Find the Best Things to Do in Lower Greenville
By Ilene Jacobs
Dallas Local Expert
About Lower Greenville
Photo courtesy of The Grape Restaurant Facebook
Home to the largest St. Patrick's Day parade and block party in the Southwest, Lower Greenville Avenue encompasses a long stretch of road in East Dallas that runs north of Ross Avenue to Mockingbird Lane. Thanks to a recent face-lift along the lowest section of the street (between Ross and Richmond), Lower Greenville, as a whole, has evolved from being a rowdy party district for late night revelers to a casually hip 'hood boasting an ever-growing crop of eclectic shops, laid-back watering holes and delicious dining gems. Day or night, Lower Greenville Avenue is one of Dallas' neighborhoods that should be on every visitor's hit list.
See & Do
In addition to a menagerie of eateries, gastropubs and eclectic boutiques, Lower Greenville Avenue is home to the historic Granada Theater, a stunning 1946 Art Deco style movie theater filled with opulent murals designed by the same artists who did Los Angeles’ famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Nowadays, the theater is best known as one of the city's top live-music venues, touting a monthly calendar chock-full of local and big-name national acts.
Eat
Thanks to a burgeoning restaurant scene, diners have a plethora of options to choose from. Tuck into casual French delights at longtime neighborhood favorite, The Grape, a place also known for having the best burgers in the state. Or indulge in modern Texas fare at Wayward Sons, one of Dallas' hottest new restaurants. There's also places like Cafe Izmir, the city's go-to spot for Mediterranean tapas and Gloria's Latin Cuisine, known for its delectable Salvadoran and Mexican specialties.
Party
If you're looking for a low-key, yet lively night on the town, then you've come to the right place. Begin your evening sipping cocktails and soaking up the skyline views from the rooftop patio of the Sundown at Granada. Then head over to some of Greenville Avenue's quintessential neighborhood watering holes, like the Dubliner, Dallas' oldest Irish pub or Stan's Blue Note, a down-home dive bar boasting cheap drinks, trivia nights and non-stop televised sports. Speaking of sports, there's not a more congenial place to cheer on your favorite team than at the 504 Bar and Grill. And if it's live music you crave, be sure to check out the concert lineup at the iconic Granada Theater.
Stay
While the largest variety of accommodations can be found a few miles south in downtown Dallas, those wishing to sleep even closer can do so at The Highland Dallas, located just a few blocks west of Greenville Avenue at Mockingbird Lane and U.S. 75. This swanky hotel sports everything from a heated infinity pool and full-service spa to the highly acclaimed Knife restaurant, one of Dallas' top steakhouses.
Shop
From vintage threads to quirky finds, Lower Greenville is the place to go for one-of-a-kind shopping. Looking for a souvenir that screams Dallas? Head over to Bullzerk, a funky shop peddling T-shirts and gift items bearing humorous adages about Big D. Fashionistas can get in a little retail therapy at Buffalo Exchange, a well-curated consignment shop stocked with designer duds for ladies and gents. More fashion hits can be had at the twin boutiques of H.D.’s Clothing Company. And vinyl junkies will definitely want to check out Good Records' collection of CDs and LPs that span a mishmash of genres.