Over the last 30 years, the Bishop Arts District has become one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Dallas, and it’s no surprise as to why. The charming area just southwest of Downtown Dallas boasts independent bookstores, locally-owned sweet shops, and community-hosted events throughout the year. In fact, it coined itself “Dallas’ Most Independent Neighborhood,” so you know there are some unique places to explore.
Ready to know what it’s really like to live here? Let’s dive into what a day in your new neighborhood would look like – from where you’d get your hangover-curing brunch to where you might go on a first date.
The Neighborhood
The 10-block district technically sits in the North Oak Cliff neighborhood. Along W Davis Street, the main thoroughfare, is where you can find the popular First Thursday events, the neighborhood’s Wine Walk, and Oak Cliff’s very own annual Mardi Gras Parade. The rest of the shops, art galleries, and restaurants are clustered on the surrounding streets, like N Bishop and N Madison Avenues.
Commute
A big reason this neighborhood’s revitalization was so successful is its streetcar stop. The DART-run Dallas streetcar makes select stops along its 2.5-mile route, and Bishop Arts District is one of them. In under 15 minutes, you can hop on the (free!) streetcar and get from Bishop Arts to Union Station in Downtown Dallas. From there, you can hop on a bus, walk, or take a rideshare to work, depending on where it’s located.
If you’re considering driving to Downtown, you can choose between a traffic-filled drive on 35E or a bit shorter drive through town along N. Zang Blvd.
Rent
In the Bishop Arts District, rent prices vary depending on which type of apartment you want. A newly-constructed one-bedroom in the area (think: the new construction on the corner of Davis Street and N Beckley Ave.) will cost you upwards of $1,400, a bit more than the median price for one-bedroom apartments in Dallas. However, an older, less modern apartment can be found for around $900.
Eat
Where to get your morning coffee: Cultivar Coffee
You’ll certainly have your options, but Cultivar Coffee is one of the best. Their coffee is responsibly sourced, roasted in house, and comes in at under $4 a cup. The interior is spacious and they have a small breakfast and lunch menu in case you need a little extra fuel with your coffee.
The best take-out spot: Chan Thai Restaurant
When you’ve had a particularly bad day at work or you really just don’t want to cook, Chan Thai is a great go-to take-out place. Their Pad Thai is a fan favorite and the crispy fried spring rolls pair perfectly with it. Order takeout and treat yourself.
Where to get your hangover-curing brunch: Tribal All Day Cafe
You know that feeling when you had a little too much fun the night before and the only thing you want is a fresh, yummy meal to nourish your body (and soul)? Enter Tribal. Their menu is prepared with local ingredients and varies from the salad – packed with veggies like carrots, radish, tomato, sprouts, avocado, and topped with black pepper sesame granola and house-made tamari dressing – to the tacos with avocado, sweet potatoes, scrambled eggs, and pico de gallo. Whatever you get, you’re guaranteed to feel much better when you walk out than when you walked in.
Your new favorite dinner restaurant: Eno’s Pizza Tavern
The dinner choice is tough in this district because it’s loaded with great options, but Eno’s is truly a neighborhood staple. The atmosphere here is always lively and the service is friendly. The thin-crust pizza and draft beer selection keep customers coming back again and again, but you’ll just have to try it for yourself.
Drink
The bars in Bishop Arts District are plentiful, and the only problem you’ll have is deciding which one to go to. Here’s our take on four of the best spots depending on your mood.
The dive bar where everyone knows your name: Oak Cliff Social Club
Where to drink outside on a patio: Ten Bells Tavern
Where to get cocktails on a first date: The Botanist
Where to get a great happy hour: The Local Oak
What to do in the neighborhood
- Boutiques/Shops
- All Good Things: Go-to spot for greeting cards, stationery and desk supplies, and locally-made gifts
- Green Pet Dallas: Local, independently-owned pet supply shop with eco-friendly toys and all-natural foods
- Dude, Sweet Chocolate: Sweets shop selling artisanal dark chocolates made from locally-sourced ingredients
- Emporium Pie: Bakery in a converted house churning out the best pies in the city
- Lucky Dog Books: Neighborhood bookstore selling used books, movies, and music
- Theaters/Venues
- Bishop Arts Theater Center: Non-profit venue with local jazz and theater performances plus an arts education program
- The Kessler Theater: Art Deco theater showing musical acts and films plus a separate dining area and two bars
- Texas Theater: Historic theater (and site of Lee Harvey Oswald’s capture) showing horror movies and classics on a nightly basis
- Markets
- Bishop Arts Saturday Market: Weekly market filled with local vendors selling wine, candles, jewelry, and more
Top-rated places and events
Let’s not forget the things that put Bishop Arts on the map and draw tourists and locals to the neighborhood throughout the year.
Lockhart Smokehouse
Rivaling that of Deep Ellum’s own Pecan Lodge, Lockhart’s is a staple in this neighborhood. In fact, people come from all over the country to try the authentic BBQ here. Their meats are smoked and are so moist you won’t even need to add BBQ sauce. Don’t forget about the sides, either. The habanero mac n’ cheese and spicy pickles are fan favorites (but definitely have a kick!) and the deviled eggs are one of the more unique side options out there.
Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade
An Oak Cliff-run parade with an Oak Cliff twist, this is one of the neighborhood’s most exciting events. The parade takes place mostly along W Davis Street, but the entire event features an official block party, a crawfish boil, a 5K and 10K race, and a themed Masquerade. This is one free neighborhood event you won’t want to miss.
Ready to call Bishop Arts Home? Search for thousands of homes and apartments on Zumper and get ready for the big move!
Related content
