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By Destiny Kombe-Kajue
Intern
Coppell High School
Each of these restaurants brings something unique to the table. Whether it’s vegan Tex-Mex or modern soul food, this list serves as a go-to guide for anyone looking to try something new while supporting Black-owned businesses across the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
1. Roots Southern Table
Owner/Chef: Tiffany Derry
Chef Tiffany Derry, a Top Chef alum, opened Roots as an homage to her upbringing in Beaumont, Texas. She blends elevated culinary technique with deeply personal Southern flavors. Derry is also a vocal advocate for food equity and representation in fine dining.
What to order:
Go for the duck-fat fried chicken, juicy on the inside with a shatteringly crisp crust kissed by rich duck flavor. The buttermilk biscuits are warm, buttery, and practically melt in your mouth. Don’t skip the gumbo, loaded with shrimp, crab, chicken, and sausage in a smoky, velvety roux. This is classic soul food made with precision and heart.
2.
Casa Del Vegano
Owners: Elizabeth Anderson and Anthony Bookman
This husband-and-wife team founded Casa Del Vegano to bring flavor-forward, plant-based Tex-Mex to Oak Cliff. Both longtime vegans, they saw a gap in Dallas’s dining scene and filled it with bold spices and comforting, meatless dishes that even skeptics love.
What to order:
Try the jackfruit birria tacos, slow-braised jackfruit seasoned with chile-laced consommé and tucked inside crispy corn tortillas, served with a rich broth for dipping. The vegan brisket nachos come piled high with melty cashew queso and pickled jalapeños. It’s bold, messy, and deeply satisfying.
3.
Aunt Irene’s Kitchen
Owner: Dresha Harrison
Named after her Aunt Irene, Dresha opened this South Dallas spot as a tribute to the women who raised her. Known for her big personality and even bigger portions, she makes every customer feel like family.
What to order:
Order the Black Box Seafood Boil, a generous tray of snow crab legs, jumbo shrimp, sausage, corn, and red potatoes, all drenched in garlicky Cajun butter. The sauce is rich and spicy and coats every bite. Add fried catfish or wings on the side for a meal that hits every craving.
4.
Sweet Georgia Brown
Owner: Walter “Walt” Williams
A former NFL cornerback, Walt Williams opened Sweet Georgia Brown with a mission to bring soulful, generous meals to Dallas. Known for tradition, hospitality, and unapologetic portions, it’s a longtime favorite.
What to order:
Start with the fried pork chops, pan-fried until golden and seasoned to perfection. Pair them with creamy mac and cheese that stretches with each forkful and candied yams that melt into the plate. Round it out with greens slow-cooked with smoked meat until tender and flavorful.
5.
Kitchen + Kocktails
Owner: Kevin Kelley
Kevin Kelley, a former attorney, opened Kitchen + Kocktails to elevate Southern cuisine and create a high-end dining experience centered on Black culture. The restaurant quickly became one of the city’s most talked-about spots.
What to order:
Don’t miss the shrimp and grits, featuring creamy stone-ground grits topped with blackened shrimp and spiced butter. Add a fried lobster tail for flair. The jerk lamb chops are crusted with sweet heat and fall-off-the-bone tender. Sip a Peach D’usse or Henny-rita for a bold finish.
6.
Soirée Coffee Bar
Owner: Pam Eudaric-Amiri
Pam, a former attorney with roots in the West Indies, created Soirée to be more than a coffee shop. It’s a jazz-infused cafe that celebrates Black artistry and culture in the heart of Dallas.
What to order:
Try a Miles Davis Mocha or Nina Simone Vanilla Bean latte, both bold and smooth. For brunch, go for the buttery chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits topped with garlic butter and green onions. With live music and a curated menu, this spot is equal parts vibe and flavor.
7.
Chocolate Secrets
Owner: Pam Eudaric-Amiri
Pam’s second concept after Soirée, Chocolate Secrets is a European-style chocolate lounge where live jazz meets handcrafted desserts. Every treat is made in-house and curated for indulgence.
What to order:
Choose from hand-painted bonbons with fruit purée, ganache, or liqueur fillings. The dark chocolate raspberry truffle is rich and fragrant, while the bourbon bonbon offers a smooth, boozy finish. For something decadent, get a slice of flourless chocolate cake with a glass of red wine.
8.
Invasion
Owner: Chef Airric Heidelberg
Classically trained chef Airric Heidelberg launched Invasion to redefine fast-casual dining. His creative menu blends global flavors with healthy options and vibrant presentations.
What to order:
The Nash-ty Burger features crispy Nashville hot chicken, house pickles, and comeback sauce on a brioche bun. It’s fiery and addictive. Try the lemon-pepper shrimp for something lighter, with a citrus glaze that brightens every bite. Invasion delivers fast food with a gourmet touch.
9.
Winsome Prime (Trinity Groves)
Owners: Rob Wright, Mazen Baltagi, Steve Rogers, and Kurt-Ogechi Agomuo
Winsome Prime is one of Dallas’s first Black-owned fine dining steakhouses. Rob Wright and his partners created a luxurious space that celebrates Black excellence, from the curated wine list to the art on the walls.
What to order:
Start with the crab beignets, crispy outside and packed with sweet crab meat and herbs. Dip them in pineapple chili sauce for a sweet-and-spicy kick. The spinach-stuffed salmon sits atop collard green risotto, buttery and earthy in every bite. Pair it with a Sidecar Royale for a polished, soulful dinner.
Destiny Kombe-Kajue is an intern for Texas Metro News through the Scripps Howard Foundation. In her free time she enjoys going to the movies and studying biology.
