Irishman in Dallas
Posted by Repulsive-Employer32@reddit | askdfw | View on Reddit | 21 comments
Well howya, as mentioned above, I’m Irish (24m) heading to Dallas after Louisville KY, (24-27th May). I’m travelling alone and have rented a car. Looking for a real Texas experience. By that I mean rodeos, line dancing and country music - this is what I imagine happens there from tv influence. Is there any local rodeos or bars that could be recommended for something along those lines. I plan on staying in the Sova micro room hotel / Springhill Suites by Marriott. If theres any other local events happening around those dates also any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Sound lads. Appreciate any suggestions.
stykface@reddit
If you're on the east side of town, Mesquite Rodeo for the bulls and horses, Mesquite BBQ for Texas style BBQ, Silver Saloon or Southern Junction for Texas dancing and fun.
TxDad56@reddit
If you want the "real Texas experience" from a Dallas perspective, drive along Interstate 635, 30, or 20 as fast as possible (often under 10 miles per hour, but sometimes up to 80mph), and swear at the other drivers. Eat at ridiculously upscale restaurants or super humble Tex-Mex places. Both in the same day probably (honestly, most restaurants here are pretty good). Ask locals for directions, but don't be surprised if they include turning "where the [something] used to be." Your Irish accent will be as welcome as any other. You may be have a hard time finding anyone with a Texas drawl like on TV or the movies. A LOT of people in the DFW areas are transplants, and even the native Texans mostly don't have much of an accent in the cities, although you can find some in some small pockets. Don't expect to see many cowboy hats around, except in cowboy bars or in tourist traps.
Don't expect to see mountains or forests. Expect lots of concrete and urban sprawl.
Welcome, and have fun!
ramenoodz@reddit
wow so edgy of you
jessy_pooh@reddit
Fort Worth stockyards will have everything you need. Billy bobs will have the line dancing and music. They also have a rodeo but I’m not sure of their schedule.
However since you’re staying in Dallas, Red River is another option for line dancing and country music.
Repulsive-Employer32@reddit (OP)
Legend, thank you!
inthebigd@reddit
Wish you well, you will get the real Texas experience you’re looking for and then some. People will welcome you with open arms. Sláinte!
Love_Britannia@reddit
I second visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards. They have a daily cattle drive at 11:30 and 4:00, free to watch. Billy Bob’s should give you the Texas honky tonk, dancing experience you’re looking for. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bbq is nearby, and it’s an excellent representation of Texas barbecue. While you’re in the stockyards, you really should stop in for some Tex mex food. Pro tip from a former local: A lot of people would tell you to go to Joe T’s (Joe T. Garcia’s), but don’t do it. It’s good, but it’s an overpriced tourist trap. Go to Esperanza’s instead. It’s on Main, caddy corner from Joe T’s. It’s owned by the same people as Joe T’s, but it’s cheaper, with a wider selection, more authentic (closer to Mex than Tex), and unlike Joe T’s, which is cash only, you can pay with a card. Have fun!
Some1getmeablanket@reddit
As someone who loved Ireland with my entire heart when I visited last year - I hope you have the same feelings towards DFW (admittedly no promises, though). That said, the suggestions here are spot on & should check off everything you need. Have a fantastic time!
WHATtheTRUCK2020@reddit
The NCHA (National Cutting Horse Association) has a show going on until April 14th in Fort Worth at the Will Rogers Coliseum. It’s usually free to get into the show, other than paying to park. There’s also a lot of western vendors and shopping there. I’ve always found it to be a lot of fun to go watch and walk around at all the horse events and shows held there.
https://www.nchacutting.com/events/superstakes
https://www.instagram.com/nchacutting?igsh=Mm8xNTZwbWpyb2d0
DifficultHat@reddit
Billy Bobs Texas is a must if you want the real Texas Honky Tonk experience.
Texas22@reddit
Oh man. You missed the PBR Finals at AT&T Stadium by one week (the Super Bowl of Rodeo).
Definitely check out Red River or Billy Bob’s for the dancing.
Amissa@reddit
If you’re driving about Plano, stop by H-E-B or Central Market (also in Dallas) for a snack. I recommend Blue Bell ice cream if that’s not available at home. If you like chocolate milk, buy Promised Land chocolate milk. You won’t regret it.
If you like to drink, try Bishop Arts Cider (available at bars and grocery stores). Two of my favorite drinking places include Craft and Growler near Fair Park, and On Rotation near Love Field Airport. They’ll be stocked with local stuff to try.
Enjoy your visit!
PomeloPepper@reddit
Hit up Hacienda Ranch for TexMex. The decor is part of the experience.
gonzfather@reddit
Cowboys Red River does line dancing lessons every night from Wed - Sat. You’ll get a good taste of country music too
antarcticgecko@reddit
The Texas experience isn't complete without eating good BBQ and TexMex. There is lots of other good local and ethnic food from basically everywhere if you're into that but you can't miss the two most important. This publication has a full time BBQ editor and Taco editor so they're reliable.
BBQ - find the closest of these to you and dig in. https://www.texasmonthly.com/interactive/top-50-bbq-2021/
Best Tacos - same. https://www.texasmonthly.com/food/50-best-tacos-texas/
Wonderful-Run-1408@reddit
If you want to hang out in a fun neighborhood, check out Uptown Dallas. It's walkable, lots of bars and restaurants and it's all 20somethings. A totally fun (gay and straight) country bar is Roundup in the Oaklawn neighborhood. In Uptown, check out Standard Pour (has a great happy hour). If you're sporty, check out Nodding Donkey. If you like to run, check out the Katy Trail
waitstaph@reddit
Get a bit out of Dallas. Go to Rockett Cafe, Western Kountry Klub, or Southern Junction. Though in Dallas proper, don’t miss Adair’s. As far as rodeos are concerned, the Hood county stampede is the 24th, granbury is a little over an hour from Dallas. You’ll just miss the Celina rodeo which is the 30th at southfork (the ranch from the show Dallas).
Dfordomar@reddit
Also, the Mesquite Rodeo is another option - https://www.mesquiterodeo.com/tickets
spacedman_spiff@reddit
Honestly, you should check out the Fort Worth Stockyards. It will have the Texas tourist experience.
Repulsive-Employer32@reddit (OP)
Appreciate that thank you!
spacedman_spiff@reddit
You can make a day and night of it.