When traveling to Dallas for the weekend, the city and its surrounding suburbs are home to a vibrant brunch scene perfect for before heading to the State Fair of Texas or Red River Showdown.
Ida Claire
Ida Claire is a quirky, southern-inspired restaurant in Addison, serving classic comfort foods with a twist. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Ida Claire is one of the most booked restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Its brunch menu ranges from quintessential Southern dishes, like shrimp and grits and eggs benedict, to new renditions like crab cakes and crème brulée French toast. Also known for its drinks, Ida Claire offers a wide selection of cocktails, wines, beers and mocktails.
Almost 30 minutes north of the Cotton Bowl, the restaurant’s eclectic bohemian atmosphere offers a unique dining experience. Guests can even be seated in a vintage airstream trailer, a “private room” adorned with colorful tapestries.
Ida Claire is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to noon Friday. The restaurant is open 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at 5001 Belt Line Road.
Maple Leaf Diner
For nearly 10 years, Maple Leaf Diner has brought owner Michael Delaurier’s homemade Canadian favorites to the South. Along with traditional diner foods, the restaurant serves a variety of poutine during its all-day breakfast. For those with a sweet tooth, its menu includes desserts like Canadian Nanaimo bars and butter tarts.
Part of a limited-time menu, the diner is serving state fair features, such as “State Fair Poutine” and fried cheese curds. This weekend, Maple Leaf Diner will also be having its Canadian Thanksgiving special, serving holiday menu items Saturday through Monday.
Maple Leaf Diner is open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends at 12817 Preston Road.
Oddfellows
In Dallas' Bishop Arts District, Oddfellows offers a smaller selection of breakfast staples and other creative additions to its daytime menu. Though the restaurant serves some of the city’s best pancakes — including flavors like red velvet and a daily special flavor – a few “favorites” on the menu are chicken chilaquiles and bread pudding French toast.
With a farmhouse-inspired interior, the restaurant emphasizes its large coffee bar that can whip up anything from lattes to specialty teas. Oddfellows does not take brunch reservations, but will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at 316 W. Seventh St.
AllGood Cafe
A 1.5-mile walk west of the Cotton Bowl Stadium will bring visitors to AllGood Cafe in Deep Ellum. Reminiscent of Austin, Texas, the trendy restaurant serves brunch daily, offering classic breakfast options alongside Tex-Mex choices of huevos rancheros and “South Austin Migas.”
The diner-style restaurant is adorned with band posters, eclectic art and, of course, the Texas flag. Within walking distance of the State Fair of Texas, the charming AllGood Cafe serves breakfast from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open for dinner and live music 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at 2934 Main St.
Xamán Café
Open daily for brunch in the Bishop Arts District, Xamán Café serves pre-Hispanic recipes inspired by central Mexican culture. Relatively new to the city, the cafe serves a wide brunch selection — including dishes such as elote pancakes and quesabirria tacos.
The cafe also serves signature coffee items, such as the brewed “Cafe de Olla,” a traditional Mexican infused coffee, and the “Duvalin Latte,” consisting of strawberry, Mexican vanilla, chocolate, milk and espresso.
Xamán Café opens at 8 a.m. daily and closes at 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. The cafe closes at midnight on Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday and Monday at 334 Jefferson Blvd.
This story was edited by Shelby Emery. Gretchen Schultz, Sophie Hemker and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
