This is Part I of the new “Moving to DFW” series in which I attempt to answer all of your questions about where in DFW to live.
- Image By David Kozlowski
BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT
For many people the thought of Dallas conjures up images of big hair, large hats, and $30k millionaires. While each of these certainly are available in Big D, this image could not be further from the truth in the Bishop Arts District.
Bishop Arts, despite being commonly grouped in with some of the shadier parts of Oak Cliff, has actually been referred to as the “Austin” of Dallas by those in the know (don’t roll your eyes Austinites).
WHY SHOULD I LIVE IN BISHOP ARTS?
1. Distinctive Culture
Over 50 local merchants and restaurants give Bishop Arts its name and distinctive culture, as well as providing a welcome respite from the traffic and crowds of downtown/uptown Dallas located only 5 miles away.
Did we mention that this is the Austin of Dallas?
2. The Dining
TILLMAN’S ROADHOUSE – Tillman’s is an update on the classic Texas roadhouse. Regional menu favorites, familiar tunes, no one is a stranger hospitality—all energized with a modern take. A combination of both rustic and lush in everything from the menu to the décor make Tillman’s a good-time destination, whether it’s for a quick drink, a casual dinner, or a special occasion.
BECKLEY BREWHOUSE - This neighborhood restaurant and bar is located in a renovated house near the Bishop Arts District in North Oak Cliff. The friendly atmosphere extends from the hip interior to the spacious, pooch-friendly patio. The food menu includes homemade burgers, panini, and pizzas while the drink menu features seasonal microbrews and specialty cocktails. Those who ‘home’ office will find high-tech amenities such as free Wi-Fi, laptop outlets, and flat screen TVs hospitable.
THE QUINN BAR – The Quinn Bar is many things to many people. Some say it’s a neighborhood bar and restaurant with a plethora of tasty appetizers, sandwiches, and salads (including many vegetarian options). Others love our beautiful, spacious patio with seating under the stars or under one of our huge, ancient oak trees. We’ve even been described as an inspired European pub with a stellar jukebox…
CAFE BRAZIL – It began as a quaint, ten-table restaurant serving breakfast and coffees
from around the world. It has blossomed into an award winning Dallas icon,
best known for serving breakfast, lunch or dinner at any time of the day or
night. Whether you crave migas, crepes, quesadillas or any of the award
winning dishes served all day, Café Brazil is waiting.
HUNKY’S – Hunky’s features “Hot Off The Grill” 50′s style burgers made with hand-formed fresh ground beef. We offer over fifteen varieties of beef burgers. Also we serve fresh ground turkey burgers, veggie burgers, all beef hot dogs, grilled chicken sandwiches, salads and many other styles of sandwiches.
ZEN SUSHI – Come visit Bishop Arts’ newest restaurant and Oak Cliff’s only sushi bar, ZEN Sushi!
3. Shopping
FETE-ISH – Filled with funky and fun merchandise, Fête-ish has become the first stop for many locals when trying to find that uncommon gift for that special someone.
DUDE, SWEET CHOCOLATE – Handmade artisan chocolate in the heart of Oak Cliff.
Shambhala Body Gallery – We create natural handmade soaps, lotions, as well as other bath and body products.
BISHOP STREET MARKET – Located at the heart of the Bishop Arts District, Bishop Street Market opened it’s doors in 1996 making it the longest operating retail store in the area. Twice winner of the Dallas Observer’s “Best Gift Shop” award, we have also been featured in “D” Magazine, Cliffdweller Magazine, Paper City, FD Lux, Texas Monthly, and The Dallas Morning News.
EPIPHANY – Epiphany is a unique lifestyle boutique that focuses on an eclectic mix of apparel, accessories, home décor, and personal products that combine the best of vintage Parisian style with a laid back cool West Coast flair.
GREEN PET – Green Pet is a local, independently owned all-natural pet food shop. We carry the very best foods, treats, chews, toys, leashes, collars and supplies for dogs and cats.
INDIGO 1745- The little emporium that is indigo 1745 was created in celebration of the quintessential American icon, the “Blue Jean”. Blue jeans, once a garment reserved for American laborers, are now found in boardrooms around the world. At indigo 1745, we strive to enhance your denim lifestyle, a lifestyle that is straightforward and uncomplicated, a lifestyle that pairs a great pair of jeans with an amazing t-shirt, an extraordinary blouse, or an incredible jacket.
MAKE – Support & Shop Local Artists and Designers with Handmade Gifts,Handbags, Jewelry, Art, Home Décor, Clothing and Baby Items and Boutique Fabrics.
THE SODA GALLERY – The Soda Gallery is proud to carry a wide variety of regional and international glass bottled sodas. Our selections range from old nostalgic favorites such as Nesbitt’s, Bubble Up, Squirt and NuGrape, all still produced with the original ingredients.
XPRESSIONS BOUTIQUE – Xpressions Boutique presents a personal, friendly shopping experience,where trendy collides with classic, where fabrics, designs, clothingand accessories are carefully chosen to create a look that is both Contemporary and Sophisticated. A place where you can find yourindividual fingerprint of Taste and Style.
ZOLA’S EVERYDAY VINTAGE – Owners Annette Norman and Diedra Sutton have successfully managed to parlay their love of collecting vintage clothing and accessories into Zola’s Everyday Vintage. Just as the name implies, the shop contains a beautiful array of wearable vintage clothing and accessories all at prices that won’t break the bank.
4. The Festivities
The first Thursday of each month, a $5 donation gets you a Bishop Arts themed wine glass and tasting at over 20 local eateries. Which is a great way to get to know the area, meet a few people, and have a drink or two (or three depending on who you are…)
Go Oak Cliff and Alliance Francaise of Dallas are partnering up July 14th to celebrate Bastille on Bishop! Head out to the Bishop Arts District from 6PM to 10PM as we hold a Mussels Competition with top area chefs.
There will also be crepe stands in the street, live accordion music, petanque demonstrations, a wine walk, vespa rally, and more!
The evening is sponsored by Eno’s Pizza Tavern, Bolsa, SMOKE, Rush Patisserie, Ben E. Keith, Kronenbourg 1664, SWA Group and others to be updated soon.
In case you missed it, the 2nd Annual Brew Riot (Home Brew competition) was a couple weeks ago and completely closed down N. Bishop Boulevard.
Dozens of home brewers and microbreweries had samples of beer in the street, with live music from Fish Fry Bingo and The American Classics. Activities included Lone Star Gold Sprints (a stationary bicycling competition), giant chess in the street, etc.. and kids are welcome.
I for one will not be missing the 3rd annual Brew Riot next year!
5. THE ARTS
ARTISANS COLLECTIVE – The Artisan’s Collective Gallery proudly features many of Dallas’ finest artists and craftspeople working in a wide range of media, styles and genres. This unique and innovative gallery is the perfect destination to be inspired and discover affordable, one-of-a-kind treasures.
DECORAZON gallery – Established in 2004, DECORAZONgallery was created with the idea of promoting art within a young, dynamic market of emerging collectors. Its goal is to support local and international talent by presenting the cultural value of contemporary art through art shows that present the most tangible works in an international standard.
WHERE SHOULD I LIVE IN BISHOP ARTS?
Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) there aren’t a lot of apartment complexes in the immediate vicinity of Bishop Arts. However with Downtown Dallas only 5 miles away, you can choose to live and yet still enjoy everything that Bishop Arts has to offer.
Here are a few properties that might appeal to you if Downtown / Uptown is not your cup of tea:
Grand Estates Founders Park
**Reduced rents and up to $500 cash back from YourentWesplit.com!**
Located just 1 mile from Bishop Arts, the Grand Estates at Founders Park apartments are close to Downtown and Uptown, Dallas, and sit in the heart of one of Dallas’ oldest neighborhoods. In Foundres Park, trees reign and laid back is the way of life! Grand Estates at Founders Park is a quiet haven from the congestion and stress of downtown Dallas.
Grand Estates Kessler Park
**Reduced rents and up to $1000 cash back from YourentWesplit.com!**
Also located just 1 mile from Bishop Arts, the Grand Estates at Kessler Park offer tree-lined streets and breathtaking downtown skyline views. Grand Estates @ Kessler Park apartments is your chance to enjoy urban life with neighborhood comforts. But it doesn’t stop there, GEKP features a pet-friendly property with amenities that make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a custom-designed home.
Southside on Lamar
**Sign a 12 month lease and receive 2-6wks Free and up to $1775 cash from YourentWesplit.com**
Located just south of Downtown and 2 miles from Bishop Arts, this might be the perfect escape for anyone looking to live close to downtown, yet avoid the chaos.
Southside on Lamar not only has an abundance of retail, restaurants, and stores within their 1 million sq ft building, but the streets are full of entertainment venues, restaurants and fun! You can walk to Brooklyn for dinner and live jazz, Poor David’s Pub for a nightcap, or The Loft for evening fun, or dance the night away at Gilley’s, and watch live bands at the Palladium Ballroom. The list just goes on and on…
Written by Michael Ivey, Founder and CEO of YourentWesplit.com – Dallas Ft. Worth’s Premiere Apartment Locators.
