88 BEST OF DALLAS® 2026 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS & RECREATION | FOOD & DRINK | SHOPPING & SERVICES | READERS’ CHOICE | CONTENTS a quieter, modest concept that focuses on fresh, first-rate seafood like the must-try salmon truffle ponzu. They also make a damn good lychee martini if that means any- thing for the kind of night you’re trying to have. But what Otaru lacks in physical space it makes up for tenfold in experience; even if it’s your first time dropping in for a seat at the sushi bar, the sense of neighborhood in- timacy it fosters is one you’ll not often find in this city. If you want to impress a first date or visitor with the “I know a place” move, this is it. BEST RAMEN Moriya Shokudo 1920 N. Coit Road, Richardson sunrhdwn.wixsite.com/moriya-shokudo While Moriya Shokudo serves all of our fa- vorite Japanese comfort foods, there’s only four words you need to know when you or- der here: double black garlic ramen. Its smoky and creamy broth is brought to life with both fried garlic cloves and black garlic oil, and complemented with grilled slices of pork, ajitsuke eggs, wilted spinach and bam- boo shoots. Try to refrain from asking for a straw for the broth and consider the ji- ro-style ramen, katsu-focused dishes and the mixed fried platter for your next visit. Because yes, you will think about this bowl of ramen like that one toxic ex. Except no one could blame you for wanting to be re- united with this North Dallas staple. BEST SPEAKEASY Jettison 1878 Sylvan Ave., Dallas jettisonaway.com After 5 p.m., this cozy yet romantic spot next to Houndstooth Coffee turns the vol- ume up on its hi-fi listening system and serves cocktails with a serious attention to the craft. While in a tricky location at Syl- van Thirty, Jettison has grown quiet ac- claim from loyal regulars who want consistently great drinks without all the flash and show of other acclaimed bars in Dallas. Tuesdays are a great day to stop in for BYO vinyl and sherry nights, where you bring the tunes and Jettison supplies the wine. Otherwise, there’s no reservation needed at this neighborhood favorite. BEST SLIDERS Easy Slider 3905 East Side Ave., Dallas easyslidertexas.com There wasn’t a mini sandwich within miles that could come close to what Easy Sliders has been serving around Dallas since 2011. Its full menu of handheld burg- ers, chicken sandwiches and greasy bits can be ordered from many different for- mats around the city: the food truck, a brick-and-mortar restaurant or at the food hall in the AT&T Discovery District. Every month they have a featured slider of the month and seasonal drinks to pair with it. The occasional pop-up isn’t off the table, either, so no matter where you are, you’re likely not too far from a patty melt slider, loaded tots or steak nights hosted on the first Sunday of every month. BEST CHICKEN STRIPS Mike’s Chicken 4234 Maple Ave., Dallas mikeschicken.co In an ever-changing city, we’re grateful that some things never change. The chicken strip recipe from Mike’s Chicken is one of them. An order of the tenders here gets you three pieces of chicken cooked to the text- book definition of crispy and golden brown, along with a biscuit and dipping sauce, but you’d be remiss not to order a side of mac n cheese or mashed potatoes to go with them. Mike’s has had a slow expan- sion over its 10-plus year tenure in Dallas, and now has three locations: the original off of Maple Avenue in Uptown, one along Forest Lane and the latest in Plano, which opened earlier this year. If you had a favor- ite spot for tendies before, you’ll be a con- vert when you walk out of Mike’s. Photo by Hank Vaughn Moriya Shokudo