Richardson’s Core District is the new and ever-changing neighborhood made up of five neighborhoods – Downtown, Chinatown, Interurban, Heights and Lockwood – that’s making a name for itself with a mix of small businesses and local favorites.
The area straddles the Central Freeway, beginning around Belt Line Road and extending north to Arapaho Road. It is not easily accessible on foot but is a few kilometers away. Each neighborhood has unique restaurants and culture worth checking out.
Here’s a look at each neighborhood, along with some local foodie favourites.
Downtown
The Staycation homie is a cafe where you might want to stay for a while.
Jackie Loubriel
Historic Main Street doesn’t look so historic anymore. The downtown district has newer spots alongside old ones.
Del’s Charcoal Burgers has been serving charcoal-grilled burgers since 1957 at 110 S. McKinney St. The facade has a Texas flag, and inside you’ll find a simple southern charm that keeps things simple while serving exactly what you need .
There happens to be another tasty burger joint right next door to Del’s Burgers, which seems like a pretty daring place to set up shop. Yummy Burgers & BBQ stands out with rival charcoal burgers as well as fajitas, quesadillas and even steaks, barbecue and rotisserie chicken.
Another must-visit place that focuses on food is Madina’s Moroccan-Mediterranean fusion, often referred to as Madina’s. It’s a local favorite for its staples like gyro, shawarma, falafel, and kebabs.
One of the newest openings is an old house-turned-café, Staycation, with hammocks, a cornhole, and picnic tables in the backyard.
The downtown area also features an array of multicultural restaurants, including Kirin Court, a popular Chinese restaurant.
Once you’ve had your fill at one of these eateries, do some stretching and make room for a second round at one of the many bakeries and cafes such as Boba Latte, 115 Greenville Ave.; Isabelly’s Chocolates & Sweet Treats, 200 E. Main St.; and Sweet Stop, 201 S. Greenville Ave. If you prefer your dessert in the form of alcohol, head to Tavern on Main Street, 115 E. Main St., for a drink.
Chinese district
Weeks, if not months, could be spent exploring the dining options in Richardson’s Chinatown neighborhood.
Jackie Loubriel
The Core District hosted a Chinese New Year celebration earlier this year that showcased the rich cultures shared within Chinatown. Although the country of China is in the name, you can find Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Taiwanese restaurants, cafes, and teahouses within walking distance of each other.
The newest addition to Chinatown is Okaeri Cafe (312 N. Greenville Ave., Suite 100), which started as a Japanese pop-up in Dallas in 2020 and chose to move to this neighborhood in February 2022. The menu includes Japanese curry, bento boxes filled with katsu chips, and an amazing matcha cheesecake.
Long distance
Eiland Coffee Roasters at Interurban
Jackie Loubriel
Interurban is a mix of industrial stores that also houses a brewer and roaster. It’s home to Four Bullets Brewery, which brews what it calls “Ale with a Texas twist.” “It can be found in bars and restaurants in North Texas.
Eiland Coffee Roasters has two locations in Richardson – one in the mostly residential Canyon Creek neighborhood and the Interurban Street roaster. Here you can grab a latte and a bag of coffee beans to brew at home.
Heights
Industrial Pizza and Brew serves homemade pizzas accompanied by cold beer.
Jackie Loubriel
The Heights was Richardson’s first mall, built in the 1950s. It lost some charm over the decades, but in 2012 it found new life when the Austin-based company Alamo Drafthouse have moved in. More recently, hip restaurants like Ricky’s Nashville Hot Chicken have joined the mix. Bangkok at Beltline is extremely popular, serving Thai noodles and rice dishes. The high tea here is a must.
On the other side of the lot is Industrial Pizza + Brew, which prides itself on completely fresh ingredients on handmade crusts that pair well with a beer. The owners have just extended the kitchen and the total area, and they have added a new patio in the front.
Lockwood
The Lockwood Distillery offers live music on several nights and strong drinks.
Jackie Loubriel
Lockwood is a strip of some of Richardson’s most popular locations. Pick up a calzone or giant slice of pizza from Greenville Avenue Pizza Company, or a big bowl of noodles or dumplings from Monkey King Noodle Company. Grab brunch at Communion Neighborhood Cooperative, which describes itself as a co-working space and highly Instagrammable cafe. Events and even weddings take place in the shared space aft.
Lockwood Distilling is a restaurant and distillery that hosts live music and pop-ups. The place serves American bites and stiff drinks that are worth every penny. Don’t forget to take a turn around the corner to pose in front of the vibrant murals on the east side of the building.
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