friendly. Start with chips and a bowl of queso, but save a little for your fajitas. Wash it all down with a marg (on the rocks with salt). That feeling you have waddling down the street after is what we call heaven. Make your reservations now, kids. El Ranchito 610 Jefferson Blvd. I love El Ranchito because it feels like a party. There are maria- chi bands every night of the week, and usually half the people there are celebrating their birthday. Join the party. No birthday required. There’s a location in Arlington not far from the stadium, and another in West Dallas, which is the one we’re talking about (but both are good). The Dallas one was recently made a historic landmark. Make reservations. Then go have fun. Mariano’s Hacienda Multiple Locations Mariano’s is the birthplace of the frozen margarita — the owner walked into a 7-Eleven convenience store one day, saw a Slurpee machine, and it was the most obvious thing in the world (‘let’s put tequila in that). The food is solid, and there are four locations around North Texas. A plate of anything washed down with a frozen marg is one of the most essential personal- ity traits of a Texan. Best Steaks in Dallas Al Biernat’s 4217 Oak Lawn Ave., Uptown, and 5251 Spring Valley Road, North Dallas Founder Al Biernat built this restaurant into an iconic space through hospitality. It’s consistently one of the top-selling wine restaurants in Dallas and has its share of celebrity sightings. You will be treated well and leave fat and happy. Save room for the legendary coconut cream pie and splurge on the Texas wagyu. Make reservations. Nuri Steakhouse 2401 Cedar Springs Road Nuri Steakhouse in the heart of Uptown is an over-the-top celebration of the American dream. This restaurant is owned by the founder of Smoothie King, who spent $20 million to make it the most beautiful restaurant in Dallas. This is the Great Gatsby on a plate. They don’t take reservations far out, so set an alarm if you need to. Because you’ll absolutely need one this summer. Knife Italian Steak 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving Knife Italian Steak at the Ritz-Carlton in Irving is led by celebrated chef John Tesar, who has mas- tered the dry-aged steaks and sources beef from specific farms in Texas. The restaurant is lovely (spa- cious and chic), and the service is top-notch. Tesar, who received a Michelin star for his restaurant in Florida, is always aiming for another. You won’t be disappointed with a meal here. Absolutely make res- ervations. Best Chicken-Fried Steak in Dallas Chicken-fried steak is a piece of steak, dipped in batter and deep-fried, served with a blanket of gravy. There are many variations, and when done well, it’s a mix of tender, crispy, creamy Americana straight from the ranch. There’s no chicken in the dish; it’s tenderized steak fried like chicken. It’s usually served with a pile of mashed potatoes and maybe green beans. Go hungry. To note: you can get this dish at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Yes, serious. Jonathon’s 1619 N. Beckley Ave. and 5337 Forest Lane Jonathon’s has two locations (one north, one south) serving Texas home cooking with an emphasis on breakfast. Brunch is amazing. Like a whole scene and vibe. No matter what time you go, get the chicken-fried steak topped with a black-pepper speckled thick gravy. You will be amazed. AllGood Cafe 2934 Main St. AllGood Cafe has a retro diner ambiance, but also serves as a live-music venue at night. It’s a neighborhood favorite known for its soul-satisfying breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The service is al- ways quick and friendly. No matter what time of day you go, be sure to get the iconic chicken-fried steak, which is as big as the plate. CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK WORKS AS BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER. THE QUESO AT LAS PALMAS IS A MUST. TAMI WADLINGTON CHRIS WOLFGANG 28 DALLAS OBSERVER • QUEST FOR THE CUP
