Find the Best Things to Do in Oak Lawn

By
Dallas Local Expert

About Oak Lawn

Oak Lawn Photo courtesy of Ilene Jacobs

Situated two-miles northwest of Downtown, the Oak Lawn neighborhood is a diverse and vibrant area boasting an abundance of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, boutiques and a packed calendar of community events. Decidedly progressive and open-minded, the district has evolved from being the hub of the city's counterculture movement in the '60s and '70s to becoming known as one of the top gay-friendly 'hoods in the country.

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See & Do

Not only is Oak Lawn a mostly walkable 'hood, it's also home to several of Dallas's more notable parks–including Oak Lawn Park, a popular sight for public events, picnics and strolls around Turtle Creek. Also located within the same stretch is Reverchon Park as well as the Katy Trail, a 3.5-mile concrete hike-bike trail that winds through parts of Uptown, Downtown and Highland Park.

Eat

The Oak Lawn area offers a wide range of restaurants to satisfy any culinary craving and budget. When you're in a bit of a rush, head over to eatZi's, a European style market filled with enough culinary options to tempt even the most discerning foodie. Hit Uchi for the most imaginative Japanese fare in town or stop into Nonna for upscale Italian cuisine. And when nothing less than the best will do, The Mansion Restaurant always delivers an unforgettable experience. 

Oak Lawn's Best Restaurants

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Party

While this neighborhood is bustling during the day– it's at night when the streets really come alive. For a classy evening of sips and jazz, head to the Library Bar at the Warwick Melrose Hotel. Or for something more unique, stop in at the Windmill Lounge, a funky dive where everyone knows your name. The area, particularly along Cedar Springs Road, is where you'll find the city's most vibrant LGBT nightlife scene. Whether for drag nights, dancing or just mingling, be sure to check out popular clubs like J.R.’s Bar and Grill and the Round-Up Saloon.

Oak Lawn's Best Nightlife

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Stay

Dallas is home to many fabulous hotels and three of the finest happen to be located in the Oak Lawn neighborhood. Nestled near the lush Turtle Creek area is the four-star Rosewood Mansion, occupying an estate that once belonged to a cotton baron. More posh digs can be found at the Warwick Melrose Hotel, a historic Dallas landmark dating back to 1929. There's also the Le Méridien Dallas, or as it's more commonly known, The Stoneleigh, a chic boutique hotel set in a historic 1923 Art Deco building.

Shop

From designer duds and interior decor to everything in between, the Oak Lawn area provides plenty of places to get your retail therapy on. For furniture and home accessories look no further than the Design District, a shopping mecca filled with decorator showrooms, vintage shops and one-off boutiques. For trendy fashions, the Lion & Witch offers affordable East and West coast style women's clothing. And be sure to make a pit-stop at Chocolate Secrets for artisan chocolates and other gourmet goodies.