The Oak Lawn Neighborhood Guide

Oak Lawn is an elegant and vibrant district that draws people from all walks of life. Located in the heart of Dallas, it is home to Cedar Springs Road, an expansive area filled with bustling nightlife, an array of eclectic eateries, and lively entertainment venues. From karaoke bars and drag shows to country-western dancing, the area has something for everyone. Nature lovers can explore the picturesque hiking and biking trails that run alongside Turtle Creek and through Oak Lawn Park, a tranquil oasis with the stately Arlington Hall events venue. Whether you're looking for nightlife, culture, or some peace and quiet, Oak Lawn has it all.

Overview

Oak Lawn is not up-and-coming – Oak Lawn has arrived. An older neighborhood full of a mix of urban professionals, upscale condos, and historic single-family homes, Oak Lawn can be a bit slower-paced than neighboring area Uptown, but otherwise has a similar feel. There’s a large variety of delicious food options alongside friendly, yet hip neighborhood bars. A vibrant part of Dallas, Oak Lawn also boasts some of our favorite nightlife spots in the city.

The Neighbors

You’ll be surrounded by younger professionals hot in pursuit of their careers. Oak Lawn tends to attract people who want to feel like they’re living in a small community inside the convenience of the big city. Your neighbors enjoy laidback days at Turtle Creek Park or Katy Trail and long nights out at upscale restaurants or a dive bar. Oak Lawn is also considered the epicenter of gay and lesbian culture in the Dallas area, with many fun events catering to that population and allies.

Food

Taqueria La Ventana

1611 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75202

Taqueria La Ventana (translates to "the window") is a funky, fast-casual taqueria offering everyday, authentic Mexico City street food. The fresh ingredients, handmade tortillas and locally sourced produce will go down almost as smoothly as their refreshing margaritas.

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Street’s Fine Chicken

3857 Cedar Springs Rd.Dallas, TX 75219

‍Street's Fine Chicken is southern favorites and a lot of fried chicken options populate the menu of this binge-worthy Cedar Springs restaurant. The friendly staff and consistently high quality make this a crowd pleaser.

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Sachet

4270 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Sachet will transport you to a new gastronomic universe with its astonishing combination of seasonings and flavors. Dig into the lushest lamb ribs or the incredibly tender branzino. Sachet also offers small plates, indulge in an array of delectable hors d'oeuvres, such as the crunchy cauliflower or the burrata with figs. Then enjoy it all with a customized Spanish gin drink or one of their select regional wines.

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Open Sesame Lebanese Grill

2615 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Open Sesame Lebanese Grill, a Lebanese bistro in Oak Lawn, has quickly become a local favorite due to its simple yet tasty menu. Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike can find something to enjoy here, with vegetarian options like falafel, tabbouleh, and lentil soup. For the meat eater, the shish tawook is a must-try. The chicken kabobs come beautifully plated with a side of Fattoush salad and hummus, making it a truly unforgettable meal. No matter what your preference, Open Sesame is sure to have something to please your palate.

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Luckys Café

3531 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Lucky's Café is a local go-to spot for Chicken Fried Steak and breakfast throughout the day. The menu features fresh and unadulterated components with ingredients obtained locally. There are day-to-day specials on the chalkboard along with a range of vegetarian dishes that cater to every taste.

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Drinks

Station 4

3911 Cedar Springs Rd.‍Dallas, TX 75219

When you want to go out hard, look no further than S4, one of Oak Lawn’s most popular gay clubs. If you're tired of the huge (and usually packed) dance floor, sound system, and light show, the upstairs Granite bar and outdoor patio let you hang out in a slightly quieter, but still cool venue.

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The Grapevine Bar

3902 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

Sometimes, you just want to hit up a dive bar. Grapevine encourages patrons to “check your attitude at the door,” and the rooftop deck and huge patio has no lack of TVs, leafy trees, and chances to grab drinks.

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Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall

3912 Cedar Springs Road Dallas, TX 75219

Open since 1980, The Round-Up sure knows how to have a good time. Kick up your heels and dance at the famous establishment, known as the country’s best gay country western dance hall. Their heart is also in the right place, with the venue raising over $120,000 a year for a variety of charities through their events.

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18^th and Vine

4100 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

If you’re hankering for Kansas City-style BBQ in an upscale environment, then co-founders Pitmaster Mall Dallman and award-winning chef Scot Gottlich have got you covered. In 18th and Vine, you can chow down on BBQ with one hand and enjoy a cocktail from the full-service bar with the other.

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Fun – Entertainment and Social Events

Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade

Oak Lawn Area, Dallas, TX 75219

Oak Lawn is considered to be the epicenter of Dallas and Fort Worth’s gay and lesbian scene, and the Texas Freedom Parade plays a large part in celebrating that culture with a raucous parade each year during Pride month in June.

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Halloween Block Party (NOTE: there does not appear to be an official site for this event)

3900 Block of Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas, Texas 75219

If you want a real Halloween party, then you’ll have to come to Oak Lawn for this famous block party featuring a Costume Promenade with commentary. There’s a live DJ, food, and beer, and the party rages from 7pm to 2am on the Saturday (October 28th) before Halloween.

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Turtle Creek Arts Festival

2400 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75219

Turtle Creek Arts Festival returns to Reverchon Park, a 43-acre community park. Each year it will host a Spring Arts and Craft festival (in April) and a fine arts event in the fall (October). This event will feature up to 125 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters! The Festival will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, a children’s play area, plus festival foods and beverages with healthy alternatives.

The Turtle Creek Fine Arts Festival is held in Dallas’s historic park, Reverchon Park.

3505 Maple Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219

2400 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75219

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Turtle Creek Arts Festival‍

November 11-13, 2023

‍Festival Hours

Saturday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Sunday 11:00AM – 5:00PM

‍Parking

There is limited parking available inside Reverchon park at the ball field area and recreation center, additional parking at Scotish Rites Children hospital which is next door to the park at: 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX 45219. With plenty of public parking in the surrounding area neighborhood.

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Schools

‍George Bannerman Dealey Montessori

6501 Royal Ln, Dallas, TX 75230

George Bannerman Dealey Montessori is a highly rated, public, magnet school. It has 614 students in grades PK, K-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. According to state test scores, 91% of students are at least proficient in math and 88% in reading.

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‍School for the Talented & Gifted in Pleasant Grove

9610 Bruton Rd, Dallas, TX 75217

School for the Talented & Gifted In Pleasant Grove is a highly rated, public school. It has 390 students in grades 4-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. According to state test scores, 96% of students are at least proficient in math and 76% in reading.

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Sudie L. Williams Talented and Gifted Academy

4518 Pomona Rd, Dallas, TX 75209

Sudie L. Williams Talented & Gifted Academy is a highly rated, public school. It has 424 students in grades 4-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, 95% of students are at least proficient in math and 87% in reading.

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Hyer Elementary School

3920 Caruth Blvd, Dallas, TX 75225

Robert S. Hyer Elementary School is a top rated, public school. It has 492 students in grades K-4 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. According to state test scores, 84% of students are at least proficient in math and 83% in reading.

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University Park Elementary School

3500 Lovers Ln, Dallas, TX 75225

University Park Elementary School is a top rated, public school. It has 446 students in grades PK, K-4 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. According to state test scores, 85% of students are at least proficient in math and 84% in reading.

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Parks

Katy Trail

Built on an old railway line, this beautiful natural spot in the heart of the neighborhood is brimming with possibilities, from biking on the well-maintained paths to strolling with kids and family. Best of all, as part of the Dallas Park system the trail is open and well-lit from 5am-midnight each day.

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Turtle Creek Park

This park, just north of downtown, is a runner’s dream with lovely trails and quick access to nature. For the non-runners among us, check out the turtles who lend their name to the park as you enjoy a picnic and/or treat your dog to a trot.

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The Style

Oak Lawn is filled with varied possibilities for retail therapy, especially if you want to freshen up your new place. If you’re looking to make a day of it, explore Oak Lawn, then pop over to the neighboring Design District for even more furniture, vintage finds and home accessories

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Transportation

• DART Bus Stops
• Oak Lawn is well serviced by public buses. You can use the DART trip planner for specific information for individual jaunts.
• Light Rail
• The blue line and the red line (the two original modern rail lines in Dallas) both stop right outside Oak Lawn at Cityplace Station, making it a good choice for people who like to combine public transit with driving.
• Trolley
• The charming McKinney Trolley is free to ride from Lomac and Uptown
• Oak Lawn is certainly a walkable neighborhood, with centrally located restaurants and attractions such as Turtle Creek Park. One benefit is that a night out doesn’t mean an endless search for a parking spot

Why You’ll Love It

Oak Lawn offers a little of everything for everyone – if you want to go out on the town, there are a plethora of bars and restaurants. Whether you have kids in tow or are blissfully childless, outdoor events and amenities like arts festivals, parks, and trails are great for whiling away the days in the sunshine. And there’s such a large, varied food scene provided by area restaurants that you’ll never get bored.

Why You Won’t

Oak Lawn is certainly an established neighborhood at this point, so if you’re looking for a neighborhood where things are always changing and in flux, this may not be for you.