AT Bistro

8305 Westchester Drive

A former chef to the stars in Aspen, Palm Beach and beyond has opened the most delicious neighborhood bistro in the former Pei Wei spot. Bobby Polette and his attentive staff serve a seasonal food and drink menu that changes monthly; however, I recommend the bang bang shrimp. I have the funniest story as to how I met Polette and that’s another story for another time. Ask me the next time we are sharing a beer at happy hour.

Hours:

Tuesday- Thursday 11 am to 9 pm

Friday 11 am to 10 pm 

Saturday: 5 pm to 10 pm

Sunday: 5pm to 9pm

The Gem

6102 Luther Lane

Believe it or not, this is the first freestanding juice bar in Dallas. It was opened in 2012 by lifetime friends, while one was going through breast cancer, to use food as medicine. In my opinion, this place is serving the best smoothies in town. And no NOT sleep on the mushroom soup. It is out of this world people! 

Hours:

Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 6 pm

Saturday 8 am to 4 pm

Flying Fish

6126 Luther Lane

Fish is not the only thing on the menu at this Dallas mainstay that has seen its share of comings and goings in Preston Center through the years. And while I think the fresh catfish is just delectable and the burgers, salads, and chicken tenders too, it is the powerhouse “Fast Casual” breakfast that locals will tell you is what keeps this place popping. You will always see someone you know here for their hearty, reasonably priced breakfasts. Promise!

Open Daily 7 am to 9 pm

Il Bracco

8416 Preston Center Plaza

Serving homemade pasta on one of the best outdoor terraces in Dallas, this Italian restaurant is always buzzing with people desperate to get their fix. Some personal favorites that I deem must trys are the crispy artichokes and the steak tartare! You will not be disappointed.

Open Daily 11 am to 10 pm

R+D Kitchen

8300 Preston Center Plaza

There is always a long line of lingerers here at what is probably the most popular restaurant in all of Preston Center. Although the menu is curated and skews small, what the restaurant does put out is absolutely 10 out of 10. A favorite of mine? The Newporter Salad. I enjoy sitting at the bar and taking in the brilliant buzz of the open kitchen, however, when the weather is just right, there is something magical about securing a spot on the patio.

Hours:

Sunday-Thursday 11 am to 9:30 pm

Friday-Saturday 11 am to 10 pm

Amorino Gelato

8413 Preston Center Plaza

Once you try this gelato from Paris, you will be unable to get it anywhere else. This place serves its sweet treat sans enhancements or artificial coloring. I recommend ordering a cone as it is perfectly presented to each guest in the shape of a rose.

Hours:

Monday- Thursday 12 pm to 11pm

Friday- 12 pm to 12 am

Saturday- 11 am to 12 am

Sunday 11 am-11 pm

Muchacho Comida Tex Mex

4011 Villanova Street

No neighborhood shopping center is ever officially complete in Texas without a proper Tex Mex restaurant and this one does the job. The leather bar and dark wood furniture makes you feel like you are relaxing in a handsome hacienda. Is it patio weather? This one is heated to ensure that patio seasons can linger a little longer. In addition to having some of the strongest margaritas in town, I recommend trying the Mexican shrimp cocktail.

Hours:

Monday-Thursday 11 am to 10 pm

Friday and Saturday 11 am to 11 pm

Sunday 11 am to 9 pm

White Rock Coffee

8333 Douglas Ave #150

 Iced White Rockers and Blended Adam Comb coffees keep this loyal coffee crew buzzing at one of its latest locations in Preston Center. It’s been in business since 2005 and has really taken off with its mission to be the neighborhood coffee spot of choice for Dallasites. It’s tucked away from the typical weekend hustle and bustle but don’t let that deter you from coming to sit a spell and enjoy a fresh brewed cup of coffee.

Hours:

Monday-Friday 6:30 am to 6 pm

Mary Alice AdairNovember 16, 2023