Finding Your Soul in Dallas: Upper Greenville Ave

When I first arrived in 'Big D', I seriously doubted that Dallas offered anything beyond brass, glass, glitz and glamor and would have been hard-pressed if asked to recommend any places with character in the area. [Coming to America 5]

Since then, I've discovered  few spots...

Upper Greenville Avenue:

Located north of Mockingbird Lane, the establishments on this part of Greenville Ave. are generally a little shinier and newer than those south of Mockingbird. You've got your Humperdinks, Black-Eyed Pea, Two Rows and Fuddruckers amongst a plethora of other good places to eat but I was looking for something more.  I gained a glimmer of hope that Dallas was more than just a one-dimensional pretty face...after finding "The Ozona".

The Ozona

A casual place just south of University on Greenville, - originally known as "Cardinal Puff's" - The Ozona's claim to fame is its outdoor patio - and rightly so. It would be sinful to choose to sit inside on a pretty day. Shaded by a heavy canopy of trees, the patio speaks for itself . In cooler weather, outdoor  fireplaces are lit adding warmth to a great space. But it's during the coldest of winter's days that my heart yearns for a Hot Buttered Rum near one of The Ozona's indoor fireplaces. ozonagrill.com

Desperados

                                                        

All that is Tex-Mex, Desperados has been in business here for 35 years and on Wednesday's, they serve their top shelf  'La Margarita'  (frozen or on-the-rocks) for the low, low price of $1.99. Check out the restaurant facade - it's The Alamo - nice touch. desperadosrestaurant.com

Kostas Cafe                                                                  

 

 No frills, nothing fancy, just good Greek food. 

Reservations accepted.

kostascafe.com

Prego Pasta House    

Prego Pasta House is a decent little Italian place with wonderful ambiance, good food, wine and live piano music. If you let your mind run wild, let your hands do the talking and have another glass of wine, it wouldn't take a whole lot to imagine yourself to be in a 1920's speakeasy. http://www.pregopastahouse.com/

Lights Fantastic

Situated next door to "The Ozona", I dare ya to go in and look around. No food here but you can thank me later. lightsfantastic.com

Campisi's Egyptian Restaurant

There is nothing 'Egyptian' about this restaurant with the exception of it's name. It's actually Italian specializing in crab claws and pizza.

Word on the street is that Joseph Campisi bought "The Egyptian Lounge" and didn't get around  to switching out the sign. That was back in the 40's. Located on Mockingbird east of Greenville (across from Kroger). Don't let the line for a table that runs outside the door intimidate you. It moves fast and is a good way to meet new people. campisis.us      

Next post, I'll take you on a tour of "Lower" Greenville Avenue...

In the meantime - any further suggestions?