Now that we’ve made it past Labor Day, Dallas dwellers and North Texas travelers are experiencing the best of two seasons: summer and football. With plenty of hot weather days remaining, there’s still some summer left to enjoy—or escape—at any one of these three Dallas foodie destinations.

The Derby: At the Intersection of Gearheads and Foodies

As the Texas heat often drags deeper into September, The Derby’s cool, industrial setting offers the perfect summer escape in a former warehouse facility that is equal parts museum, social club, and premier restaurant.

The Derby is situated in an easily accessible warehouse district right off John W. Carpenter Freeway, the ideal backdrop for this fully immersive car culture experience. Everything from the sights and sounds of this state-of-the-art car garage to the savory delights of an edgy, well-rounded menu brought to you by Executive Chef Gregory Dishman pays homage to car and bike enthusiasts and Dallas culture. With plenty of options from Chef Dishman’s modern interpretation of elevated Southern comfort food, there are no wrong turns navigating this seasonal menu.

Crowd pleasing apps like Matts Bad Ass Bacon packs a pleasant punch of maple, cayenne, and Maldon salt. Order a round or two for the table as one strip of bacon will leave you yearning for more. Conscious veg heads will love the Roasted Brussels which combines soy, garlic, honey, chile crisp, black bean, sesame, quinoa, and furikake in a savory start. The Venison Corn Dogs with smoked onion honey mustard is an absolute powerhouse of flavor, reflecting an ode to the corn dog culture of the Texas State Fair.

As you continue down this gastronomic road, relish the sights of the expansive garage that unites vintage and luxury, and past and present in a unique space. Take note of the rows of luxury cars that include Bentleys, McLarens, Rolls Royces, and Ferraris that neighbor one-of-a-kind classics like a 59 El Camino or 69 Fastback. When you’re ready for mains, there are plenty of options to consider.

Handhelds like the Cuban Sandwich celebrate locality with mojo pork, sliced ham, and locally sourced bread. The Derby Burger is exceptionally crafted with pimento, derby sauce, and a pretzel brioche, offering a satisfying and satiating option for anyone who can’t decide. The Derby does feature a range of flavorful mains to appease any liking. The Shrimp Pasta with mascarpone ravioli and red pepper cream sauce will surely please pasta enthusiasts. Or opt for the Chicken Piccata made with barley, farro, cucumber, corn and tomato salsa, and a lemon herb reduction for a fresh and herby delight. The Big Carrot Cake complete with cream cheese, bourbon caramel, and candied carrot rounds out this foodie experience with a sweet ending like no other. Continue the experience and come back to The Derby for a themed brunch that takes place on Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Be sure to make your reservations at Derby here.

Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh: A Hot Weather Haven

Earlier this summer, Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh celebrated the grand reopening of its luxurious pool, offering guests and visitors an urban oasis in an authentic Dallas experience. This historic hotel, established in October 1923, unites the classic era of Dallas’s roaring twenties with a modern and elevated pool experience complete with refreshing cocktails, exquisite summer bites, and a season’s worth of events that will have you returning for more—no matter what the temperature is.  

Nestled on the corner of Maple Avenue and Wolf Street, Stoneleigh’s beaux-art style building celebrates the high-rise luxury-style living in Dallas. Relax in a posh poolside cabana or chaise in its manicured greenspace. Enjoy a refreshing dip amid the sweltering heat and find extra comfort in the shadows of this downtown high rise as here, the pool always has a cooling, calm effect. Start off with one of many summer favorites like the Frozen Aperol Spritz, Frozen Frosé, and layered Rainbow Mermaid. Tequila fans will love the Mezcal Paloma, an ode to a local favorite that combines Dos Hombres Mezcal, grapefruit cordial, lime, and Q Sparkling Grapefruit.

The poolside bar also features a bountiful selection of bites that are the perfect complement to the Texas heat. The menu is filling, not heavy, allowing you the enjoyment of indulgence without the weighty bloat. The Velvet Hummus, complete with pomegranate, olives, feta, cucumbers, naan, should be an immediate option. Those looking for a lighter yet complex fare of sweet and savory will appreciate the Summer Salad which includes watermelon, pickled onions, fresh basil, feta cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Those looking for more satisfying dishes will be fulfilled by the Mahi Mahi fish tacos with jicama Slaw and jalapeño aioli or the flat iron steak tacos with peppers, onions, and crème fraiche.

With summer in our rearview mirror, there’s still time to relish in The Stoneleigh’s lawn programming. While previously scheduled experiences like Yogarita have ended, you can still purchase a day pool pass for a last hurrah for the summer season here.

As the summer festivities come to a simmer, the party still rages at Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh. Come and relive the glory days on Sept. 21 with a unique and serendipitous  “Do You Remember?” Disco Night on the historic 11th floor, a famed party room that has seen the likes of legendary celebrities that include Audrey Hepburn and Elvis Presley. Le Méridien Dallas is also bringing back its widely popular Wine Dinner series this fall. Drop by for a luxurious four-course meal paired with exceptional wines, all exceptionally designed by Executive Chef Esayas Estinafos to delight your palate. With savory hits like a Thyme Mustard Crusted Lamb Chop and sinful sweets like the Carmel Chocolate Pumpkin Dome, this event is a must-attend for wine lovers and foodies alike. 

Evan’s Meat Market: An Old-Fashioned Butcher Shop for The Modern Dallas Foodie

The post Labor Day grind brings a daunting end to many summer festivities and a slew of other ongoing obligations like school, family life, and third quarter deadlines (got to get that bonus). And as Dallas residents brace this bustling season, Evan’s Meat Market offers the perfect solution for those in need of a quick, hearty meal without sacrificing quality. This neighborhood butcher shop brings old-fashioned butchery to the modern era, offering premium, grill-ready meats, sides, and more.

Weekly entrées include limited-quantity, fully cooked local favorites like Tamale Pie and Brisket Stuffed Bell Peppers. These ready to reheat options offer an ideal dinner anytime of the week that always delights and never dulls. Pair these with family-sized, ready-made sides like Mac and Cheese or Green Beans. These dishes effortlessly serve 4-6, making Evans Meat Market a reliable choice for meal prepping, late days, or mid-week meal crises. And rest assured, all meals are prepared in a nut-free environment to provide any families with nut allergies peace of mind.

And as summer’s end does bring a slump to those lake-day cookouts, this time marks a new chapter of yet another grilling season: Football. Kick off your football season with premium, grill-ready meats and sides like Smoked Beef Tenderloin, Cajun Chicken Breast, Smoked Cajun Pork Tenderloin, Brisket, and Pork Belly. Combine these with savory sides like grill-ready zucchini, Green Beans with Sun-Dried Tomato and Red Pepper, or Cajun Corn. Evan’s has all you need to power those Saturday and Sunday cookouts, tailgate parties, and bowl-game bashes.

While there is no dining space available at the shop, Evan’s also offers Louisiana-style po’ boys made with house-made deli meats for your on-the-go commute. So, whether you’re in need of a mid-week meal, preparing for a football-filled weekend, or requiring a much-needed protein-packed boost, Evan’s Meat Market is a must-go for high-quality, nutritious meals and your next Dallas Foodie destination. Visit www.evansmeatmarket.com for more information or see what’s cooking on Instagram and Facebook. Click here for the menu.

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Cover Photo Martin Ramirez