A big part of visiting a city is experiencing all of the local flavors. Irving, Texas is definitely an area worth exploring when you visit the Dallas Metro.
Do you love to find hidden gems and local favorites when you visit a city?
You’ll find a variety of options that will make foodies from all types of culinary comfort zones happy.
I’m sharing restaurants and bars that you will definitely want to try during a visit to Irving, Texas.
This article is written in partnership with Visit Irving. This article contains affiliate links.
Did you know that Irving, Texas has previously been voted as one of the Top 10 Diverse Zip Codes in America?
You can taste authentic flavors from around the world without ever having to leave the city.
This popular Japanese restaurant is worth the wait. At Mr. Max Cafe Nippon you’ll find sushi, ramen, and several menu items that you’ve probably never heard of but that’s ok.
It’s part of the traditional Japanese Izakaya experience dining adventure.
- Kobe beef skewers
- Salmon sashimi
- Shrimp Tempura
- Karaage sweet and sour
- Grilled shishito pepper
- Grill pacific salty
Enjoy Salvadorian-inspired Flavors at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
320 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX (Located at the Toyota Music Factory)
I was soooo excited to visit this “new to me” location. I have fond memories from visiting Gloria’s original location back when I lived in Dallas 20+ years ago.
The black bean dip was still as amazing as I had preserved it in my memories.
We also tried the queso because queso is always a great choice. I also loved the Spicy Cucumber Margarita made with Milagro® Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño and a splash of Monin® Cucumber Syrup.
For entrees, my friend tried Gloria’s Super Special made with one chicken tamale, one pupusa, yuca, fried plantain, Gallo pinto, and black beans.
For my entree, I tried the Mar Y Tierra – (Surf & Turf). It’s made with an 8 oz. top sirloin steak and served with two grilled jumbo shrimp, Spanish rice, black bean soup, fried plantain, yuca and chimichurri on the side.
The jumbo shrimp are not pictured because they came after I took the picture.
From Farm to Fork at The Ranch at Las Colinas
857 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, TX
A Texas staple, The Ranch is a locally-sourced restaurant with a mission to locally source as much of their fresh ingredients from Texas as possible.
For drinks, you might want to start off with the “Haywire.” It’s made with specialty blended whiskeys, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
Another great option is the “King of Texas” made with TX Whiskey, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
Cool off with a Sweet Treat at Pop Factory
310 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 110-B, Irving, TX (Located at the Toyota Music Factory)
At Pop Factory, you’ll find an assortment of gourmet popsicles to choose from.
(Whole fruit pops, Milk pops, Stuffed pops, and Boozy pops)
The pops are made with 100% all-natural ingredients (whole fruit). They are packed with vitamins and fiber and contain no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.
Guests can even watch the fruit bars being made fresh daily in the store.
Guests can choose to eat their popsicle as is or you can take it to the next level by adding dips and toppings.
Next, you can opt to have your popsicle dipped in milk, dark, or white chocolate. If you are having a hard time deciding you can even ask for half of one flavor and half of another. That gives you the best of both worlds if you want to try more than one chocolate.
You can also add toppings like coconut shavings, sprinkles, and pistachio to your pop too.
Your dog can even have a sweet treat to cool off with special Dog treats from Pop Factory.
Kick Back at the OUTLAW Taproom
4150 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX
Enjoy a relaxing drink with a rebellious attitude at Outlaw Taproom inside the Four Seasons Hotel.
This bar was inspired by many Texas Outlaws like Willie Nelson, ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Janis Joplin who broke the rules and followed their passions.
Make sure that you ask your server for the special blacklight so that you can view the drinks on the secret menu.
This bar does allow cigar smoking and I would recommend finding a seat outside on the covered patio or the lower patio area if you are sensitive to smoke.
Honky Tonk Fun at Mama Tried
340 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving, TX
(Located at the Toyota Music Factory)
A fun honky-tonk bar close to all of the action. Mama Tried is a fun spot for a pre or post drink if you are watching a concert at the Toyota Music Factory.
Inside there is a 30 person wrap-around bar and 24 flat screens for sports fans to still enjoy the game.
At Mama Tried there is a spacious patio overlooking Texas Lottery Plaza (another great place to hear live music) or there is live music inside regularly.
There are also Happy Hour specials that you can take advantage of throughout the week on appetizers and drinks.
Enjoy the Sunday Brunch Buffet at the Four Seasons
4150 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX
Brunch at the Four Seasons is the perfect ending for a girl’s weekend or couples getaway.
From 11-2 you can enjoy Sunday Brunch at the Law restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel.
The brunch features live cooking stations, mimosas, and a decadent dessert room.
My favorite menu items on the Brunch buffet were the seafood options. If they are making shrimp tacos during your visit, GET THEM! They are FANTASTIC!!!
You’ll find a wide range of options from savory to sweet, breakfast, and beyond.
Where to Stay in Irving, Texas
I can’t say enough great things about The Texican Court. It’s close to all of the action but feels like you are far away.
Booking.com
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