Want the scoop on Dallas's buzziest local spots?
We took a data-driven look at the question, using Yelp to analyze which eateries have been getting a noteworthy increase in attention this month.
To find out who made the list, we looked at Dallas businesses on Yelp by category and counted how many reviews each received. Rather than compare them based on number of reviews alone, we calculated a percentage increase in reviews over the past month, and tracked businesses that consistently increase their volume of reviews to identify statistically significant outliers compared to past performance.
Read on to see which spots are worth exploring this spring.
Felix Culpa
Open since October, this cocktail bar, wine bar and New American spot is trending compared to other businesses categorized as "American (New)" on Yelp.
Citywide, New American spots saw a median 2.6 percent increase in new reviews over the past month, but Felix Culpa saw a 30.2 percent increase, with a slight upward trend from a three-star rating a month ago to 3.5 stars today. Moreover, on a month-to-month basis Felix Culpa's review count increased by more than 320 percent.
It's not the only trending outlier in the New American category: Twin Peaks has seen a 7.3 percent increase in reviews, and White Rock Alehouse & Brewery has seen a 10.8 percent bump.
Located at 3001 N. Henderson Ave. in M Streets, Felix Culpa offers an atmosphere of pop culture art and decor to go along with a menu of salads, pasta (like duck confit orechietti) and entrees, such as as balsalmic filet and wild caught halibut. The drink menu has 10 signature cocktail drinks, as well as an extensive wine list. (Click here to view the full menu.)
Lovers Seafood and Market
Whether or not you've been hearing buzz about Bluffview's Lovers Seafood and Market, the seafood market, which offers seafood and more, is a hot topic according to Yelp review data.
While businesses categorized as "Seafood" on Yelp saw a median 2.4 percent increase in new reviews over the past month, Lovers Seafood and Market bagged a 13.5 percent increase in new reviews within that timeframe, maintaining a healthy four-star rating. It significantly outperformed the previous month by gaining 13.0 times more reviews than expected based on its past performance.
There's more that's trending on Dallas's seafood scene: Ragin Crab Cafe has seen a 9.3 percent increase in reviews, and Red Claws Crab Shack has seen a 10.4 percent bump.
Open at 5200 W. Lovers Lane since 2017, Lovers Seafood and Market has a menu that includes chilled and raw seafood, salad and soup, favorites and hand-helds. From the soup options, try the New Orleans Seafood Gumbo or Chef Kent's Shellfish Slaw, while main course selections include Mr. B's Shrimp and Grits and the Old School Griddled Lobster Tacos. There are also daily market fish selections like scallops, rainbow trout, Texas redfish and Chilean sea bass. (Review the menu by clicking here.)
Playwright Irish Pub
Arts District's Playwright Irish Pub is also making waves. Open since November at 1722 Routh St., Suite 102, the pub and Irish spot, which offers burgers and more, has seen a 17.5 percent bump in new reviews over the last month, compared to a median review increase of 2.3 percent for all businesses tagged "Burgers" on Yelp. Moreover, on a month-to-month basis Playwright Irish Pub's review count increased by more than 1,100 percent.
There's more than one hotspot trending in Dallas's burger category: BurgerFi has seen a 9.3 percent increase in reviews.
Playwright Irish Pub houses "hundreds of whiskeys and scotches" according to its website, as well as local and Irish beers on tap. Menu standouts are the Rueben (on a pretzel bun), Howth beer-battered fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage rolls. Over the past month, it's maintained a superior 4.5-star rating among Yelpers.
Taco Diner
Northeast Dallas's Taco Diner is the city's buzziest breakfast and brunch spot by the numbers.
The Mexican, Tex-Mex and breakfast and brunch spot, which opened at 7150 Skillman St., Suite 190, last May, increased its new review count by 18.3 percent over the past month, an outlier when compared to the median new review count of 3.6 percent for the Yelp category "Breakfast & Brunch." It outperformed the previous month by gaining 1.8 times more reviews than expected based on past performance.
It's not the only trending outlier in the breakfast and brunch category: San Martín Bakery & Restaurant has seen a 32.5 percent increase in reviews.
Taco Diner serves cuisine Mexico City-style fare such as brisket enchiladas, Cabos salad, fajitas and tacos with chicken, papas, pork, beef, brisket, shrimp and fish. Brunch options are available on Saturday and Sunday.
Da Munchies
Eagle Ford's Da Munchies is currently on the upswing in the traditional American category on Yelp.
While businesses categorized as "American (Traditional)" on Yelp saw a median 2.8 percent increase in new reviews over the past month, this vegan and traditional American spot, which offers comfort food and more, increased its by 19.2 percent—and kept its rating consistent at 4.5 stars. Review counts increased by more than 140 percent on a month-to-month basis.
There's more abuzz in the world of Dallas traditional American: The Mockingbird Diner has seen a 9.4 percent increase in reviews.
Open for business at 4121 N. Westmoreland Road since August, the business offers vegan and non-vegan options. Look for fried chicken tenders or catfish, burgers, hot dogs and tacos. For herbivores, there are vegan dogs, Jack Fruit nuggets, the vegan fried chick'em basket and fried guacamole onion rings. (Click here for a full menu.)
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
