Finding Your Soul in Dallas: Lower Greenville Ave.

I discovered Lower Greenville Avenue by chance.

Several years ago, I just happened upon a neighborhood in Dallas with fully developed trees, 1920's(ish) architecture, cracked sidewalks and stray cats.

I found home.

Soon after renting the upper level of an old duplex, my "nesting" phase began, restaurants and bars were all within stumbling distance and the relaxed, unaffected neighborhood ambiance was just what I was looking for.

Times have changed the vibe somewhat - as a few of the old, fixer-uppers were scraped up and replaced by bigger, more modern homes but fortunately, the integrity of Lower Greenville is being maintained as the trend now is towards renovation and not replacement.

Lower Greenville Avenue Orientation:

• The area we are talking about is located south of Mockingbird Lane and continues to Belmont. 
• Know that parking is a biatch. Bring $5 cash with you. Don't even look for a free parking space, you'll end up frustrated and pissed off. Coughing up $5 for valet parking is a small price to pay. The Greenville Ave Neighborhood Association - aptly named "Barking Dogs"- is very tough on parking in their community.
• Valet Parking Etiquette: Most restaurants offer 'free' valet parking but bear in mind that valets do appreciate a $2-3 tip when you retrieve your vehicle. Some restaurants charge up to $5 for valet. It's up to you if you want to tip above that.

In addition to restaurants and bars, there are some cool independent retail establishments along Lower Greenville Ave. Strolling the area can be both an informative and pleasant way to kill a little time. Jeans are good anywhere.

As you head south from Mockingbird on Lower Greenville, you'll pass Ellsworth Ave. Soon, you'll see a 7-11 on your left. Start thinking about parking and look for a valet stand. There is a parking lot behind The Granada Theater ($8) but it will be your lucky day if you get a space. Although I can't list them all, this is an area that hosts several good restaurants that offer both inside and outside dining, some retail and The Granada Theater.

J.Pepe's Tex Mex - Patio inside and outside street patio is great for people watching.

Condom Sense - It's a hoot! Don't be shy. I got a kick out of their "Rubber Tree".

Aw Shucks - Very casual seafood but their claim to fame is their raw oysters on the halfshell - served very cold with lemon and horseradish. Don't knock it until you've tried it.

Snuffer's - The original Snuffer's is reputedly haunted. See "Cheddar Fries...Someone Dies" for further details. Great burgers, cheese fries with ranch dip on the side. Currently it looks like it's being re-built. Progress. Hope they don't change the burgers.


Blue Fish - If you love sushi - you will love this place. Try their "Tuna Tower". I love sushi but for those of you who prefer your fish cooked, they also offer their fish that way too. Click on the link to make a reservation. Why wait if you don't have to?

The Granada Theater: Circa 1946 - Once a movie theater but currently a live music venue, The Granada is not to be missed. Check out their website for a virtual tour and upcoming events.

After McCommas Ave, there are 4 or 5  residential blocks before you happen upon Marquita Ave and ...

The San Francisco Rose - Established casual sports bar environment - Burgers, Bar Food and Foosball - Karaoke Wednesdays.

St. Martins Bistro - French Bistro - Think romance, special occasion, Valentine's Day, etc. - Their New Year's Eve dinner is fabulous.

Traveling on another couple of blocks...again, several restaurants and bars that are too many to list but here's a few of my fave's..

Stan's Blue Note - Ahhhh. This place brings back alot of good memories. Sports bar, shuffle board, darts, foozball, beer served in Mason jars, big backyard and street-side patios.

The Blue Goose Cantina - Tex Mex

The Grape - Very cool place for a date and/or Sunday Brunch. Avoid disappointment. Make a reservation


Terilli's - Killer Italian. Sunday Brunch too. Terilli's burned down about two years ago. Thanks to the quick thinking of the Dallas Fire Department, it's original facade was saved and Terilli's has been rebuilt.

There you have it. Lower Greenville Avenue in a nutshell.

Now get out there and discover!

You're Welcome.

Free Advice: On Finding Love - Part Four

Every now and then, I reflect on myself as that single woman in her thirties, looking for love. Knowing what I know now, my advice to her would go something like this...

"Hey! Lighten up a little!"

Yes, it's true. When it came to finding love I was a tad too serious. Little did I know that a lot of (normal) guys kinda like lighthearted, fun, self-confident women. Who knew?

Picture this... you spend a decade looking for Mr./Ms. Right. You worry about how you look, what you say, if you eat  too much, if you laugh too loudly or dance like a duck. Mr./Ms. Right doesn't make an appearance. Sounds like you could have had a lot more fun in that decade, don't you think?

When I was about thirty-five, I was going out to meet a girlfriend at a local sports bar. I didn't really want to go. The place was known for hosting a younger crowd and I was feeling particularly old but on  'Oprah' that day, she had a guest who advised... "When you enter into an uncomfortable situation - walk in and smile as if you are a member of the personal welcoming committee". Yeah, right.  Well I thought about it some and decided that I could muster up a 'smirk' if absolutely necessary.

Later that evening, I walked into 'Stan's Blue Note', my head held high, shoulders back, and grinning like a nutcase. Then, out of the blue, a guy approached me and invited me to join he and his friends for a beer while I waited for my girlfriend (who never did show up). Did I meet Mr. Right? No. But I did meet a great group of people, one who continues to be a great friend, today.

So I guess the moral to this story is... while on the hunt for Mr./Ms. Right...have fun.