The Best Places to Eat and Do in Arlington
Sections
- Eat , on. Turn off 7 Only Eat
- Drink , off. Turn on 0 Only Drink
- Stay , off. Turn on 1 Only Stay
- Do , on. Turn off 1 Only Do
Tap to add or drop a section. At least one stays on. All sections
The best places to eat and do in Arlington, according to the experts: The New York Times, Michelin Guide, and Eater have all weighed in, and their honors are what rank this list. Smoke'N Ash BBQ comes out on top.
More Less
Growl Records and 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge hold the next two places. Dallas Observer shows up on more of this list than any other guide, with D Magazine next.
-
Rank 1. Smoke'N Ash BBQ
Tex-Ethiopian Barbecue
Smoked brisket finished with awaze, an Ethiopian spice sauce, is the move that separates this casual Arlington barbecue joint from every other spot selling half-pounds off butcher paper. The team built it from a trailer smoker and weekend pop-ups into something the New York Times noticed and a James Beard semifinalist nod confirmed. Order a platter if you want range, and reach past the mac and cheese toward the lentil stews.
The awards
- The New York Times The New York Times: The Restaurant List
- Michelin Guide Michelin Guide: Selected Restaurant
- Eater Eater: The 38 Essential Dallas Restaurants
- The New York Times The Restaurant List
- Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
- Eater The 38 Essential Dallas Restaurants
-
A record store that decided to become a hardcore and heavy metal venue, and the local scene decided right back. The space is small, the sound is loud, and the crowd shows up ready to mosh. Bands like Tactosa and Implosive Disgorgence have played here alongside local acts, and the annual Sweat Fest TX does exactly what the name suggests. Gritty, consistent, and absolutely not for the noise-averse.
The awards
-
The awards
- Dallas Observer Dallas Observer: 2024 · Best Cocktail Vessel · Best of Dallas
-
The awards
- Dallas Observer Dallas Observer: 2025 · Best Breakfast Sandwich · Best of Dallas
-
The awards
- Dallas Observer Dallas Observer: 2025 · Best Hot Chicken Sandwich · Best of Dallas
- Dallas Observer Dallas Observer: 2023 · Best Hot Chicken · Best of Dallas
- Dallas Observer 2025 · Best Hot Chicken Sandwich · Best of Dallas
- Dallas Observer 2023 · Best Hot Chicken · Best of Dallas
-
The awards
-
The awards
-
The awards
- Dallas Observer Dallas Observer: 2024 · Best Boba · Best of Dallas