Awesome fried chicken and old-school sides like corn, mashed potatoes, and iceberg salad are served up family-style at this DFW staple. (Just beware the Hokey-Pokey.)

Tolbert's is now located in Grapevine rather than downtown Dallas as the original chili parlor was, but it's worth the trek to sample the classic "bowl of red" at least once. After all, chiliisthe official state dish of Texas.

Keller's is one of the few remaining drive-ins in town, and it’s been serving up delicious, thin-pattied burgers on poppy seed-encrusted buns since 1965. Get a side of tots and a milkshake to go with it.

The dry-aged steaks aside, the real iconic dish at Knife is the Ozersky. Created in tribute to chef John Tesar's pal and late culinary writer Josh Ozersky, this burger is one of the finest in a city that is positively saturated with patties.

Enchiladas might be considered the classic Tex-Mex dish, but Dallas has a deep and unyielding love for brisket tacos. Mia’s claims to have invented them, and whether or not that’s true, the combination of warm flour tortilla, tender meat, sweet onions and poblano peppers and that delicious gravy is essential Dallas eating.

Bob Armstrong dip may have been invented in Austin, but Dallasites have adopted it as their own. This off-menu creation at Matt's gilds the lily with taco meat, guac, and sour cream. Chips and queso is not the official food of Dallas, but maybe it should be?

Dark and divey Louie's has been serving Chicago-style thin-crust bar pizzas to a loyal crowd since 1987, which is why there's always a pack of regulars parked outside. (The Caesar salad is also a must.)

This gem of an Italian market in East Dallas is a required stop for, well, everyone. The deli counter at the back serves killer sandwiches (which are huge for the price). They're all great and everyone seems to have their own favorite, but it's hard to go wrong with the Italian Stallion, which is loaded with every Italian cold cut known to man.

Created by chef Dean Fearing back in the 80’s, the tomato-based tortilla soup with avocado and crispy tortilla strips has followed the chef from his post at the Mansion Restaurant to his chic, Texas-inspired haven at the Ritz Carlton.

Chef Teiichi Sakurai’s sushi and soba destination in the Dallas Arts District has earned both national accolades and a dedicated crowd of locals. The sushi is ridiculously fresh, but don’t forget to order chef Teach’s incredible green tea soba.

Dallas has plenty of time-honored barbecue places, but none of them do gloriously smoky, succulent brisket like Pecan Lodge. Still capable of creating lengthy lines, the smoked meats at Pecan Lodge are an essential Dallas experience.

Classic diner-style pie with fluffy "mile-high" meringue keeps folks coming back to Oak Cliff's 59-year-old Norma's. Get a slice of chocolate, lemon, or chocolate peanut butter paired with a cup of coffee for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Named and known for the gloriously paprika-spiked pork on a spit, Trompo has earned recognition from Dallasites and national publications alike. Enjoy a few of the classic trompo tacos, and don’t be surprised when a second round (perhaps a quesadilla, or a vegetarian taco with poblano?) feels totally essential.

Though the name says “donuts,” the must-order item at Hypnotic Donuts is actually a chicken biscuit, easily large enough for two meals, and topped with spicy honey, jalapeños, cream cheese, bacon, pickles or gravy, depending on the specific tastes of the orderer.