Crystal Terrace

Outside of Crystal Terrace from the website.

 Photo provided.

Fans traveling to Dallas for the annual Red River Rivalry can enjoy more than the signature bite of the State Fair of Texas. Whether steps from the Cotton Bowl or a short drive away, Dallas offers dining options for every appetite — from casual bites to sit-down meals.

Walkable from the Cotton Bowl

Fletcher’s Corny Dogs — casual

Fletcher’s Corny Dogs trace their roots to the State Fair of Texas in 1942 when brothers Neil and Carl Fletcher debuted the battered-and-fried hot dog on a stick. The portable meal quickly became a fair favorite and remains one of their most recognizable foods.

Fletcher’s has expanded to include jalapeno- and cheese-filled varieties, though the classic remains most popular. For more than 80 years, fans have lined up before the Cotton Bowl each October to keep the tradition alive.

Fletcher’s is open Friday through Sunday of OU-Texas weekend inside Fair Park, with seven stands open near the Cotton Bowl.

Crystal Terrace — sit-down

Crystal Terrace offers a buffet with views inside the Music Hall at Fair Park, providing a quieter, sit-down option for fans seeking a break from fried fair food. Diners can enjoy classic buffet selections in a more formal environment with plenty of seating. 

Crystal Terrace is open 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 909 1st Ave. 

Far-Out Dallas — casual

Far-Out mixes comfort food and cocktails in a retro Quonset hut off South Haskell Avenue. The restaurant combines nostalgic design with a laid-back setting that attracts pregame crowds. Popular menu items include potato costra and white Bolognese. Far-Out is open 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 1906 S. Haskell Ave. The bar is open 5 p.m. to midnight. 

Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood— casual

Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood serves brisket, ribs and fried catfish near Fair Park, offering classic Texas barbecue in a casual, friendly setting. Fans call the fried catfish a must-try for a taste of Texas. The menu combines smoked meats and fried seafood, giving diners filling portions before or after the game. Two Podners Bar-B-Q & Seafood is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at 1441 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.

Drive to dining nearby

Cane Rosso — casual

Cane Rosso bakes wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas in its Deep Ellum location, using high-heat ovens and traditional recipes for crisp crusts and simple toppings. 

Menu favorites include the margherita pizza and Italian-inspired plates, making it a versatile choice before or after the game. 

Cane Rosso is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at 2612 Commerce St.

Zåtar Lebanese Tapas & Bar — casual

Zåtar Lebanese Tapas & Bar offers Mediterranean small plates and cocktails just a short drive from Fair Park. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including lamb skewers and hummus, appealing to diners who want lighter fare.

Fans highlight the lamb skewers as a must-try. Vegetarian options and sharable plates make it a flexible, social dining choice during game weekend.

Zåtar is open 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday and 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday at 2825 Commerce St.

Local — sit-down

Local serves American food on Elm Street, blending classic and contemporary dishes in a modern dining space. The restaurant balances refinement and comfort for fans seeking a break from casual spots.

The lobster cake  is a guest favorite, and the menu’s mix of familiar flavors and polished presentation make it a reliable choice for a full dinner before or after the game.

Local is open 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 2936 Elm St.

Brass Ram — sit-down 

Brass Ram offers steak and hearty sides near Fair Park, making it a solid option for fans wanting a full dinner.

The prime rib is the signature item, and the menu’s traditional and generous portions make it a filling option before or after the game. The restaurant allows walk-ins, but reservations are recommended and can be made online.

Brass Ram is open 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 2130 Commerce St.

This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Arthur Shamayev and Gretchen Schultz copy edited this story.

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