At Roots Southern Table, Top Chef alum Tiffany Derry infuses her culinary prowess and passion for Southern flavors into every dish. Offering creative twists on family recipes, the menu features delicious bites like duck-fat fried chicken, fish and grits and Derry's mother's iconic gumbo with chicken, sausage, shrimp and blue crab. Sip on one of the creative cocktails (the Purple Rain with gin and blackberry is a must) and be sure to order the cast iron cornbread with sweet potato butter!

Fair food year-round? Yes, please! If you love funnel cakes, this is the spot to beat. Known for serving the iconic fried fair staple throughout the year, Funnel Cake Paradise amps things up with unique and fun flavors. Low-key and no-frills (everything is served in a Styrofoam container), this grab-and-go spot is perfect for a quick bite. Try specialty funnel cakes like caramel apple or banana pudding. You can even get funnel cakes topped with peach cobbler and M&M’s.

Nestled on the outskirts of Dallas lies ITSO Vegan, a casual vegan soul food restaurant turning classic dishes into plant-based delicacies. Fan favorites include country-fried chicken, fish baskets, and "just the sides" (mac and cheese, yams, mashed potatoes, fries, cabbage, and cornbread). Looking for lunch on the go? Grab a cheesy “chiken” sandwich topped with mac and cheese! And don’t skip dessert! The cheesecake made from cashew cheese is positively sinful.

Don’t be surprised if you find a line out the door at Sweet Georgia Brown, a counter-style eatery serving Southern-style classics, such as fried chicken, hot links and tender ribs. A popular spot with Dallas locals, the restaurant is an excellent spot for a quick bite. Load up a to-go container with smothered turkey legs, mashed yams and crispy pork chops. Or, try the Polish sausage and fresh-baked cornbread. And don’t miss out on the sweeter fare, from the peach cobbler to sweet potato pie.

At Chocolate Secrets, you can enjoy small-batch bonbons amidst the buzz of live entertainment and local art. Try the Brown Butter Caramel, a bonbon with creamy browned butter and butterscotch caramel ganache wrapped in crave-worthy milk chocolate. And if you're feeling adventurous, try the Ancho Chili chocolate for a subtle, fiery kick or the PB&J for classic, nostalgic flavors. They also offer savory options for brunch, lunch, and dinner on the weekends.