In Dallas, you'll find plenty of restaurants in the West End Historic District. For a more avant-garde scene, head for Deep Ellum, a 20-minute walk east from downtown, where bars, clubs, and restaurants proliferate. The area centers on Commerce, Main, and Elm streets. McKinney Avenue, just north of downtown, is also lined with bustling bars and trendy restaurants.

In Fort Worth, restaurants and nightclubs are grouped around Sundance Square (bounded by Houston, Commerce, 2nd, and 3rd Streets), the Stockyard Station (130 E. Exchange Avenue, tel. 817/625-9715), and Exchange Avenue.

Prices are for a 3-course meal excluding drinks, tips, and taxes.