I just got back from a week-long work trip to Dallas-Fort Worth. It was my first time in Texas, and I couldn’t resist extending my stay through the weekend to explore a bit. If you know me, you know I don’t believe in flying in and out of a new city without getting a taste of what it has to offer—especially when that “taste” includes BBQ, cowboy culture, and authentic Mexican food I definitely can’t find back home in Chicago.
Tex-Mex Dreams Are Made of This
Let’s start with the food, because—priorities. I had some amazing Mexican and Tex-Mex while I was in town. My company took us out to Pappacito’s, and oh wow, the fajitas were sizzling, smoky, and bursting with flavor. And when I say the portions were massive, I mean “still thinking about how I didn’t even make a dent” massive. A few days later, I ventured over to Ojeda’s Restaurant, and y’all—I discovered puffed tacos. Where have those been all my life?! Add in a chile relleno and a sour cream chicken enchilada, and I was in Tex-Mex heaven. Chicago, I love you, but your Mexican food has nothing on this.
Friday Night Lights, Texas Style
On Friday night, I headed out to Fort Worth Stockyards, and let me just say—if you want to feel like you’ve officially arrived in Texas, this is the place to be. Everyone was decked out in cowboy boots and hats, and I was completely here for it. I started the night at H3 Ranch, where they welcomed me with a hearty plate of smoked sirloin, corn on the cob, a baked potato the size of my head, and an ice-cold beer. The “everything’s bigger in Texas” motto? 100% real.
Then I made my way to the rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum, and wow—what an experience. From the adrenaline-pumping bull riding to the live concert that followed, it was unlike anything I’ve done before. And of course, I couldn’t miss Billy Bob’s, the largest honky tonk in the world. I loved walking around, checking out the wall of celebrity handprints, and soaking in the live country music. I didn’t get to see the cattle run down Main Street (note to self for next time), but the whole area was a total vibe and absolutely worth the visit.
Soaking Up the History
History buffs, listen up. I made time to visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library, and it was incredibly well done. The 9/11 exhibit was powerful, the replica of the Oval Office was fascinating, and I was genuinely impressed by the detail and thoughtfulness of the museum. Definitely recommend setting aside time to explore it.
I also visited the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where JFK was assassinated. Walking through the exhibit and seeing the actual corner where Lee Harvey Oswald hid behind boxes was surreal. The “X” on the road outside where Kennedy was shot gave me chills—it’s one of those places that really makes history feel real.
A Bite (or Several) of Dallas
I spent part of my weekend wandering around Deep Ellum, a super artsy, vibrant part of Dallas full of street art, quirky shops, and—you guessed it—amazing food. I grabbed lunch at Pecan Lodge, and let me tell you, that BBQ was everything. I had brisket, ribs, mac and cheese, and collard greens, and every bite was smoky, tender, and perfectly seasoned. Again… not something I’m finding easily in Chicago.
Later, I swung by Pioneer Plaza to check out the life-size cattle drive sculptures. It was a quick stop but so fun to see—totally Instagram-worthy if you’re into that (guilty!).
To wrap up the day, I stopped at Woolworth for a rooftop cocktail. It’s a cozy spot with great views and even better drinks—just the kind of place I love to find when I’m visiting a new city.
Pizza, but Make It Neapolitan
One of the unexpected highlights of the trip? Partenope Ristorante. I had their spicy Calabrese pizza with sweet and spicy salami, and it was chef’s kiss. As someone who’s eaten pizza in Italy, I’m not throwing this out lightly, but this was up there. Truly one of the best pizzas I’ve had outside of Italy. Consider this your sign to check it out if you’re ever in town.
Sunday Football in True Texas Style
And last but definitely not least… I made it to a Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium! Even if you’re not a diehard football fan, this is an experience. The energy, the stadium, the food, the fans—it’s all next-level. Seeing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform in person after watching their journey on Netflix? Pretty surreal. This is Dallas at its most iconic, and I loved every second of it.
Final Thoughts
This trip was the perfect reminder of why I love extending work trips into mini-adventures. I made the most of my time in Dallas-Fort Worth and left feeling full (literally and figuratively), inspired, and grateful for the chance to explore somewhere new. Whether it’s eating your way through a new city, diving into its history, or putting on your boots for a night at the rodeo—there’s always something to discover.
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