Since 1987 Chubby's has been pushing out tall stacks of pancakes alongside chicken-fried steak, which is folded in half so it fits on the plate. The home-style fare far surpasses typical chain diners, keeping regulars coming to its two locations (Lake Highlands and South Oak Cliff). Go for a stack of banana nut pancakes with walnuts, biscuits and gravy or buttered grits. The menu is huge, and there's something for everyone, but the chicken-fried steak is a must.

It seems as if we blinked, and Dallas was suddenly awash in omakase. While it can be intimidating to jump into a dinner full of unknowns and high prices, trust us that Tatsu is worth it. Chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi learned the art of omakase from his father in Japan and showcases everything that omakase is meant to be, from brilliant cuts of fresh fish to the tradition and skill brought to bear in preparing them. He works with his wife, Hiroko, and the level of polished hospitality is nearly equal to the cuisine.

If you're looking for drunken noodles and green curry that has received Guy Fieri's seal of approval, Uptown's CrushCraft Thai Eats is the spot. The restaurant is run by Jack Nuchkasem, who was born and raised in Bangkok and is no stranger to street food. CrushCraft's hearty portions outsize the traditional street vendor, though, and the $12 curries and fried rice dishes make CrushCraft one of the few restaurants in Dallas that has resisted inflating price tags.

In September 2023, former Nobu chef Shine Tamaoki brought Pearl to the roster of Japanese dining in Dallas at a time when the cuisine was in the forefront of the city's culinary spotlight. Using fresh fish brought in daily from both coasts, Japan and New Zealand, combined with house-made ingredients, he creates elegant dishes that can be enjoyed by sushi experts or novices. The only regret you'll have coming here is not getting a seat at the sushi bar, where the hospitality really shines. All eyes will be on you and your torched salmon roll as flames dance over this dish as it's being served. Also, not sushi-related, but the Japanese fish and chips were easily one of the best things we ate last year.

It seems like forever now that Fred's Downtown Philly has been slinging its greasy, meaty delights in North Texas. Although it's tempting to stick with the classic option, we highly suggest looking a bit farther down the menu to option No. 9, the Pizza Cheesesteak. The sizzling sliced steak, sauteed onions and cheese encased in the soft, chewy roll never knew it needed a stream of tangy pizza sauce so bad, but it did, and it's heavenly.

We love standing in line for barbecue in Texas, but in Dallas, we add soul food to the list of cuisine we'll tolerate waiting for. Swing by Sweet Georgia Brown on Ledbetter during the week for an early lunch and you might notice an easily navigated line waiting for the doors to open at 11 a.m, something that's been happening for decades. From there, your patience will be rewarded with plates full of flavorful, tender collard greens, black-eyed peas, decadent macaroni and cheese and any of the droolworthy meat options, although we're partial to the beef tips special when it's available.

Alan Kearny has been called Dallas' "pub king" for good reason. No matter how many Irish joints he opens, the quality and authentic feel and tastes are never diluted. Sure, there are plenty of pub favorites on the menu at The Crafty Isrishman, one of two downtown pubs on Main Street that Kearny owns, but the Howth beer-battered fish and chips, consisting of decadently thick slabs of cod, is the precious sort of standard that could keep anyone from needing to view the menu before ordering. While you're there, have the bartender pull you a black and tan as well.

This vegan restaurant just off West Davis near the Bishop Arts District offers a variety of plant-based mains such as pizza, burgers, boudin balls and wings. This great date-night spot is in an old house with a warm and inviting atmosphere, thanks to its stylish wooden plank decor. Go for the Southern Dinner Catch with fried oyster mushrooms, corn, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and garlic toast. The Cajun nacho fries come with cheese sauce, peppers, pico and jalapeño ranch.

This East Dallas restaurant has been serving piping hot bowls of pho since 1996. If a Budha statue and altar are a marker of a good pho restaurant for you, well, sit anywhere you'd like. There are more than 100 menu items, so ordering might feel overwhelming. Perhaps just skip the menu and order brisket pho. Service is attentive and consistent. Start with an order of the Vietnamese crepes and end with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.

We love a good story of survival. Better yet, we love a good survival story that comes with amazing beer and pizza. Vector Brewing almost didn't open thanks to the 2019 federal government shutdown, but then in March 2020, of all months, it started slinging pints and pies. And boy has the Lake Highlands brewery been on a roll since. In 2023, Vector was named Brewery of the Year by the Texas Craft Brewers Association, and this year, the same group awarded Vector a bronze medal for its Rubus Rex barrel-aged saison-style ale. We think their Fine Swine pizza, packed with pig meat, is also award-worthy.