This article is a part of the 2024 Spring Travel Guide, a sponsored collection brought to you by our travel advertising partners. You can find more spring travel destinations and events here.

You might know Arlington, Texas for our entertainment, sports, and theme parks, but one of the best things about the city is the variety of cuisine and one-of-a-kind dishes that you literally cannot get anywhere else. With Arlington staples and new doors continuing to open, the food scene is not to be slept on. Let us introduce you to some of our favorite places, both old and new.

Taipo & Taipo Behind the Door

New to Downtown Arlington, order up some authentic Nepalese food like crispy taipo dumplings and flavor filled momos or the chef’s special Butter Chicken Sandwich.  Go behind the door for the only speakeasy in town with décor straight from Nepal and drinks that you’ll definitely raise a glass to.

Amore Mio

Pour the bubbly and raise a glass to melt-in-your-mouth made-to-order pasta. Market-fresh ingredients are the star of the show on this Italian classic’s menu. Each ingredient comes to life under the expertise of talented chefs that make this cozy spot a must.  Bon Appetit!

Bay 34th Street Diner

Paying homage to New York City-inspired diners, Bay 34th Street serves up comfort meals from scratch. Drizzle syrup on their best-selling Chicken and Waffles or Nutella Cakes, slice into a Big Philly or Cajun omelet or go up against the Hells Kitchen Quesadilla.

Tic Taco

Quick and easy, while never compromising on flavor: that’s the mantra of Tic-Taco Mexican Restaurant. Take a bite out of authentic Mexican flavors like the original fluffy quesadillas, quesabirria or pizzadilla.

J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill

A well-established Arlington tradition since 1979, it’s not physically possible to spend time in Arlington without stopping in J. Gils. If you’ve never experienced their INFAMOUS Irish Nachos, you’re seriously missing out. (P.S. make sure you get extra ranch!)

Churro On Top

We’ve all had a classic churro before, but this place takes churro consumption to a whole new level with over 25 different types of churros and even some insane milkshakes… topped with churros, of course!

Pho Pasteur

You don’t have to travel across the world for great Vietnamese food! You can try food from Northern Vietnam (bún chả hà nội), to the central region (bún bò Huế) all the way to the South (bò lúc lắc)! With so many traditional dishes to choose from, you can transport yourself in a different world with every savory bite.

Grounds & Gold Co.

Family owned and dedicated to son, Micah, a percentage of all sales goes to supporting funding for childhood cancers. Stop in for a specialty coffee or signature latte, but don’t forget to fill your tummy with loaded biscuits, sandwiches from old family recipes, soups and salads.

Smoke ‘N Ash BBQ

Where else can you find Ethiopian flavors mixed with Texas barbecue? Order the Tex-Ethiopian Platter and sample a little bit of everything like rib tip tibs, Awaze brisket, beefy collard greens, berbere macaroni and cheese and red lentil stew.

Zack’s Bistro

Pop in for a farm-to-table quality meal for lunch or dinner. Start out with the Bacon-Wrapped Deviled Eggs or Zack Attack Salad before moving on to a main course Beef Tenderloin Tacos, Chicken Cordon Bleu or classic steak dinner.  Don’t forget dessert!

Lac Bleu Brunch Cafe

Serving up breakfast, brunch and lunch with classics like the Croque Madame or French Rolled Omelets, while also spicing things up with California Benedict and Salmon Toast.

Prince Lebanese Grill

Family owned and operated, food and hospitality are always top of mind here at Prince. We promise you won’t find a better plate of spicy chicken shawarma. And no meal is complete without a side of hummus or babaganoush. If you don’t know where to start on the menu, might we suggest going Mazza style.

Kitchen Combine

Listen to this. Kitchen Combine’s concept and goal is to hard launch foodprenuers and set them up for success for their next step in the restaurant business. Each month, a different guest chef takes over with their very own menu. New chefs, new menus, new food experiences every month!

Los Molcas Tacos Bar & Grill

Come dine in for the chips and salsas, stay for the authentic Mexican cuisine like Chile Relleno, Parrillada Molcas or classic taco plates. Don’t forget to pair it with one of their many flavors of margaritas!

Whisk and Blush Bakery

This brand-new bakery drops different flavors every day with decadent flavors of cupcakes, cookies and even ready go cakes! If you’re needing a cake for a special occasion, they specialize in creating your perfect cake!


Visit Arlington.org for more information.