Solemio Tank (s/o, similar here, here, here)  | Lace Bralette | One Teaspoon Bandits | BC Footwear Wedges | Felt Hat | Kendra Scott Earrings (s/o, similar here) | Lisa Stewart Leather Wrap | Essie Shearling Darling Nail Polish | Rayban Rounded Wayfarer

If you’re in any other part of the country and are familiar with normal United States Weather patterns, you’re probably wondering why I am in shorts, as the winter season inches closer. Well, here in Texas, I can still get away with an outfit like this. (and if you read this previous post, yes, I am still loving the high-slit trend!)  I’m trying to soak up all the warmth I can, until I have to look like a marshmallow. I mean my felt hat, kind of makes me fall-like, right?;)

If you're new to Southern Elle Style, here are my food guides for Knox/Henderson, Downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, and the Design District. These photos were taken in the State and Thomas area of Uptown, in Dallas. In my opinion it is “Uptown away from Uptown”. If you’ve ever been in this district in Dallas, then you know that Uptown is usually a loud hustle and bustle of yuppies who like to bar hop. To me, the State and Thomas area is like an oasis from the drunken frat lords who usually loom over the area.

I have been waiting to do my food review of this part of the city, because, although it has some good eats, parking can be pretty awful to find. If you don’t do well under Dallas traffic, or simply want to avoid the issue, I would suggest ubering. This review is going to be split up a bit, which isn’t how I usually do it. We’ll have my favorite eats, the best bars, and the best of West Village, a subset of Uptown.

Best Uptown Eats

The Rustic. Created by Pat Green, the Texas Country star, you know it’s going to be good. This farm to table restaurant is food conscious and fun. Did I mention free valet, too? Come here with your friends to unwind after work, or for weekend brunch. What to order: Their queso/corn dip app is really good. If you are going for brunch, get their mimosa or sangria that comes with a coordinating adult popsicle! For any other meal, I usually get the chicken sandwich.

State and Allen. This is probably my favorite brunch spot in Uptown. It’s in the State and Thomas area, so parking is a little easier to find. Come here with your bffs for Saturday morning brunch. They raise their garage door walls and blast awesome music, making it one of the best patio spots in Dallas. What to order: If you like Bloody Mary’s, try out their make your own Bloody Mary Bar. Their classic breakfast plate is one of my favorites.

Nick and Sams. This is the definition of a boozy, Dallas brunch. Come here with you friends who still like to party or with your clients for a classic steak dinner. What to order: The mimosa carafe. Just do it – they pour an entire bottle of champagne in it.

Bread Winners. This is definitely a “Dallas” place. It is just an easy place to go, that everyone likes. Come here if you want to be basic and not be judged. What to order: Well…anything on the menu if you don’t fill up on the complimentary sweet breads. If I’m not getting brunch, I love their pear salad.

Hopdoddy. An Austin chain that thankfully made its way to Dallas! Come here with your non vegetarian friends, for an awesome burger and brew. What to Order: You can never go wrong with the classic cheeseburger and a shake.

Kozy Kitchen. An adorable Dallas whole-in-the-wall! Come here with your adventuring foodies, who always want to try a new place. What to Order: I don’t care what meal you get, just leave room for a slice of one of their legendary cakes!

Sangria. A Mediterranean tapa bar, that has equally good apps and drinks. Come here with your work friends for an after hour treat, or with your girlfriends on a Saturday morning, for some fine patio dining. What to Order: The sparkling sangria!

Villa O. Another boozy brunch place, that has bottomless drinks. Come here with your couple friends, for a long Saturday afternoon. What to Order: The bottomless mimosa and the bagel sandwich.

Mr. Mesero. A traditional Mexican restaurant, with an uptown flair. Come here for a night of patio drinking and some quality Tex-Mex. What to Order: A margarita and the taco soup.

The Social House. A fun atmosphere, with a plethora of options! They will have something for everyone to enjoy. Come here with large groups – they have the menu and the space for it. What to Order: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque, with one of their 100 taps of beer on the wall.

Dream Café. A dreamy little breakfast place. Quite literally ;) Come here with your parents, for a yummy morning. What to Order: The cloud cakes. (Ricotta pancakes with fresh fruit!)

Manny’s. Tex-Mex at its finest. Come here with the queso loving crowd. What to Order: A specialty margarita and an Uptown queso.

Perry’s. A classic steakhouse. Come here with your boss or your dad. What to Order: The Filet Oscar.

Fearings. One of the best chefs, at one of the best restaurants in town. Come here for a special date night or with your out of town clients. What to Order: Ahi Tuna Tartare and avocado tower with the mesquite grilled salmon.

Best Bars*

*Keep in mind, that I’m not really an uptown bar kind of girl, so if you are and I seem off, that’s why;) Also, I’m not really going to tell you who to go with or what to order like I usually do in my reviews, because you already know who you go to bars with and what you like to order!

The Standard Pour.The place to go for a craft cocktail. If you like moscow mules, they have a GIANT one that you can share with friends.

Sidebar. The trendy place to go as of late.

The Common Table.  A good place to go if you want a variety of choices. Their apps are super yummy too, so come hungry!

Katy Trail Ice House. This has a fun patio and is overall a solid place to go, especially if you want to watch sports and have a cold one.

Kung Fu Saloon. If you need to entertain some people, this is an entertaining place.  They have lots of games to place and even back rooms you can rent out for karaoke.

Concrete Cowboy. The definition of a “Dallas” bar. Every stereotype of Dallas lives here.

6th Street. If you are going here, you are ready for a good time. I'd say it is pretty similar to Concrete Cowboy.

What's wonderful in West Village:

Cru Wine Bar. A chic pizzeria wine bar. Come here with your girlfriends or your significant other for a romantic evening. What to order: The white pizza and your favorite bottle of red.

Max’s Wine Dive. A cheeky restaurant that will tantalize your tongue. Come here to please picky eaters – they have food and drink menus for every taste. What to order: The Fried Egg Sandwich and one of their house wines.

Mi Cocina. One of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in the city! Come here with anyone. It is seriously a good pick for all, unless you’re weird and don’t like Mexican food. What to order: The Quincinera salad and a Mambo Taxi.

Grimaldi’s. A classic New York pizzeria. Come here with your family – it is kid friendly. What to order: If you like pizza, you can’t go wrong with any of their pies.

Village Burger Bar. There are several burger specialty places in Dallas, but this is one of the best. Come here for a lunch with your co-workers or with your friends, to start out your weekend. What to order: The classic cheeseburger and onion rings.

Public School 214. A new face to the West Village scene, PS has a cute, grade school flare, with tastes mature enough for adults. Come here for a fun happy hour, after a long day. What to order: Bacon Cheddar Tots and a Crushed Velvet.

Do you have a favorite in Uptown, that I missed? Let me know! I love trying new places. If you want to save this post for later, your pinnable image is below!

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