From CA, what to do/eat/drink in Dallas for a week

[cocktailqueen77]

Hi there Dallas 'hounds!! I am coming to you for much needed advice!!

I will be flying out from California to visit family for a week in October. I'm 25 and stay out quite later than the parents and grandparents, so I am looking for places to eat, drink, and people watch after 9pm (or anything else that you all might think would be interesting to do). I enjoy all types of atmospheres and cuisine, less touristy please.

Also, I will be there for Halloween, is there any place or event that shouldn't be missed on that day?

I will have transportation, but I am not familiar with the Dallas area-although I am really good at directions. As far as I know, the family I am staying with lives somewhat near Love Field Airport (at least that is what my parents tell me, since my flight arrives there).

Thanks!! I hope that helps. Can't wait for suggestions!!

[Jambon_It]

You won't want to miss going to the Halloween parade in Cedar Springs (http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/109152/).
It's a fabulous parade of drag queens and similar regalia.
If you are here before Oct 21, check out our awesome State Fair (bigtex.com).

So...
I'm not sure what kind of vibe you are looking for.
More ecletic Cali or...ahem, Dallas scene.
I prefer the former.
On that tip, here are my suggestions.

Food:
TECOLE!!!! (insanely delicous and totally unexpected menu

)

Toulouse (french twist)
Celebration (by Love Field-coveted homestyle)
Hatties (neighborhoody bistro with southern flair)
Cafe Madrid (either location-spanish tapas)

Bars:
Lee Harvey's (best place in town!)
The Meridian Room (chill place across from fair park)
The Inwood Lounge (near Love Field-connected to a landmark theater)
The Old Monk (pub at its finest)

Another pretty decent site worth checking is guidelive.com.

Just a few suggestions.
I'm sure others will follow.
Hope this helps.

[irodguy]

Yep I would agree with your choice of the Old Monk not to mention that the fellow who started the church of the sub genius used to hang out there.

[foodie06]

Sonny Bryans BBQ
Upscale Dining-Stephen Pyles, Fearings, Abacus
People Watching-any of the bars/restaurants in Victory Park, Nove, N9ne, Craft, Ghost Bar.
More Casual Bar Scene-Cuba Libre, the Old Monk

Don't know about any Halloween events. You might keep checking guidelive.com. As it gets closer they list local happenings. They also have lists of bars and restaurant reviews.