Once best-known for raucous bars and drunken crowds, east Dallas’ Lower Greenville has experienced a renaissance of sorts over the past five years. The crowds remain, but they’re more refined. Their drink of choice isn’t a stale $1 Budweiser; it’s, perhaps, a Moscow Mule. They come to immerse themselves in a wholly individual, somewhat quirky neighborhood that’s a refreshing change from stuffier Big D enclaves. They come to check out the many upscale bars and restaurants that now call the area home.
Best of Lower Greenville
Best Lunch Spot – Truck Yard
Technically, Truck Yard is a truck stop — a food truck stop — just with a casual beer-garden ambiance that makes you want to linger and have another. This is the place to be when you want to chill on the patio, people watch, feel the sun on your face and chow down on a juicy cheese steak chased with a craft beer (or trash can punch).
Best Late Night Grub — Greenville Ave Pizza Company
When fired-up revelers spill out of lower Greenville’s bars, many of them head to Greenville Ave Pizza Company (GAPC.) Others phone in for delivery (available until 4 a.m. on weekends.) Build your own pie or choose a unique Greenville Style number (buffalo chicken or spinach alfredo perhaps?), and sprinkle liberally with GAPC’s addictive Pizza Crack signature spice blend.
Best Date Night — Rapscallion
In this cozy neighborhood bistro, you won’t have to shout to be heard. Rapscallion’s clean, muted interior and peaceful ambiance allow patrons to focus on their food and each other. There’s an extensive wine list and a creative, cohesive menu known for new twists on Southern classics (such as braised beef cheeks with grits, redfish and fried green tomatoes, and cornmeal-dusted catfish and collards).
Best Rooftop — HG Sply Co.
Arrive early if you want to enjoy Lower Greenville’s best rooftop after the sun goes down. At night, the rooftop comes alive with twinkling lights and a stunning city view. HG Supply Co.’s abbreviated rooftop menu includes a grilled chicken kale salad and bison chili Frito pie. Most rooftop visitors, though, are more interested in getting their drink on while basking in the glow of the Dallas skyline. The rooftop has an extensive cocktail and craft beer menu.
Best Bar — Libertine
In the mood for that obscure Hefeweizen or craft IPA you discovered at SXSW? Libertine’s your best shot to find it locally. Libertine boasts an extensive craft and import beer selection, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Signature and classic cocktails, wines and whiskeys, scotch and vodka, rum, bourbon, gin, cognac, tequila: Libertine offers options galore. The menu is extensive, too. It needs to be so drinkers find the ideal nosh pairing for whatever they’re sipping.
Best Take-Out — Thai Thai Restaurant
“So nice we named it twice!” Thai Thai delivers. Choose from dumplings, spring rolls, Thai soups and salads (how about pho to go?), fried rices, curries, noodles (including pad Thai, of course), traditional entrees like Sweet and Sour or Broccoli and Garlic, dinner specials, desserts, sides, etc. Spice is nice. So is free delivery. Pro-Tip: It’s BYOB – bring a bottle of wine the next time you dine-in and you’ll look like a regular.
Best Breakfast — Johns Café
The mark of any beloved neighborhood is a “local diner.” Lower Greenville’s is John’s Café, where locals have convened since 1972. John’s is a refreshingly no-frills grill. The only somewhat surprising item on the breakfast menu is a gyro omelette, a nod to John’s Greek roots. When you want no-BS breakfast (eggs, bacon, pancakes, omelettes, toast, hash browns) come to John’s. It’s salt-of-the-earth stuff!
Best Burger — Pints & Quarts
When you simply want a thick, juicy, decadent burger, head to Pints & Quarts. Here, the beefier the better. Burgers are ooey and gooey and topped with decadent sauces, cheeses and even bacon. Sink your teeth in with abandon because you’ll be surrounded by other meat lovers.