They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, and the students at SMU are no exception to that rule! Located just minutes from downtown Dallas in the posh neighborhood of Highland Park, SMU students are at the center for good eats! Read below to get the inside scoop on where Mustangs frequent for the best bites around greater Dallas. Fuel up for any event with some of these favorites!
Breakfast & Brunch
Nekter Juice Bar
Nekter is the best motivation to get up in the morning and walk to get breakfast; it is so close to campus and neighboring hotels, that it is well worth the mild walk for the acai bowl. Nekter is quick and super easy, so it’s a go-to, if you are in a rush. The healthy concoctions such as green smoothies and (my personal fave) acai bowls are sure to get you energized for the day ahead.
TOASTED Coffee + Kitchen
Located inside of the coolest open air former warehouse, you’ll find some of the best breakfast eats at Toasted. The space itself is enough of a draw for SMU students to come and study in a peaceful environment, and the delicious offerings are what keeps them fueled up. Toasted offers an array of creative toasts, coffee drinks and has expanded their menu to include sandwiches and soups. If you are stopping by for an early morning bite to eat, I’d recommend the “Don’t Get Salty” which is their take on an avocado toast as well as the french toast latte (it tastes just like the real thing!)
The Common Table
The Common Table is a hotspot for both brunch and dinner. Their brunch menu is particularly drool-worthy with favorites ranging from the breakfast wrap to chicken and waffles. The setting is also perfect, with tables accommodating large groups—perfect for dinner with new friends and their parents!
Lunch & Dinner
East Hampton Sandwich Co.
East Hampton serves some of the yummiest, most creative sandwich offerings in Dallas, and it’s only a short walk from the center of campus! East Hampton is a casual, easy lunch venue that packs an impressive punch with the mouthwatering food options. My favorite order is the Fried Chicken + Jack sandwich, it is sure to leave you with a smile and a full stomach to finish the rest of your afternoon!
Pok the Raw Bar
No place has generated the buzz around campus that Pok has, since it’s opening last winter. Pok is not only chic and completely on-trend but also delicious and even healthy. The fast-casual spot features design your own poke bowls with artisanal toppings as well as sashimi, sushi and a plethora of matcha concoctions. A must try!
Bandito’s Tex Mex Cantina
Bandito’s is a classic for SMU students, and it should be a dinner stop for any prospective ponies as well! The Tex-Mex fare is unbeatable, with the steak fajitas ranking as my favorite dish. The atmosphere of Bandito’s is also one of a kind; it feels like your classic neighborhood cantina and there is always something going on, whether it’s happy hour or a crowd gathered to watch sports on one of their many TVs.
The Blue Fish Greenville
Blue Fish is a staple for any pre-formal dinner for SMU students, and it’s no wonder it is such a popular choice. Blue Fish is decorated beautifully and has a trendy yet eclectic Japanese vibe. The bar scene is wild and they feature an assortment of cleverly crafted cocktails. The food—Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on sushi rolls—impresses even the pickiest of fish eaters.
Dessert
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Not only is the aesthetic of this funky bakery on point (they have a bright pink cupcake ATM!) but so are the desserts. With a constantly changing menu of cupcakes, you could get something different every time. Classics include the red velvet, which goes perfectly with their red velvet ice cream. The salty caramel cupcake is also a must try for caramel fans.
JD’s Chippery
Craving some sugar or a quick but yummy pick me up? Look no further than JD’s. Located just a few blocks from campus, this sweet spot is known for their delicious homemade muffins and cookies (their snickerdoodle is life changing) they also have great drinks such as their freshly-squeezed cherry limeade.
Steel City Pops
Steel City’s popsicles are the perfect afternoon treat when you are trying to beat that Texas sun! Tours and other campus activities can you leave drained and tired, which is why Steel City’s student center location is such a bonus. They have unique craft popsicles with decadent and creative flavors. Try the buttermilk to experiment or stick with coconut for a great classic.
