Things You Need to Do Before You're Considered a Dallasite

Pecan Lodge Dallas brisket
Robert Strickland
Robert Strickland

Dallas is growing rapidly and we gladly welcome our latest neighbors, but a zip code change and a Dallas Cowboys T-shirt does not equate to being a local. The citizens of Dallas know all too well how many years of margarita rounds and bowls of queso it takes to earn your stripes. Before you can claim "Jerry World" as your country of residence, there are a few rites of passage for transplants to pass through.
 

Wait in line for Pecan Lodge

To out-of-towners (looking at you, Yankees), standing in line for brisket -- or even better, burnt ends -- might sound insane, but it is so worth it. Pecan Lodge, located in Deep Ellum, has some of the best and most well-known BBQ around, and it shows via the line.

Mambo Taxi Dallas drink
Kevin Marple

Drink a Mambo Taxi: regret everything the next day

You can’t go to Dallas Tex-Mex staple Mi Cocina without ordering a Mambo Taxi. Sip with caution, though -- these frozen, swirly concoctions sneak up on you.

Taco Diner queso chips guacamole
Amy Moore

Become a queso connoisseur

Queso blanco? The ol’ yellow queso? With or without meat? Feeling sassy with queso fundido? There are endless options in this city, and people get very defensive about who has the best queso. There’s no better way to find out for yourself and have an argument in the debate by trying them all and finding your favorite.

Ice House Katy Trail patio outdoor
Katy Trail Ice House

Walk on the Katy Trail... to Katy Trail Ice House

It doesn’t matter if you’re actually running, or just taking a social stroll down the Katy Trail, there’s beer at the end. The Ice House gets packed on nice days, and it’s the perfect spot to people watch and pretend like you work out and earned that summer beer.

Learn to always have cash on you for valet

When going out in Dallas, your options are pretty much limited to A) Uber everywhere or B) valet everywhere. The lack of public transportation and parking spots leaves Dallasites relying on valet almost always. Nothing’s worse than sliding into the car and leaving the lingering parking attendant empty handed.

Frozen Margarita Mariano's Hacienda Dallas Texas
Mariano's Hacienda

Pay homage to the OG Frozen Marg Machine at Mariano’s

That’s right... the frozen-margarita machine was invented in your new backyard by Mariano Martinez, owner of Mariano’s Hacienda and La Hacienda. Both have killer Mexican food, too, but the frozen margaritas, you just can’t beat.

Brunch like it’s your J-O-B

You’ll learn quickly that brunch is a thing in Dallas, especially on Sundays. From bottomless mimosas to pinkies-up affairs to Sunday School at Hotel ZaZa -- you’ll find a brunch crowd that’s just right for you.

Cowboys Stadium Jumbotron
Flickr/Scott Ellis

Attend an event at AT&T Stadium, stare at a giant TV

Whether you’re watching The Boys or a Beyoncé concert, whether you’re in a suite or in the nosebleeds, chances are you’ll end up staring at the $40 million jumbotron the entire time.

Put ranch dressing on everything

It’s true: Southerners do put ranch on almost about anything. There’s only one exception to the rule: Cane Rosso, unless you want to pay upwards of $1,000 for a bottle of Hidden Valley in the restaurant (you don’t want to taint that pizza with ranch though, trust us).

Big sign Dallas
Visit Dallas

Take a picture with a Dallas BIG sign

Time to get a little “touristy.” These signs are set up all over the city, and a lot of them have amazing views of the city (the one in Trinity Groves is one of the best!). Snap a pic standing in the middle, post to social media, and show all your friends and family things really are bigger and better in Texas.

Dallas Traffic
Flickr/Whatknot

Sit in traffic on 635... and I-35... and 75

There’s never not construction and there’s never not someone going slow in the fast lane (don’t be that person).

eatzi salad bar
Flickr/grendelkahn

Go to Eatzi’s and make a dinner out of samples

Eatzi’s is arguably the best grab 'n’ go grocery store where you can pick up everything from fresh sushi to mini cheese plates to a big bowl of pasta. And everyone knows the best part of Eatzi’s is the bomb samples that are always out. Make a couple rounds and you’ll undoubtedly accidentally fill up on hummus and crostinis before deciding what you actually want to eat.

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Kelsie and Lexi Aziz are the sisters behind the blog Pizza and Champagne. As born and bred Dallasites, they know a little something about the city, including margs and queso. Follow their adventures, whether they’re in the kitchen or another country, on Twitter and Instagram.