Looking for downtown Dallas recommendations.

[lielph]

Will be staying at the Fairmont in downtown Dallas next month. Looking for restaurant recommendations. Omnivorous. Interested in regional cuisine. Averse to chains.

[air]

Past suggestions on the Fairmont and restaurants downtown are still the same. Add Pecan Lodge in there too though.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/792568

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/685252

[twinwillow]

To which I'll add......
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/828043
Look for my post about 9 below the OP's topic. I list 5-6 excellent (short taxi ride away) restaurant links.

And, I would add the beautiful newly re-done, Pyramid Room. The signature restaurant in the Fairmont Hotel. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
http://www.pyramidrestaurant.com

In the West End (within walking distance) there are tons of restaurants. Some good and some, not so good.

Stay away from Sonny Bryans BBQ. It's there just for tourists who think they're experiencing (horrible) "Texas BBQ".

I still like The Palm. Not cheap but very good steak and "NYC" ambience. If you're from NYC, you may want to skip it. Or, not.
http://www.thepalm.com/Dallas

And, do try Samar. It's unusually good and, only a short walk from the you on Ross St. A block further up from Stephan Pyles.
Both are owned by Stephan Pyles and, excellent!!!
http://samarrestaurant.com
http://stephanpyles.com

[lielph]

Thank you for these replies.
I obviously did a poor site search - put in downtown when I should have searched the hotel name.
Samar is already on our list. Other places we're considering are Parigi, Bolsa, Medina Oven and Bar.
We're going to a Friday evening performance at the symphony hall and would like to find an early dinner spot close by. What about Jorge's? Screen Door? One of the local hounds mentioned a recent chef change at the Screen Door.
Will definitely try the Pyramid Room.
The Pecan Lodge looks fun, though the Velveeta grilled cheese sandwich on the menu gives me some pause.
We're coming from Philly. Looking forward to our visit.
Thanks again for the guidance.

[twinwillow]

I definitely recommend Bolsa!
http://www.bolsadallas.com

And from the same owners of Bolsa, you should really go to Smoke. Also in Oak Cliff. Fabulous food. Especially their brunch! I recommend the "Big Rib"!
http://www.smokerestaurant.com

And while your in Bishops Arts in Oak Cliff go to Hattie's near Bolsa for genuine, out of this world South Carolina low Country cooking. Although not necessarily "low country", they do a killer Caesar salad! IMO, Best in Dallas! I'm addicted to their shrimp 'n grits. And, It's a lovely restaurant as well. Also noted for a great brunch.
http://www.hatties.com

Medina is good but the same owners recently opened Baboush in the West Village. IMHO, a better choice!
http://www.baboushdallas.com

Parigi is very nice. Do try and go.
http://www.parigidallas.com

As far as what's near the symphony, others here can probably tell you more about that area than I can.

[lielph]

Thanks! I'll do some more twinwillow-guided browsing. Just read the shameful taco discussion and was greatly amused.
Is Samar or Parigi better for a chatty dinner with friends I see only once or twice a year? Restaurant arrangements are my assignment and I have a particular request for a place we can easily hear one another talk. (We're middle-aged ladies but no hearing aids so far.)

[foiegras]

If you ladies like chocolate (and I believe all true ladies do), be sure to check out Dude, Sweet Chocolate while in Bishop Arts. Mesa is another great option in the area ... be sure to get the duck with mole and house-made tortillas, all TDF. (I don't like mole, btw--except for this one.) Mesa is in a slightly fringey area, but a dinner reservation on the early side and traveling in a pack will compensate.

[twinwillow]

I second both of the above. Mesa has their own parking lot a short walk away from their front door. You may get lucky and find a parking spot (metered) in front of the restaurant. Just remember it's on a main street (Jefferson Avenue) in a heavily populated Hispanic area. But, the food is dreamy and the family that owns and runs Mesa are the sweetest people you could hope for.
http://mesadallas.com

[twinwillow]

Thanks for the complimentary reply.

Samar's food is better and more eclectic but Parigi's is definitely quieter and more conducive for pleasant conversation.

Having said that, Samar has a few small private and semi-private areas that might work very well for you. It is a fairly loud and "active" restaurant. You should call Samar and enquire.

[sike101]

Um, don't the best sandwiches in Philly have Cheeze Whiz on them?

Kidding, enjoy Dallas. Pyles is the must-try on these lists, IMO. You can walk to the Meyerson from there. I wouldn't rush a full dinner at SP, but a seat at the ceviche bar (other small plates are available too) would be less of a time commitment.

[twinwillow]

I concur. Stephen Pyles is an excellent restaurant for ladies to enjoy terrific food and "chat" very comfortably.

Given a choice, I would take it over Parigi.

[lielph]

HA! Now that you mention it, I do believe some of the famous Philly Cheesesteak makers use Velveeta. Ugh.

Dinner on symphony night may end up happening on the run, sadly. My friends are attending a professional meeting that will keep them busy until almost performance time.

We're going out to dinner on a separate night to chat. We'll dine and drink and chat as long as we can stay awake.

I'm trying to figure out how to work in as many of the wonderful sounding recommendations as I can. A pleasant dilemma.

Will let you all know how things turn out.