Newcomers eager to try Dallas’ most famous cuisine tend to be unsettled the first time a server shoves a platter—“Hot plate!”—of greasy, yellow cheese in front of them. Maybe you had to grow up with it. For sure you have to live with it awhile to love it. But for most of us, Tex-Mex is the taste we crave when we are away and the one that defines “home.”

How it became the hottest block in the city.

From off-the-menu epicurean delights to private swimming holes to historical finds, it’s a safe bet that you have yet to discover these 89 city secrets. Have fun exploring.

Your guide to the top shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more.

There were plenty of high-profile openings this year, but many failed to deliver an experience worthy of their price points. Restaurateurs learned a lesson: trends have shifted. Younger diners value a gourmet meal, but they don’t want to pay for the overhead of an expensive finish-out. Ramen pushed pho out of the hot-liquid lunch spotlight. Fast food is now faster and healthier, and all things Asian are hot. It was a wild culinary ride this year. Here were my favorite stops.

by Nancy Nichols  ||  Photography by Kevin Marple

Raise a glass to the best new bars of 2014 (with their help, of course). These dives and lounges, clubs and pubs span the city — from the heart of downtown to the outskirts of Deep Ellum — serving up beers, wines, and swoon-worthy cocktails. Here, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of our favorite new Dallas joints. Time to get in the spirit.

By Catherine Downes

Presenting the top local Dallas stores for women’s clothing, jewelry, men’s clothing, pets, kids, gifts, arts, home furnishings, gardening, books, and more.