Consider this blog post your guide to the best food in Deep Ellum (according to a couple of picky—but lovable—amateur foodies).
We’ll be the first to admit: when it comes to food, we’re a bit particular. We don’t like greasy meals that leave you with regret, overhyped spots that fall flat, or dishes that rely on way too much salt or sugar to fake flavor. And the worst is expensive food not worth the dollar signs — that hurts on a soul level.
We will always lean toward dishes that bring something unique to the table. Give us flavor that stands out, not another plate of forgettable “American food.” In short? Yeah… we’re kind of food snobs. But we like to think we’re the fun kind.
And here’s the thing — if you’re pulling out your wallet, why not spend your money on food you might actually remember? Are we right?
Either way, we’ll keep this simple.
First up, we’ll tell you exactly why you need to order the Hot Mess from Pecan Lodge — it’s a Deep Ellum staple for a reason. Then we’ll hit a few other standout spots around the neighborhood, just in case you’re not in the mood for barbecue (no judgment and no worries! The Deep Ellum food scene is full of flavor and variety). After that, we’ll talk dessert. And finally, we’ll throw in some wildcards — the places we haven’t tried yet but are rumored to be delicious!
We hope you’re hungry, because here’s What’s Up, Dallas!
Table of Contents:
- Food in Deep Ellum: Basic Info
- Texas BBQ at Pecan Lodge
- Tacos, Sandwiches and Burgers
- Cookies, Donuts and More
- Rumor Has It…
- Summary
Food in Deep Ellum: Basic Info
- Location: 2022 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75226
- Located right outside Downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum is a historic neighborhood known for its street art, music venues, and most importantly, its food.
- Hours:
- Mornings? Dead.
- Autumn here — one time, I brought a friend out to Deep Ellum in the morning, and wow, was I embarrassed. What a letdown.
- Afternoons? Much better.
- More spots open and fewer crowds.
- Evenings? Always lively.
- This is the time when Deep Ellum really comes alive. For entertainment, go at night. But for food? The afternoon is your golden hour.
- Mornings? Dead.
- Parking: Deep Ellum parking meters are free until 6pm. You’re welcome.
- Pro Tip: Always double-check the payment times on the meters. ParkMobile will happily take your money — even during free periods!
- Prices: Vary. Deep Ellum can get pricey, especially at dinner. Keep an eye on the menu and make sure you’re getting good value for your money.
- Official Website: https://www.deepellumtexas.com/
Texas BBQ at Pecan Lodge
Listen, if you haven’t yet experienced the food in Deep Ellum, stop what you’re doing and add Pecan Lodge to your list. Right now. This iconic spot serves up some of the best food in Deep Ellum, and when you go, do yourself a favor and order the Hot Mess — trust us, you won’t regret it.
This glorious dish is a sweet potato (already off to a great start) stuffed with barbacoa, chipotle cream, cheese, butter, and green onions. It sounds chaotic. It is chaotic. And it works.
We recommend the Hot Mess, not because it is gimmicky or Instagrammable, but because it is genuinely delicious. As a matter of fact, we wrote an entire post about Pecan Lodge featuring the dish in all its glory! Pecan Lodge also has all the Texas BBQ classics — ribs, brisket, pulled pork — but we like the Hot Mess because it’s unique. It’s bold. It’s memorable. And in a city where BBQ joints are around every corner, that matters.
Pro tip: Lines can be long, especially on weekends. Go early, and order at the bar to skip the line entirely!
Tacos, Sandwiches and Burgers
None of these are oh-my-gosh-it’s-so-amazing, but they’ll do in a pinch! So, if you’re not in the mood for BBQ, don’t despair. The food in Deep Ellum still has your back, offering plenty of tasty options to satisfy your cravings.
- Velvet Taco: This is not your average taco joint. Think Korean fried rice, Nashville hot chicken, and spicy tikka masala tacos. It’s food fusion, and it’s yummy. Our favorite is the chicken and waffle taco.
- Cheba Hut: If you’re into delicious, toasted subs with a stoner twist (seriously, their whole menu is cannabis-themed), this is your spot. The bread is warm, the ingredients are fresh, and the sandwich options are fantastic!
- Twisted Root Burger Co. Consistently reliable burgers! They’re known for their creative toppings and fun vibes. The menu is silly, but the burgers are serious. Try the one with goat cheese. Trust.
Cookies, Donuts and More
No meal is complete without dessert, especially not when it comes to food in Deep Ellum! The dessert spots here are just as good as the main courses.
- Emporium Pies Each slice looks like it came straight out of a Southern grandma’s kitchen. The price is steep but the pie is good. We like all the berry flavors! We’ve also heard good things about the Smooth Operator (a French silk pie with a salty pretzel crust).
- Insomnia Cookies: Craving something sweet late at night? Look no further. Insomnia Cookies delivers warm, gooey treats into the early hours — and yes, it’s dangerous. The chocolate chunk is a classic, but if you’re feeling indulgent, you can even add ice cream. Fair warning: it’s extra sugary, but that just might be exactly what you need in a midnight snack.
- Fluellens: If you’re downtown during the day, don’t overlook Fluellen’s. Hardly anyone talks about this spot, but they serve up a fluffy wedding cake cupcake that’s seriously delicious. It’s a little on the pricey side, but worth every bite.
- Le Bon Temps Beignets: Located right in the heart of Deep Ellum, these New Orleans-style beignets are fluffy, hot, and generously dusted with powdered sugar. A wonderful departure from the regular donut if we do say so ourselves.
Rumor Has It…
There are a few places we haven’t tried yet, but the whispers are loud: food in Deep Ellum is constantly evolving, and these spots are the ones you’ll want to check out next.
- Terry Black’s BBQ. Yes, another BBQ place — but folks swear by it. Could it dethrone Pecan Lodge? Only time (and taste-testing) will tell.
- Angry Dog. Locals have been hyping up their burgers and hot dogs for years. It’s a dive — but a beloved one.
- Monkey King Noodle Company. Homemade Chinese noodles, dumplings, and soup. If you’re craving bold flavors and steamy broths, this might be the place.
P.S. If you get there first, send us your verdict — we’re all ears!
Food in Deep Ellum Summary
Deep Ellum is one of Dallas’ most eclectic neighborhoods and it has its own little food scene too. Whether you’re in the mood for BBQ, global tacos, fresh subs, or decadent desserts, food in Deep Ellum delivers. Go in the afternoon, park smart, and don’t be afraid to branch out. Try something new. Share plates. And if nothing else, please get the Hot Mess. We want that for you.
Oh, and if you need time for your food to digest, try doing a self-led mural crawl. And if you want to learn about more things to do in Dallas, subscribe to our newsletter where we share everything.
Until next time, Dallas!
