Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Dallas - Fort Worth

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Dallas - Fort Worth? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

La Hacienda Ranch - Colleyville

4.9

4.9 (77)

$30 and under

Mexican

Colleyville

About the restaurant

La Hacienda Ranch in Colleyville, Texas is a popular choice for those who are looking for tasty Tex-Mex cuisine. The restaurant was founded by Mariano Martinez, the man who invented the Frozen Margarita Machine. The restaurant strives to please customers, and the Colleyville restaurant offers many options on the menu to help with that. Popular options at La Hacienda Ranch include the fajitas, steaks, spicy chicken verde, brisket and fish soft tacos, Spanish style enchiladas, chicken flautas and pork tamales. The kids’ menu is for kids 12 and under, and it offers burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese on Texas toast and macaroni and cheese. The margarita menu at La Hacienda Ranch is a nice touch for the adults.

Top review

ChuckVIP

Dined on Mar 26, 2025

Always a go to when we’re in town. Outstanding fajitas, margaritas and service.

Mariano's Hacienda Mexican Cuisine Since 1971

4.9

4.9 (65)

$30 and under

Mexican

Upper Greenville

About the restaurant

Mariano’s Hacienda is a traditional Tex-Mex restaurant in Dallas dishing up Texas ranch cuisine amidst authentic ranch décor. Whether you’re looking for Southwestern classics like flame-roasted poblano stuffed with grilled chicken, steak fajitas or mesquite grilled camarones carlos y charlies with epazote white rice, the wide variety of dishes available at Mariano’s Hacienda will have something you’ll enjoy. Mariano’s also serves a wide variety of signature margaritas, curated by the founder of the restaurant, and inventor of the frozen margarita machine.

Focusing on mesquite whole logs, locally-sourced, farm-fresh produce and quality meats, Mariano’s Hacienda has been offering innovative dishes since opening in 1971. Mariano’s also offers a kids’ menu and has a private room for special events that you can contact the restaurant to reserve.

Top review

DiannaVIP

Dined on Mar 12, 2025

Always the best true Tex Mex, service is always five stars 🍹

Encina

4.9

4.9 (923)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Oak Cliff / Bishop Arts

About the restaurant

Encina is a neighborhood gem in Dallas' Bishop Arts District, created by Chef Matt Balke and Corey McCombs. Named after the original designation of Uvalde, Texas—Matt's hometown—we bring elevated comfort food
to life through seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients. Since opening in October 2020, we've cultivated a "Cheers-like" atmosphere where regulars become family.
Our culinary approach starts with quality local ingredients supported by fresh elements from local farmers. Chef Matt, a CIA graduate, creates dishes that honor simplicity and thoughtful execution. Our beverage program follows suit with approachable cocktails and a curated wine selection.
Whether you're visiting for dinner, brunch, or happy hour, Encina offers a dining experience that's both familiar and exciting—like coming home to a meal prepared with love and expertise.
We're proud of our team and the relationships we've built with our guests.
Welcome to our table!

Top review

AprilVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Had a great brunch at Encina. Good mimosas, light on juice. We split the pancakes, which understandably everyone raves about. They were the standout of the meal.

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4.9

4.9 (64)

$30 and under

American

Plano

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Allen, TX, Armor Brewing Co. is a craft brewery and kitchen dedicated to delivering bold flavors, high-quality brews, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Our passion for exceptional beer and chef-driven cuisine shines through in every pint and every plate.

With a rotating selection of house-brewed craft beers, innovative cocktails, and a scratch-made menu featuring elevated pub fare, Armor Brewing Co. is the perfect spot for casual gatherings, family outings, and lively nights out.

Enjoy our spacious indoor seating, vibrant patio, and a welcoming atmosphere that blends industrial charm with Texas hospitality. We also host live music, brewery events, and seasonal festivals to keep the energy flowing year-round.

Book your table today and experience what makes Armor Brewing Co. a staple in the Allen community!

Top review

Emily

Dined 4 days ago

The food is always amazing here! Ben was a great server

Topgolf Swing Suites - Hilton Anatole

4.9

4.9 (27)

$50 and over

American

Design District

About the restaurant

Experience a new way to play. The Topgolf Swing Suite houses the most advanced golf and interactive gaming simulator that includes a variety of virtual games paired with comfortable lounge seating and food and beverage service. Three bays, located in the Grand Atrium.

Families, friends, business colleagues – Grab a bay and choose your game.

Options include playing 18 holes at Pebble Beach or 40+ other courses to dodgeball or football if golf isn’t your game. The fun never stops.

$60 per One Hour Bay Rental for up to 8 People

Birthdays, corporate gatherings or team building events can take place here.

For the most convenient parking, please use the Atrium side of the hotel. Topgolf Swing Suite is located in the Grand Atrium next to the gift shop.

Top review

Sierra

Dined on Apr 7, 2025

Dylan was a fantastic server/host/bartender! We had a great experience thanks to his lovely hospitality.

eight11 place

4.8

4.8 (306)

$30 and under

American

Frisco

About the restaurant

Locally owned and unique. Located in Historic Downtown Frisco. eight|11 Wine Bar, Kitchen, Craft Cocktail and Brew House is the perfect destination to experience fresh and delicious bites, a carefully curated drink list, and listen to Live Music on our outdoor patio! Insider Tip-Try to snag a Fire Pit!

Foodie Favorites- The Board, Sugar-Bacon Seasonal Fruit Crostini, Chopped Salad, Chicken/Apple/Brie Panini and the Oh-So popular, Godfather Pizza.

Customer Beverage Favorites- Eight11 Red/White Wine Flight, Caymus Cabernet, Smoked Old Fashioned, Heat A Rita, Dallas Blonde Ale, Deluxe Hot Chocolate

Live music on the patio Wednesday -Saturday nights.

Top review

MichelleVIP

Dined on Apr 9, 2025

Our favorite wine bar. Great place for a nice evening on the patio. Love the pizza, salads and wine!

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Experience

Wine Down Wednesday

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Arlington

4.7

4.7 (90)

$30 and under

American

Arlington

About the restaurant

Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.

Top review

JasonVIP

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

Ana and management were on point today and the food was excellent.

Community Beer Co.

4.7

4.7 (60)

$30 and under

Brewery

Design District

About the restaurant

Taproom & restaurant offers a wide range of dining options. And all the beverages! Our own brewed/distilled craft beer, hard seltzers, spirits/cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. We also offer our own non-alcoholic beer!

Our kitchen serves a range of dishes, including: burgers, sandwiches, entree salads, apps, flatbreads, along with German-inspired dishes. Kids menus available too.

We are family and dog-friendly. Various seating options are available in our laid-back and welcoming spaces, including our taproom, patio, biergarten, and more. We love to host large parties at a number of our large "community tables!"

There's always something fun happening at Community Beer Co.!

Top review

Michelle

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

I went to see the cover band Forever Mac. It was a good time. The event was move indoors. Possibly due to the weather. Great venue for patio weather.

Thai Charm Frisco

4.7

4.7 (35)

$30 and under

Thai

Frisco

About the restaurant

A Thai word "ชาม" (pronounced "Charm") means "bowl". Thai Charm Frisco evokes the taste of Thailand by filling the ‘Charm’ with delicious Thai food and serving fresh at your table, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal in a welcoming atmosphere.

Top review

SofiaVIP

Dined on Apr 13, 2025

Fresh ingredients, bright flavors and an inviting atmosphere. Was a great experience, we will be back!

Fig's Backyard

4.6

4.6 (9)

$30 and under

American

Tool

About the restaurant

Our outdoor seating area is not just a place to dine – it's an escape here at Cedar Creek Lake. Complete with a full bar, it's the perfect spot to relish the beauty of the outdoors while enjoying our selection of premium spirits, wines, and beers. We also have live music and 15 TV's for all your viewing of sports!!

Top review

teresaVIP

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

I the bar was closed at 215pm. Was told they close at 2:30 my reservation was for 230. The system is off. I was really hoping to get a drink and had to settle for water.

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