Saint Rocco’s executive chef and co-owner, Jay Valley, adds another concept to the multi-level space boasting some of the best downtown views of any restaurant in West Dallas. The Prohibition-era nickname for the geographical region, Devil’s Back Porch, comes to life while paying homage to the rough-and-tumble days when Bonnie and Clyde and other gangsters made themselves at home in these parts. Guests enter through a separate back entrance to a red-and-black room that feels like a blast from the past, complete with a poker table. The cocktail menu most definitely captures the era with riffs on classics such as the mezcal-fueled Corpse Reviver No. 2 while the food menu offers bar staples including wings, burgers, and quesadillas (filled with lobster in this instance).
How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating.

The third location of Mexican Sugar brings the elevated south-of-the-border dining experience from the burbs to Uptown with an attitude to match. The chic, two-story space welcomes tons of natural light. It also features an experiential tequila library with more than 150 bottles and a spacious second-story patio with twinkling nighttime views. Find all the usual suspects, including tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, with the bonus of thoughtful presentation and top-notch ingredients. Instead of traditional queso, go for the equally cheesy Lobster Fundito. Lump Crab Enchiladas with poblano cream sauce, Squash Blossom Quesadillas, and fall-off-the-bone Birria Ribs make the shortlist of must-try dishes. And wouldn’t it be nice if a Grandioso margarita made with Don Julio Reposado came to the table automatically?

Both Frisco and France begin with “Fr-.” Coincidence? Perhaps not once you try the fare at this fresh spot at The Star. Sidewalk cafe staples of Lobster Bisque, Mondi’s Baked Brie, Wild Escargots, Steak Frites, and Coq Au Vin transport diners to the charming streets of Paris while sitting carefree and passportless on the patio. Live music on weekends adds to the elegant ambiance created by the Dubai-based design firm of Mayavian Creative Studios. Brunch, afternoon tea, and a well-appointed champagne menu will also be big draws for Francophiles.

This Chicago-style hoagie joint offers its hungry customers sandwiches whose rolls burst with fillings, many featuring multiple types of meat. Gut-busting options include D’Rose with gyros, corned beef, and roast beef topped with cheese, sweet giardiniera, mustard, lettuce, tomato, and onion. Get a taste of NOLA with The Shed, a combo of Cajun batter-fried shrimp and catfish with LTO, too. Or The Taste, which features Italian beef and Italian sausage, loaded with tri-color sweet peppers and a healthy ladle of gravy. Simpler sandwiches, fries, and a full bar round out the extensive menu.
How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-served seating.

With locations in San Miguel de Allende and Austin, Quince brings a new culinary worldview to Fort Worth. But the sprawling patio overlooking the Trinity River right on schedule for al fresco dining season beckons the loudest. Menu options draw inspiration from all over the Americas, including New Orleans, Lima, Mexico City, and New York City. A trio of ceviches, sushi with global flair, and Keto-friendly sandwiches represent the concept well, along with knife-and-fork options of Roasted Salmon, Cajun Jumbo Shrimp, and Beef Filet over Aji Pepper Risotto.