermès, Bistro 31 mirrors the refined sensibilities of its surroundings. The space is a study in understated luxury: Venetian plaster walls with a soft, muted glow, custom Murano chandeliers, contemporary art by local artists, and a striking Art Deco coffee bar that serves as both functional amenity and design statement.
Winter in Texas is a season of quiet discoveries, where the Lone Star State sheds its summer crowds and reveals hidden corners perfect for a long weekend escape. From the rolling hills of Hill Country to the breezy shores of the Gulf Coast, there are destinations where cozy lodging, local flavors, and scenic adventures combine to create a travel experience that feels both indulgent and restorative. Whether you’re craving fireplaces and wine tastings, historic inns and antique shopping, or fresh seafood with sunlit views, Texas offers a variety of winter weekend getaways within a few hours’ drive of Dallas.
These escapes are as much about the meals you share as the places you explore. Imagine savoring schnitzel and spaetzle in Fredericksburg, tasting brisket and pit-cooked pork in Llano, or enjoying oysters and Gulf fish in Rockport—all while staying in boutique inns, riverside cabins, or charming historic hotels. Each town has its own rhythm, and in winter, that rhythm slows just enough to let you savor the scenery, the cuisine, and the simple joy of stepping away from daily life. This guide highlights five of the best long-weekend destinations in Texas, with lodging, restaurants, and activities that make winter a season worth traveling for.
Cadot is, at its core, a restaurant built around food that feels intentional, steady, and comforting. The moment you sit down, you notice how much of the experience is shaped by what’s coming out of the kitchen. The aromas drifting through the room—garlic softening in butter, onions simmering in wine, the warmth of fresh bread—set the tone before you even open the menu. Chef Jean-Marie Cadot cooks the way someone does when they’ve been doing it their entire life: nothing rushed, nothing overworked, nothing added just to be clever.
Wine Simple: Perfect Pairingsby Aldo Sohm, co-written with Christine Muhlke, is a masterclass in making wine approachable, intelligent, and fun. Sohm, a world-renowned sommelier, takes readers beyond rote rules and charts, teaching the art of pairing wine with food in a way that is intuitive, flexible, and deeply satisfying. The book empowers readers to think like a sommelier, analyzing wines by body, acidity, and flavor, and dishes by texture, richness, and seasoning — then combining the two with confidence.
Taco y Vinofits perfectly into the soul of Oak Cliff — warm, familiar, creative, and just a little bit unconventional. Housed in a renovated little bungalow, it feels more like someone’s home than a restaurant. You walk in expecting a quick taco and end up settling in, sipping wine on the patio, talking with strangers who suddenly feel like neighbors. It’s casual, it’s lived-in, and it’s exactly the kind of spot that shows why Oak Cliff’s dining scene has so much personality.
Cheese boards are a simple way to turn any gathering into something a little more special. Whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a lively party, a thoughtfully arranged cheese board invites conversation, tasting, and a little indulgence. A well-curated board balances flavors, textures, and accompaniments, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Here’s a five-cheese lineup that creates variety and depth, along with ideas for what pairs beautifully with each one.
There’s something undeniably festive and indulgent about caviar. In Dallas this holiday season, the glint of tiny pearls, the hush of a crisp evening, and the clink of a chilled glass come together to make for a decadent escape — a chance to treat yourself, or to celebrate with someone special. Whether you’re wrapping up a year of hard work, toasting to new beginnings, or simply looking for a small luxury in everyday life, Dallas’s dining scene delivers.
Toulouse Café & Bar feels a little like ducking into a Paris bistro on a chilly winter evening — warm lights, mellow bustle, and the kind of cozy background murmur that invites slow conversation and lingering. The air smells of garlic butter and herbs from the kitchen, maybe a splash of red wine, and there’s a friendly, low‑key energy among regulars. Perfect for a relaxed holiday dinner or gathering with friends without fuss or pretense.
