Dallas

The obvious first cuisine to try in Texas is barbecue, and the options are plentiful. Our two favorites were Slow Bone BBQ in Dallas, and Intrinsic Smokehouse Brewery & BBQ in Garland. Get the smoked turkey! Others we tried include Cattleack BBQ, which wasn’t worth the drive out but an option if you’re out in Farmers Branch. And lastly, Terry Black's, which I (Andrea) think made me sick… so proceed with caution. Regardless, it was very greasy and our least favorite we tried.

Dallas has plenty of other restaurants and cuisines to check out! We enjoyed the classic steakhouse vibes at Brass Ram. Malai Kitchen is a modern Thai/Vietnamese restaurant that also brews their own beer. For a casual pizza or pasta, go to one of Pie Tap Pizza & Bar's several locations across the Dallas / Fort Worth area.

Speaking of Fort Worth, we were fortunate to spend a week there before the second 2024 SMX race, and highly recommend paying a visit if you’re in the area! We stayed on Magnolia Street, which is lined with cafes and restaurants. Grab a breakfast burrito at Salsa Limon. For a caffeinated beverage, I loved Cafe Momento, a beautiful bookstore / art gallery that serves up lovely matcha and coffee lattes. Other spots on my want to go list are Leaves Book and Tea Shop and MELT Ice Creams.

What pairs better with Texas BBQ than a big Texan-sized pint of beer? Luckily, the beer scene around the DFW area is pretty awesome. If you're close to the Dallas city center, our favorite is Manhattan Project beer company; they have a cool space with a variety of beer and a decent food menu. If you're further east, you can checkout Intrinsic (they also have great BBQ as mentioned above) or Vector Brewing, although for the beer alone it's not worth traveling out there. If you do decide to go to Cattleack BBQ (mentioned above), then definitely stop by ODD Muse for a beer afterwards (it's better than the BBQ in my opinion!).

On the other side of Dallas (closer to Fort Worth) you have False Idol and Turning Point. These are both great breweries than arguably could be the best in DFW area... just a bit of a drive if you're staying in Dallas.

Overall, lots of good beer options but not a single area in which they're located... expect lots of driving around the DFW area to check out the breweries; kinda inconvenient.

In Dallas, we enjoyed strolling along the Historic Katy Trail, a scenic path following an old railroad line. Along the way, we stopped at Katy Trail Ice House for a cold beer and some people-watching as walkers and runners passed by.
For a dose of local culture, Deep Ellum is a must-visit—this historic district is known for its vibrant murals, live music scene, and artsy atmosphere. Another charming neighborhood to explore is the Bishop Arts District, filled with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and some of the city's best restaurants. And if you're into non-Supercross sports, consider catching a hockey or basketball game at American Airlines Center while you're in town.

Over in Fort Worth, the legendary Fort Worth Stockyards offer an authentically Texas experience with the "world's only twice-daily cattle drive". After taking it in, grab a drink at the Hotel Drover, a beautifully designed Western-inspired retreat.

Dallas has generally pleasant weather, though it can feel a bit unremarkable at times. While certain neighborhoods—like Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts—have plenty of character, much of the city lacks a distinct identity. Plus, be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.