Let's Eat

One of the best things about Dallas is the endless list of unique restaurants. Whether you want a gourmet hamburger or traditional Tex-mex, there are multiple hot spots to satisfy any craving.


To begin, lets look at the best places to get a delicious hamburger.

Hillstone is a higher end restaurant where you can find gourmet burger options on the menu. Though the prices can be hefty, the tender, grass fed burger meat is juicy and cooked to perfection. The hamburgers are served on fluffy egg buns, with lettuce, tomato, onions, and cheese. On the side, option range from mouthwatering garlic french fries, creamed spinach, or even potatoes. This might be my favorite place to get a hamburger in Dallas, and it is completely worth the $15, because not only is the service on point, but I have never left unsatisfied.


Hopdoddy is known for their variety of hamburgers and milkshakes. Menu items consist of bison burgers, free-range Angus Beef burgers, ahi tuna burgers, and vegetarian options. These burgers also come with a side, and I highly recommend the truffled french fries. Also, there is nothing better than topping your hamburger off with giant milkshake. Hopdoddy has many different flavors of milkshakes, some including oreo, red velvet, and chocolate brownie mint. I promise when you leave this place, you will be full for days.

Next up is Tex-mex. Texas is known for their unique take on Mexican food, and Dallas has tons of great Tex-mex restaurants. Some of these include Mi Cocina, Javiers, Glorias, or Blue Goose. My two favorites, however, stray from this list.

Banditos is everyone's go to. Their happy hour $5 margaritas are delicious but dangerous, as I never surpass a 2 drink limit. They often have sports game playing on their many TV's, and their queso, hot sauce, and quesadillas are irresistible. Banditos is convenient because of its proximity to SMU's campus, allowing everyone to walk straight there from a boulevard, or to meet friends there on a Friday night.



Lastly, Desperados is a hidden gem that might not be too appealing from the outside, but really carries the Mexican spirit inside. The hole in the wall Tex-mex joint has some of the best brisket tacos I have ever had, and for once are not over-priced. They also have great margarita deals, and some of the best queso in Dallas. The atmosphere of this restaurant is very authentic, and the covered patio outside allows for some fresh air.

Cheap and Free Activities to do in Dallas

Managing a college budget is not the easiest thing to do, especially living in a city like Dallas where our lives pretty much consist of drinking, eating, or shopping. Finding something fun to do often times revolves around spending that spare twenty dollars in your pocket or just swiping your credit card so you can forget about it now and pay it off later. When that day of the month finally comes and you realize you have no more money, here are a couple great options to occupy your time for free

1.  Visit Klyde Warren Park

This fairly new park right above the 75 in Downtown Dallas is a great place to meet up with a couple of friends and hang out. With plenty of food trucks to grab a cheap beer or hot dog, you can satisfy your cravings for less than five dollars. The park also offers ping-pong tables, croquet, a small putting green, and occasionally live music! You can easily find yourself entertained in this lively but tranquil part of the city.

2.  Walk the Katy Trail

Connecting SMU to Uptown after a short and pleasant walk, the Katy Trail is the perfect route to get some exercise or to take a stroll with a friend. Offering a shaded path for the hot summer or a concrete path to ride a bike, it is an enjoyable place to be outdoors at any time of the year. Also, for some extra motivation, you will find Katy Trail Ice house at the end. Be careful though, Ice House can be a total wallet emptier.   

3.  White Rock Lake

Another gorgeous place in Dallas is found about 5 miles east of SMU called White Rock Lake. There is a 10 mile path that takes you all the way around the huge lake, although that seems really long it is quite refreshing. It is also a great place to watch the sunset, have a picnic or BBQ with friends, or just to sit and relax by yourself. Even in the winter it is nice to bundle up, feel the fresh air, and watch the sun reflect off the lake.

4.  Visit the JFK memorial

A more informational day might be taking a trip over to the JFK memorial in Downtown Dallas. Seeing the place our former (attractive) president was assassinated and learning something new could be interesting and informative. If walking around and checking out the scene isn’t enough, there is a museum open everyday and tours offered for about 15 dollars…and I am sure it is worth it!