Dallas, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The State Fair of Texas is currently underway, affecting local dining as nearby restaurants and bars grapple with altered customer patterns. The fair, running until October 19, draws crowds for fried food, while the Michelin Guide will announce its Texan honorees on October 28. New restaurant openings and special events are contributing to an evolving dining landscape in Dallas, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for local food establishments this month.
Dallas — The State Fair of Texas is running from now until October 19, becoming a major event for fried food vendors and their fans, and the event is reshaping the local dining calendar as restaurants and bars prepare for crowds and shifting customer patterns. The Michelin Guide will reveal its honorees for the second year in Texas on October 28, with opinions published the following day, adding another focal point for diners and operators this month.
Immediate impacts and short-term outlook
The Fair negatively impacts nearby restaurants and bars, causing slower sales due to crowd navigation concerns. Some operators report difficulty attracting regular customers during peak Fair hours, while vendors inside the Fair see increased traffic centered on fried and novelty foods. Recommended post-Fair venues include Far Out bar, Las Almas Rotas mezcalería, and Whiskeys bar for diners who want alternatives after attending the Fair.
New openings and service changes this October
Café Olivia opened on October 1, serving breakfast, lunch, matcha, coffee, and a signature chocolate chip cookie with milk. Brya Zan Thai Noodle + Brew, from the team behind Malai Kitchen, opened in Plano, featuring Thai food, craft beer, and a drive-thru window. The Highland hotel has replaced the former steakhouse Knife with a new steakhouse called The Reserve, utilizing the original dry-aging closet.
Meridian restaurant will reopen on October 17 after a yearlong closure and remodeling, featuring a $99 Sunday supper for four with proceeds supporting Meat Fight charity. Taco y Vino has opened a new location in downtown Garland, offering a cocktail menu. Domodomo Kō introduced lunch service on September 30, highlighting dosirak bento boxes.
Chef Wes Whitsell has implemented a new menu at Georgie featuring farm-produce dishes like venison tartare and upscale shrimp and grits. Several small-format venues and neighborhood concepts also announced openings or menu shifts this month.
Events, pop-ups and community happenings
Marcello Andres Ceramics celebrates its fifth birthday with a $75 ticketed event on October 5 featuring food from notable chefs and music. Another fifth birthday celebration is happening on October 8 at Encina’s with discounted burgers, fries, and martinis. Fond restaurant will host a natural wine dinner on October 2 featuring Henry Crowson of Crowson Wines.
Bazaar pop-up will have two events this October: Pasta y Vino on October 12 and a six-course dinner at Mot Hai Ba on October 27. Dude, Sweet Chocolate plans a Halloween party with themed food like pig roast and spiked drinking chocolate. Greenville Avenue bar Alamo Club now serves a housemade condiment called Dallas Sauce and has an official merchandise shirt available.
Local favorites, plates and menu expansions
Zavala’s Barbecue has a nostalgic two-meat plate served on an actual plate. Xamán Café is noted for its exceptional chilaquiles and creative sandwich offerings. Notable dishes at Sachet included grilled branzino and indulgent porchetta melt sandwich. Koreatown deli Damasita is expanding its menu with more cooked food items. Cosmic Cantina serves flavorful taco truck offerings.
Historic fabric and neighborhood changes
Historic buildings on Exposition Avenue have recently been demolished, causing mixed feelings among local business owners regarding restoration versus demolition costs. The decisions have prompted conversations about preservation, redevelopment expenses, and neighborhood identity as new and renovated dining spaces enter the market.
Past and upcoming openings
Previous restaurant openings included the upscale Greek restaurant Avra and others like Mamani, Sauvage, and No. 1 Steak. Upcoming restaurants include a pug café in Frisco, a Mediterranean fine dining spot, and two-in-one dining concept Ateliê and Origen in Bishop Arts, signaling continued expansion across the region.
Context
There’s a call for the Dallas Morning News to revive restaurant reviews under new ownership by Hearst as the local dining scene attracts attention from national guides and regional food communities. The combination of large-scale events, new openings, chef-driven menu changes, and industry awards is shaping both short-term traffic and longer-term dining trends.
FAQ
When is the State Fair of Texas running?
The State Fair of Texas is running from now until October 19, becoming a major event for fried food vendors and their fans.
How does the Fair affect nearby restaurants and bars?
The Fair negatively impacts nearby restaurants and bars, causing slower sales due to crowd navigation concerns.
Where can people go after the Fair?
Recommended post-Fair venues include Far Out bar, Las Almas Rotas mezcalería, and Whiskeys bar.
When will the Michelin Guide announce honorees in Texas?
The Michelin Guide will reveal its honorees for the second year in Texas on October 28, with opinions published the following day.
What are some notable openings this October?
Café Olivia opened on October 1, serving breakfast, lunch, matcha, coffee, and a signature chocolate chip cookie with milk. Brya Zan Thai Noodle + Brew, from the team behind Malai Kitchen, opened in Plano, featuring Thai food, craft beer, and a drive-thru window. The Highland hotel has replaced the former steakhouse Knife with a new steakhouse called The Reserve, utilizing the original dry-aging closet.
What special events are scheduled in October?
Marcello Andres Ceramics celebrates its fifth birthday with a $75 ticketed event on October 5 featuring food from notable chefs and music. Bazaar pop-up will have two events this October: Pasta y Vino on October 12 and a six-course dinner at Mot Hai Ba on October 27. Fond restaurant will host a natural wine dinner on October 2 featuring Henry Crowson of Crowson Wines.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Major event | The State Fair of Texas is running from now until October 19, becoming a major event for fried food vendors and their fans. |
| Industry impact | The Fair negatively impacts nearby restaurants and bars, causing slower sales due to crowd navigation concerns. |
| Guide and awards | The Michelin Guide will reveal its honorees for the second year in Texas on October 28, with opinions published the following day. |
| Notable openings | Café Olivia; Brya Zan Thai Noodle + Brew in Plano; The Reserve at the Highland hotel; Meridian reopening Oct 17; Taco y Vino in downtown Garland. |
| Events | Marcello Andres Ceramics fifth birthday (Oct 5); Encina fifth birthday (Oct 8); Bazaar pop-ups Oct 12 and Oct 27; Fond wine dinner Oct 2. |
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Additional Resources
- D Magazine: Rants and Raves – Dallas Food
- Dallas News: Where to Eat – October 2025
- Dallas Observer: Most Anticipated Restaurants – Fall 2025
- PaperCity: New Dallas Restaurants – Fall 2025
- Secret Dallas: Michelin Guide Texas Announcement
- Wikipedia: Texas
- Google Search: Dallas Restaurants News
- Google Scholar: Dallas Food Scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
- Google News: Dallas Food Events
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
