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Find the Best Things to Do in Deep Ellum
By Ilene Jacobs
Dallas Local Expert
About Deep Ellum
Photo courtesy of Deep Ellum Arts Festival Website
Deep Ellum, which is Southern-ese for Deep Elm (the area's original name) used to be a mecca for jazz and blues artists back in the 1920's. Now this eclectic enclave, located just a few blocks east of downtown, is Dallas' hippest hood– boasting a thriving nightlife scene, delectable eateries, art galleries and one-of-a-kind shops.
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See & Do
Culture and creativity make up Deep Ellum's core, and no where is this more evident than in its attractions. Not only is the area home to some of the city's most iconic outdoor art, it also offers a variety of performing arts venues like the Dallas Comedy House and the Undermain Theatre. Deep Ellum also hosts year-round events and festivals, including the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, a 3-day neighborhood-wide party– featuring over 100 bands, art and great food.
Eat
An ever-growing lineup of chef-driven restaurants, gastro pubs, coffee shops and casual mom-and-pop eateries has turned Deep Ellum into the city's newest foodie haven. Here, visitors can chow down on everything from mouthwatering barbecue at Pecan Lodge, artisanal pizzas at Il Cane Rosso and northern Chinese street food at Monkey King Noodle Co. to gourmet burgers at Twisted Root, pub grub at Angry Dog and haute cuisine at Twenty-Seven.
Party
Deep Ellum is famous for its nightlife, especially when it comes to live music venues– where countless music legends have graced the stages of places like The Prophet Bar, Trees and The Bomb Factory. For dancing there's the Lizard Lounge, and for artisanal cocktails in chill surrounds, check out the Black Swan Saloon. And no night out in Deep Ellum is complete without a visit to the best dive bar in the country, Double Wide.
Shop
Deep Ellum's rebirth has spurred on a bevy of new shops that are as eclectic as the neighborhood. Dapper gents can get their groove on at Epocha and gals can get glammed up at Dallas Pinup. Vintage lovers will have a heyday shopping the stalls at Lula B's antique mall or scouring through the vintage collectibles at B4. And Life of Riley has everything from retro-mod furnishings to home decor.
