At this point, we hope the notion that Arlington is just a pit stop between Dallas and Fort Worth feels outdated to you. It’s a myth, perpetuated by city-dwellers who wish they could find brisket this tender without the traffic, and who know that our Tex-Mex scene holds its own against any big-city rival.
The Melting Pot
$$$ | (817) 472-9988 | WEBSITE
Like many fondue spots, The Melting Pot offers familiar-sounding items that stand out through quality ingredients and careful preparation. The menu centers on interactive courses, with options that include a classic cheese fondue and chocolate dessert with various dippers. Most courses hover around $30 and disappear quickly, but that’s Arlington for celebrations.
What’s not so typical is how you can settle in for a meal that feels genuinely special, especially with the accommodating staff who make larger groups work in the intimate space.
El Arroyo
$$ | (817) 468-2557 | WEBSITE
We love all the Mexican classics at this Arlington spot, but a meal here is incomplete without an order of the Southwestern chicken salad. This vibrant bowl of grilled chicken, crisp greens, and zesty dressing will mentally transport you to a lively cantina in Mexico City, when in fact you’re in a space that has the look of a casual Tex-Mex joint with humorous t-shirts on the walls and 70’s classic rock on the speakers.
Once you try their chicken street tacos with rice and beans, accompanied by one of their excellent margaritas and that complimentary chips and salsa, you won’t know or care where you are at all.
Andalous Mediterranean Grill
$ | (817) 465-2100 | WEBSITE
Andalous Mediterranean Grill in Arlington is in one bustling room with the lighting scheme of a cozy bistro. Simple decor aside, much like a seasoned chef, the kitchen is good at pretty much everything. The Beef Gyro Sandwich is like a warm little bundle made of shawarma meat and fresh vegetables, and we’d gladly eat an entire meal of the crunchy spinach cabbage salad. But the real reason you come here is the buffet. Get the buffet.
It’s a plentiful spread, and it’s possibly more flavorful than any feast currently being served in the Mediterranean.
Silvia’s Taqueria
$ | (817) 617-2105 | WEBSITE
At Silvia’s Taqueria, a framed scripture and a portrait of Frida Kahlo both occupy places of honor on the wall. This unassuming Arlington spot is theoretically a family-friendly taqueria, serving dishes like the popular Beef Caldo and Taco Tuesday specials. But if you leave here without eating, you’ve made a grave mistake.
Think tender barbacoa tacos on fresh street-sized tortillas, a breakfast plate with perfectly seasoned meats, and a huarache topped with flavorful sauces that highlight the freshness of the ingredients—every dish is comforting, authentic, and beyond satisfying.
Peter’s Chicken, Burger, Wings, & Seafood
$ | (817) 459-2662 | WEBSITE
Peter’s Chicken, Burger, Wings, & Seafood is a drive-thru and dine-in spot in Arlington that serves up exactly what the pictures promise. The chicken gets fried fresh until it’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the burgers come out big and hot. The 5-piece tender combo offers huge portions for around $15, making it a solid deal. The owner takes real pride in the place, ensuring every customer leaves happy, and the service is consistently wonderful.
Recently, the chicken and shrimp fried rice has been getting buzz for its unique flavor. While cooking times can sometimes vary, Peter’s has something for everyone, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a meal.
Gyros House
$ | (817) 460-4842 | WEBSITE
From the gyro wrap to the decadent rice, Gyros House takes the straightforward approach at every turn. And that’s exactly why we love this Middle Eastern restaurant in Arlington. Eating delicious, meaty gyros in the perfectly casual, clean atmosphere will make you feel like you’re in a neighborhood gem without any of the pretense.
If you need another reason to make this family-owned spot a priority, know that Gyros House offers quick service and a simple menu that caters to both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
Chicken Salad Chick
$ | (682) 410-0440 | WEBSITE
Chicken Salad Chick operates a casual dining spot in Arlington with a vibe that feels like a throwback to the early 2000s. The menu is straightforward, but if you do this spot the right way, you don’t even need to overthink it. Stick to the chicken salad—specifically the Fancy Nancy, which is around $12, and comes with your choice of sides. The strawberry lemonade and potato soup are must-orders, and you also can’t go wrong with the high-quality baked goods.
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
$ | (817) 801-0300 | WEBSITE
This Texas-style chicken house has been serving Arlington since the early 2000s, and you’ll consistently find families and large groups there any time you go. The restaurant offers a family-style menu with big Texas energy, and now they also have a handful of locations around the DFW area—including convenient spots near the stadiums and major highways.
There’s plenty of seating in the casual, fun atmosphere that looks like the outside of an old western shopping center, and we encourage you to expand beyond fried chicken to try some of their chicken fried steak or smoked chicken. All meals come with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and all-you-can-eat biscuits served homestyle on large dishes, and the friendly staff often sings Happy Birthday or does the Hokie-Pokie to entertain guests.
Taqueria Taxco
$ | (682) 259-7398 | WEBSITE
A generous pile of trompo tacos with charred pineapple bits. A glistening flan crowned with caramel sauce. The food at this Arlington taqueria is authentic, satisfying, and better than most street-style spots around. Swing by any hour, grab a seat at one of the simple tables in the brightly lit space, and savor a plate of asada tacos so perfectly grilled they taste like a backyard cookout.
Pretty much everything at the 24/7 counter—from the tangy salsas to the warm, pliable corn tortillas—feels homemade, and you can tell. The staff, especially Mrs. Oralia, are genuinely friendly and happy to guide you through the menu, making the whole experience feel welcoming and effortless.
China Harbor
$ | (817) 466-3888 | WEBSITE
China Harbor—the convenient and affordable Asian buffet in Arlington—is an education in just how many different, satisfying flavors can be derived from one buffet line. The variety reigns supreme at this relaxed, spacious spot: from crispy beef egg rolls that shatter with each bite, to chicken teriyaki glazed with that perfect sweet-savory balance. There are dozens of options, available all together in the must-visit dessert section.
Come here for an easy weekday lunch at one of their well-spaced tables, and to pack enough quality into your meal that it needs its own value warning.
Brothers Pizza
$ | (817) 200-6838 | WEBSITE
On any given night, you may find us closing our eyes and pretending we’re sitting at Brothers Pizza, with a slice of pepperoni pizza in hand, watching our food being prepared fresh in front of us. This restaurant in Arlington serves delicious food with super fast delivery, making it a popular choice for many. Get the pepperoni pizza with its thin and crispy crust that is phenomenal, and definitely try the chicken parmesan entree.
The atmosphere is nice and clean, with good size portions and variety of options like cheese pizza, sausage pizza, baked ziti with ground beef, and garlic knots. The friendly staff provides professional service, and although there can be slight delays, the food arrives hot and very delicious. It remains a great place for pizza lovers and those seeking a satisfying meal, with many eager to return and try more dishes like pasta.