94 September 19 - 25, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER CONTENTS | READERS’ PICKS | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | SPORTS & RECREATION cafe-style restaurant specializes in both Japanese street food and beverages. Find a new comfort food in the Okaeri loaded fries, drizzled in spicy aioli, furikake and sliced green onion. And what’s even more fun is cutting open the special omusoba, a fluffy Japanese omelet that hides a crave-worthy mound of stir-fried yakisoba noodles underneath. Finish with a slice of Japanese cheesecake and Asian-inspired beverages, and don’t forget to snap an Instagram-worthy picture of the bento boxes, complete with a panda-shaped rice-and-seaweed roll. 312 N. Greenville Ave., No. 100, Richardson 972-685-4442, okaericafe.com Best Diner Chubby’s Since 1987 Chubby’s has been pushing out tall stacks of pancakes alongside chicken- fried steak, which is folded in half so it fits on the plate. The home-style fare far surpasses typical chain diners, keeping regulars coming to its two locations (Lake Highlands and South Oak Cliff). Go for a stack of banana nut pancakes with walnuts, biscuits and gravy or buttered grits. The menu is huge, and there’s something for everyone, but the chicken- fried steak is a must. 11331 E. Northwest Highway and 7474 S. Cockrell Hill Road 214-348-6065, eatatchubbys.com Best Omakase Tatsu It seems as if we blinked, and Dallas was suddenly awash in omakase. While it can be intimidating to jump into a dinner full of unknowns and high prices, trust us that Tatsu is worth it. Chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi learned the art of omakase from his father in Japan and showcases everything that omakase is meant to be, from brilliant cuts of fresh fish to the tradition and skill brought to bear in preparing them. He works with his wife, Hiroko, and the level of polished hospitality is nearly equal to the cuisine. 3309 Elm St., No. 120 469-271-7710, tatsu-dallas.com Best Thai CrushCraft Thai Eats If you’re looking for drunken noodles and green curry that has received Guy Fieri’s seal of approval, Uptown’s CrushCraft Thai Eats is the spot. The restaurant is run by Jack Nuchkasem, who was born and raised in Bangkok and is no stranger to street food. CrushCraft’s hearty portions outsize the traditional street vendor, though, and the $12 curries and fried rice dishes make CrushCraft one of the few restaurants in Dallas that has resisted inflating price tags. 2688 LaClede St., No. 100 972-677-7038, crushcraftthai.com Best Sushi Pearl Sushi In September 2023, former Nobu chef Shine Tamaoki brought Pearl to the roster of Japanese dining in Dallas at a time when the cuisine was in the forefront of the city’s culinary spotlight. Using fresh fish brought in daily from both coasts, Japan and New Zealand, combined with house-made ingredients, he creates elegant dishes that can be enjoyed by sushi experts or novices. The only regret you’ll have coming here is not getting a seat at the sushi bar, where the hospitality really shines. All eyes will be on you and your torched salmon roll as flames dance over this dish as it’s being served. Also, not sushi-related, but the Japanese fish and chips were easily one of the best things we ate last year. 4640 McKinney Ave., No. 130 972-803-6686, pearlrestaurants.com Best Soul Food Sweet Georgia Brown We love standing in line for barbecue in Texas, but in Dallas, we add soul food to the list of cuisine we’ll tolerate waiting for. Swing by Sweet Georgia Brown on Ledbetter during the week for an early lunch and you might notice an easily navigated line waiting for the doors to open at 11 a.m, something that’s been happening for decades. From there, your patience will be rewarded with plates full of flavorful, tender collard greens, black- eyed peas, decadent macaroni and cheese and any of the droolworthy meat options, although we’re partial to the beef tips special when it’s available. 2840 E. Ledbetter Drive 214-375-2020 Best Fish and Chips The Crafty Irishman Alan Kearny has been called Dallas’ “pub king” for good reason. No matter how many Irish joints he opens, the quality and authentic feel and tastes are never diluted. Sure, there are plenty of pub favorites on the menu at The Crafty Isrishman, one of two downtown pubs on Main Street that Kearny owns, but the Howth beer-battered fish and chips, consisting of decadently thick slabs of cod, is the precious sort of standard that could keep anyone from needing to view the menu before ordering. While you’re there, have the bartender pull you a black and tan as well. 1800 Main St. 972-707-7589, thecraftyirishman.com Best Philly Cheesesteak Fred’s Downtown Philly It seems like forever now that Fred’s Downtown Philly has been slinging its greasy, meaty delights in North Texas. Although it’s tempting to stick with the classic option, we highly suggest looking a bit farther down the menu to option No. 9, the Pizza Cheesesteak. The sizzling sliced steak, sauteed onions and cheese encased in the soft, chewy roll never knew it needed a stream of tangy pizza sauce so bad, but it did, and it’s heavenly. Multiple locations downtownphilly.net Best Vegan Vegan Food House This vegan restaurant just off West Davis near the Bishop Arts District offers a variety of plant-based mains such as pizza, burgers, boudin balls and wings. This great date-night spot is in an old house with a warm and inviting atmosphere, thanks to its stylish wooden plank decor. Go for the Southern Dinner Catch with fried oyster mushrooms, corn, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and garlic toast. The Cajun nacho fries come with cheese sauce, peppers, pico and jalapeño ranch. 832 W. Seventh St. 469-248-0297, veganfoodhouse.com Best Pho Vietnam This East Dallas restaurant has been Hank Vaughn Okaeri Cafe // BEST JAPANESE Alison McLean Tatsu // BEST OMAKASE
