Weekly WTF: Where to eat near the Dallas Galleria

Welcome to the Weekly WTF. We love a chance to dig into readers’ mysterious, very specific or otherwise burning questions and share some useful answers. It’s fun for us – no, really! – so please send us your questions. Here’s the latest we dug into:

From Patty T.:

“I am retired and don’t drink anymore so I’m not looking for bars. I live in North Dallas near the Galleria, and we eat out every day so I’m always looking for good food. If you hear of any places to get a good meal, please let us know. They don’t have to be fancy or the “in” place to be. We keep eating in the same ol’ places. Would love to have more choices.”

Feel ya’, Patty! Sometimes you just want a great meal without the Dallas “see and be seen” on the side. Also, who says only Gen Z is sober(ish) these days? So, to answer your question, we’ve rounded up some delicious, casual options surrounding Galleria Dallas to add to your restaurant rotation.

Jonathon’s Forestwood
5337 Forest Lane
This lesser-known sibling of Jonathan’s in Oak Cliff delivers a classic neighborhood diner experience. After your first visit, everyone will know your name, your dog’s name, and probably your go-to order. Don’t sleep on Chef Jon’s award-winning Chicken Fried Steak, which is also available with eggs and potatoes at breakfast.

Ba Lee Sandwich Shop
1927 E. Belt Line Road
This little sandwich spot earned a coveted place on our top 12 Hidden Gems list for a reason. The classic Vietnamese banh mi served here are made with an exceptional level of detail. All of the pork, beef, and pate are rendered in-house, as are the condiments and the perfect baguettes. Not to mention, they’re a bargain at just $6.50 each. 

Maple Leaf Diner
12817 Preston Road
You may not be into poutines, those gravy-drenched, curd-topped fries, but this Canadian-themed diner does many other things well, too. We lean toward the comfort food options, like cabbage rolls and Salisbury steak. Fall also brings State Fair-themed features like a corny dog-garnished burger and Dr Pepper churros.

Roots Southern Table
13050 Bee Street, Farmers Branch
James Beard nominee Tiffany Derry’s gem is just a little extra drive from the immediate Galleria area. There you’ll find a menu packed with familiar flavors executed with a Top Chef’s flair. Derry is known for her Sweet Tea Brined Chicken, but you can also make a meal out of several shared starters like gumbo, riblets and fried green tomatoes.

Garden Tea Room at Forestwood Antique Mall
5333 Forest Lane
Here’s a hidden gem for your next “ladies lunch” with friends. There’s nothing like the old-fashioned grilled pimiento cheese with a tall iced tea. Brunch is also served here on Sundays, and it’s a quiet alternative to the bottomless mimosa-seeking brunch crowds elsewhere in North Dallas. Don’t forget to factor in time for browsing the many antique booths before or after you eat. 

Sabaidee Lao and Thai Street Food
5365 Spring Valley Road
This expanding Thai chain actually has a great Pad Thai. It comes with chicken and costs a respectable $12.99. It’s a counter-service spot — it’s colorful and pretty casual. If you need a Thai fix, this is a great option.

Carmine’s Pizzeria
5365 Spring Valley Road
Have you been to Carmine’s? Surely that’s one of the regular spots you’re referring to. This is an old-school pizza shop with a great lunch deal and a fun group of guys running it. It’s right next to Sabaidee, so you can sit in the car and flip a coin.

Big Tony’s West Philly Cheesesteaks
13378 Preston Road, Dallas
Big Tony’s is popular for its cheesesteaks but maybe not so much for its sports theme (they go hard on all things Philly). But no worries about that, people love the friendly service and great sandwiches. They have 29 different cheesesteak options, including a nacho shrimp (weird). There are also a dozen different burgers and chicken sandwiches and wings.

Bankhead Brew Pub
13090 Bee St., Farmers Branch
We tried this last year and really liked it. Service is really friendly, they have wagyu burgers and some crazy pizza. Yes, it’s a brewery, but don’t even worry about that if you don’t want to drink. It’s just as much a restaurant. And it’s very family friendly.

Netflix Bites at Galleria Dallas
13550 Dallas Parkway
Speaking of shopping, Galleria Dallas recently debuted a new spot that could make for a fun departure. Netflix Bites is the eatery inside Netflix House, featuring a menu inspired by the streamer’s shows. Is it gimmicky? Yes. And yet, a plate of Sweet Magnolias Chicken and Waffles or a Bridgerton-inspired salad after an afternoon of shopping sounds pretty darn perfect. 

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Got other ideas? Drop it in the comment section (yes, we brought that feature back).