The name Deep Ellum refers to an area of Dallas known for its fabulous music, incomparable food and enticing nightlife since the early 1900’s. The area has produced some of the most influential names in blues and jazz. The biggest draw of the place: well done comfort food, in a bar. You know, the type of place you can get buttermilk pancakes and a Bloody Mary. Great beer selection not to mention cocktails. The best part about this place is the is the service. They are very knowledgeable about the alcohol they serve and are great at helping you out. Congenial atmosphere of mid-to-late 20-year olds, non-meathead crowd, but not overwhelmingly pretentious, either. They are in Reel Bar's old space, which is ever rotating bars, but I will be VERY sad if this place doesn't catch on and have a long life here.

The menu here is huge--over 50 options--and the breakfast is divine. With super low prices (breakfast starts at $3 and goes up to $14; lunch meals range from $7 to $13) and hearty Colombian fare, this restaurant is a true diamond in the rough. If you're an early riser, you can catch the Early Bird Special for $2.99 before 8 a.m.

One of only two all-vegan pizza places in the country, T.J. Scallywaggle's is a delightful local eatery cum animal rights activist hot spot. While vegans will rejoice at the large and tasty offerings on the menu, carnivores, too, will be amazed by the depth of flavor of not only the pizzas--the Bufflow Chikhin is fantastic ($9.99 small, $13.99 large)--but also the subs, salads, and calzones. Meetbahls, Hamm, and Rohst Beaf are all on the menu, and though they're not perfect imitations of the real thing, they're mighty tasty. If you can't decide what to order, come out to all-you-can-eat night when, for only $9, you can have your fill of a variety of pizzas, including specials that may or may not someday end up on the menu! Complete your meal with some yummy vegan desserts (brownies and cheesecake, $3.99). As an added treat for the culturally-inclined, live acoustic music happens some nights, and there is a literature corner where you can read up on local activist happenings.