As much as we love Dallas, it’s no New York City. Instead of walkable communities and a robust transport system, we have affordable housing and a wealth of suburbs. Not necessarily a bad trade-off, but sometimes you yearn for something more. That’s where neighborhoods like the Bishop Arts District come in — it’s a must-see gem full of charm and character!!
Consider this post your curated crawl through Bishop Arts! We hope to cover all the buzz-worthy neighborhoods in due time, but for now, we’ll focus on things to do in the Bishop Arts District and talk about why it’s one of the best hubs in DFW!
Here’s What’s Up Dallas!
Table of Contents:
- Our Experience
- Things to Do in the Bishop Arts District
- The Bishop Arts District Crawl: Ideal Route and Parking
- Summary
Want to skip forward and learn our ideal route for a day out? Jump to the Bishop Arts Crawl + Parking section! And if you’re looking for a quick list of must-do highlights, jump to the Summary!
Our Experience:
The Bishop Arts District turns historic homes into hip hangouts. It blends old-school charm with modern cool — think indie shops, local art, craft coffee, and vibrant murals, all tucked inside converted homes and historic storefronts.
There are always things to do in Bishop Arts District. We know because we’ve been in the area too many times to count, and each time we’ve stumbled into something new. Whether it’s a quirky art pop-up or a hidden boutique tucked behind a record store, without fail, we’ve been delighted.
Although we still haven’t been to every spot (not even close), we finally have a good lay of the land — at least enough to write this guide. The only thing we can’t speak to is the bar scene (that is unless you want to hear about our one festive night at Tipsy Elf; their Christmas decorations were so good!). But if you’re looking for things to do in Bishop Arts that go beyond just eating and drinking, you’re in the right spot. We’re all about the experience, baby! And instead of rambling about our own fun, we’re here to help you craft yours. So get ready and read on!
Things to do in the Bishop Arts District:
Whether you’re looking to explore, sip, shop, stroll, or just soak in the energy, this neighborhood’s got you covered. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but it’s hard to beat what this neighborhood offers! So here it is — your ultimate things to do in the Bishop Arts lineup.
P.S. Save this post for your next weekend outing or spontaneous weekday wander!
Entertainment
- Round Two Arcade – All-you-can-play retro games for just $5!! We wrote an entire post about it. The gaming machines, neon lights and a chill atmosphere make this spot a must for casual fun. Great for groups or a low-key date night.
- Another Round – Part mini-golf course, part cocktail bar, this activity hub is creative, interactive, and very Instagram-friendly. It’s only $20, and the outside patio has pickleball, duffleboard, cornhole and a bunch of other games. There are also free games inside. You’ll feel like a kid again, but hopefully with a better swing.
- The Wild Detectives – Equal parts indie bookstore, performance venue, and coffee shop, this spot is perfect for literary lovers. They regularly host open mics, author readings, and movie nights. We covered this spot in a blog post too!
- Trivia and Local Bar Games – Check the schedule at bars like Atlas or Tejas. They often host trivia nights, drag bingo, or live music. It’s worth researching or calling ahead to see what’s on.
Special Mentions:
- Dallas Zoo – Not in Bishop Arts proper, but close enough to make it a part of your day/ Bishop Arts Weekend Itinerary. We personally prefer Fossil Rim, which is an ethical Wildlife Sanctuary in DFW (we wrote a post about that too) but we digress.
- The Kessler Theater – A historic venue offering intimate concerts with great acoustics. You can check out their full schedule at thekessler.org.
- Lake Cliff Park – Great for a morning walk or picnic before diving into Bishop Arts proper. Don’t know about you, but we love parks. They’re awesome.
- Texas Theatre – An iconic movie house just a few minutes away. You can check out their full schedule at thetexastheatre.com. Famous for its art house film lineup and deep local history (yes, Oswald — the Kennedy assassin — was in fact arrested here!).
Shopping
- Bookstores – Bishop Arts has some incredible bookish spots. The Wild Detectives, which we mentioned above, is both a bookstore and a bar. Another we love is Whose Books, a hidden gem. All of these book joints are near each other too. More on this next month when we do a Bishop Arts Book Crawl post! 👀
- House Rules Games– Whether you’re looking for classics or obscure indie titles, the board game shop on Davis has something for everyone. (We always leave with something new, which is great because it keeps the fun going!)
- Oasis Plant Store – If you’ve got a green thumb, check out this plants. They’ve got aesthetic pots, rare finds, and a very friendly staff.
- Weekend Market – Just about every time we visit on a weekend, we find street vendors selling handmade goods; its like a mini outdoor market along the sidewalk. We can’t tell you details because we never know who will be there. But on Saturdays, you stand a very good chance of scoring some one-of-a-kind gifts!
- Boutiques – There are too many to name, but spots like All Good Things and DLM Supply are known for curated fashion and home goods. You’ll definitely leave with something you didn’t know you needed. Just search “boutiques” in google maps and walk. Be flexible! There are a ton of miscellaneous, boutique-adjacent stores selling candles, records, cards, etc. Almost all of them are worth at least a peek!
Restaurants and Coffee
- Fancy: Paradiso – A beautifully designed restaurant with Mediterranean-inspired fare. Perfect for date night or impressing out-of-towners.
- Semi-Casual: Cretia’s – Southern comfort meets stylish dining. Their dessert (specifically the cake) is our favorite in the neighborhood.
- Casual: Eno’s – A Bishop Arts staple. Their pizza is solid, and their upstairs seating gives you a great view of the district.
- Coffee: Well-Grounded – Cozy, quiet, and locally loved. Great for catching up with a friend or getting some work done. We wrote a post on this coffee shop. Great cause!
Special Mentions:
- Morazan Restaurant and Bakery – Did you know we love Salvadorian food? You probably do too and just don’t know it yet. Think pupusas, plantains, and pastries.
- Oak Cliff Bread – Artisan bread that sells out fast — go early!
Restaurants We Want to Try:
- Sketches of Spain – Known for tapas and wine. We’ve heard amazing things!
- La Bodega Rotisserie and Goods – A newcomer with a lot of buzz. Rotisserie chicken, empanadas, and more.
- Taco Y Vino – The name says it all. Simple concept, fun vibe.
- The Mayor’s House by Selda – A little off the main drag but housed in a historic mansion. Elegant yet approachable.
Desserts
- The Salty Donut – A cult favorite. Trust, these donuts are not overrated! Rotating flavors like brown butter and guava keep it fresh. Definitely recommend!
- Melt Ice Creams – Colorful, modern, and always tasty. We’re partial to their honey lavender ice cream. It’s delicious!
- Whisk Crêpes Café – Sweet and savory options. Most crepe joints refuse to serve anything but dessert crepes. We appreciate the variety here.
- Three-Way Tie: We couldn’t choose between Emporium Pies, Dude Sweet Chocolate, and Village Baking Co. So, what should you do — sample all three!
Special Mention:
- Kessler Baking Studio Bishop Arts – We haven’t been yet, but it’s extremely high on our list! Their cookies are supposed to be top-tier.
The Bishop Arts District Crawl: Ideal Route and Parking
Start your day with a morning stroll at Lake Cliff Park, then head to Oak Cliff Bread for breakfast before it sells out. From there, make your way to The Wild Detectives for coffee and a little browsing.
Take your time popping into nearby boutiques and the mini weekend market if it’s up. When you’re ready for lunch, Cretia’s is a good halfway stop. Spend the afternoon at Round Two Arcade or browsing board games and plants. Grab a treat at The Salty Donut, and if you’re in the mood, wind down with dinner at Paradiso, or try a new-to-you spot from our list!
Parking Tip: Street parking is available but fills up fast on weekends. If you can’t find a spot, there’s a large free parking lot right across from Tipsy Elf — it’s a great backup!
Summary
Whether you’re looking for a day out with friends, a low-key date, or a solo adventure with books, plants, and pastries, Bishop Arts has something for everyone. It’s quirky without trying too hard, and it’s full of energy without feeling overwhelming.
Top Picks?
- Best Value: Round Two Arcade
- Most Instagrammable: Paradiso
- Hidden Gem: Well-Grounded Coffee
- Can’t-Miss Spot: The Wild Detectives
We’ve had some of our favorite DFW days here — and you can too. So save this list, pick a few spots, and plan your own Bishop Arts adventure. And if you’re looking for more things to do in DFW, subscribe to our newsletter where we share everything! Oh, and if you’ve got a Dallas-loving friend, send them our way!
Happy exploring!
