A Short Guide to BYOB Restaurants in DFW

This past week, The Dallas Morning News covered the best BYOB places to go in Dallas (note these were not Dallas proper, they included the entire Metroplex). They named seven, only seven spots in all of Dallas/Fort Worth. It’s frustrating that Texas laws restrict the availability of BYOB restaurants in the DFW area, especially when there are so many great dining choices.

The list is likely behind a paywall, but here is the link (and I’ll make sure you know the ones recommended).  I added a few more restaurants not included in the original list.

Dallas has relatively few BYOB restaurants due to the state’s complex liquor laws and the cost of obtaining a liquor license. Texas alcohol regulations require restaurants to follow strict guidelines if they want to serve or allow alcohol on their premises. They include liquor licenses, which can be costly and cause restaurants to opt out of serving or letting customers bring alcohol. There are zoning and permitting issues where restaurants in certain zones may not qualify for a license based on the proximity to schools or churches. And then the alcohol distribution laws and the regulatory onus that goes with it make it hard to navigate.

In short, the limited number of BYOB spots in Dallas result from high costs, regulatory burdens, and zoning restrictions tied to alcohol permits, prompting a few restaurants to opt for BYOB policies to reduce costs while still accommodating patrons.

I was also saddened at how the pandemic made this list smaller. It dealt a devastating blow to the restaurant industry, forcing widespread closures and resulting in significant economic losses. Mandatory shutdowns, restrictions on indoor dining, and social distancing measures made it nearly impossible for many restaurants to operate profitably. As a result, countless establishments were forced to close their doors permanently. The pandemic also highlighted the precarious financial situation of many restaurants, which often operate on thin margins and lack the resources to withstand prolonged periods of closure.

1. Urbano Café As I shared my post on Urbano’s pending closing in January this year, a group of buyers, who are seasoned restaurateurs familiar with East Dallas, stepped in to continue Urbano’s legacy. Not only are they committed to maintaining the business, but they retained the existing staff — which was a happy ending. Urbano is the last Dallas place where you can get a white tablecloth meal and bring your own wine in to pair. This neighborhood restaurant has a full beer and wine list, but many people often pick up bottles of wine at Jimmy’s Food Store around the corner to have with dinner. Note that the restaurant charges a corkage fee of $20 per bottle, which changed in the new ownership, but I am happy to pay to have the option. Urbano Café is located at 1410 Fitzhugh Avenue and takes reservations at Urbano Dallas.
2. Cafe Italia – Café Italia has no corkage fee and specializes in Italian food. Cafe Italia is located at 505 W. Northwest Hwy. Grapevine. Cafe Italia.
3. Hello Dumpling – This dumpling shop focuses on Chinese food “without borders.” It has one location in East Dallas and another in North Dallas. During lunchtime, if you go to the East Dallas location, you can pick up beer or wine from the refrigerator case at Goodfriend Package across the street. (Note that Goodfriend Package closes at 3 p.m., so you need to plan accordingly for dinner). Hello Dumpling is located at 1146 Peavy Rd., Dallas and 8041 Walnut Hill Lane, Ste. E815, Dallas. Hello Dumpling.
4. Norma’s Cafe – This diner has been a long-time BYOB spot. There are six locations — three in Dallas, one in Frisco, one in Plano and one in Garland. Find addresses and menus on Norma’s Cafe locations at NormasCafe.
5. Lezzet Cafe – This Turkish restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, has a non-alcoholic drink list but with a $4.99 corkage fee, diners can also bring in their own alcoholic drinks. Lezzet Cafe is located at 6869 Frankford Rd., #100, Dallas. LezzetCafe.
6. Platia Greek Kouzina — A BYOB option in Frisco is Platia Greek Kouzina, which serves classic Greek traditional food. Platia Greek Kouzina is located at 2995 Preston Rd., #1590, Frisco. PlatiaGreek.
7. Thai Thai – There is a liquor store located nearby to help with choosing your beverage to match your meal. Thai Thai is located at 1731 Greenville Ave., Dallas. ThaiThai.
8. Sevan G&G Cafe: This Mediterranean restaurant is known for its authentic food. 2221 Greenville Avenue, Dallas Sevan G&G Cafe (I added a Yelp link as I couldn’t get the website to launch).
9. Verona: This is another Dallas-based Italian restaurant with a BYOB option 9039 Garland Road, Dallas Veronas Food.
10. Thai Wok and Go – A Thai-inspired restaurant that offers BYOB. Thai Wok in and Go 11742 Marsh Lane #B, Dallas.
11. Taco Deli – Known for its Taqueria-style handmade tacos, BYOB is also an option.  There’s one located in Plano and two in Dallas. Taco Deli.
12. Zorba’s Greek Café – Known for authentic Greek food, diners are welcome to bring BYOB. 1501 Preston Rd, Plano, Zorba’s Greek Cafe.
13. Sakhuu Thai – Also located right near Jimmy’s Food Store, this Thai authentic place provides BYOB options. 4801 Bryan Street #100, Dallas,  Sakhuu Thai.
14. Sasa Sushi — Looking at the extensive menu, it looks like I need to be making a visit soon to check it out while bringing along some good wine. 6340 Gaston Ave, Dallas Sasa Sushi.

Dallas may have fewer BYOB restaurants than other cities due to complex liquor laws and the cost of obtaining a liquor license. However, the city still offers a diverse range of BYOB options, from upscale Italian eateries to cozy neighborhood cafes. Just think about bringing your own wine glass to some of these smaller establishments as glassware is not a priority.  Cheers!