Dallas, a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, offers more than just Texas BBQ. Hidden amongst the steakhouses and Tex-Mex joints are numerous gems serving up some seriously delicious coleslaw. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the best spots to find your perfect creamy, crunchy, tangy, or sweet coleslaw experience in Dallas. We've compiled this list based on online reviews, local recommendations, and a healthy dose of firsthand experience. Get ready to embark on a coleslaw crawl!
The Best Coleslaw in Dallas: A Ranked List
This list isn't just a random assortment – we've considered factors like freshness of ingredients, the uniqueness of the recipe, the overall taste, and of course, the coleslaw experience. We've categorized them for easier navigation:
Classic Creamy Coleslaw
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Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse: A Dallas institution, Sonny Bryan's isn't just known for its legendary BBQ, but also its perfectly balanced creamy coleslaw. The creamy dressing complements the smoky meats beautifully. Their secret? A perfectly balanced ratio of mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings.
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Lockhart Smokehouse: Another BBQ heavyweight, Lockhart Smokehouse serves a classic creamy coleslaw that's both rich and refreshing. Their coleslaw is a perfect counterpoint to the richness of their smoked meats.
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Terry Black's Barbecue: Terry Black's brings a slightly tangier twist to their classic creamy coleslaw, making it a delicious foil to their smoked brisket and ribs. It's the perfect blend of creamy and slightly tart.
Tangy & Zesty Coleslaw
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Pecan Lodge: Pecan Lodge's coleslaw is known for its zesty vinaigrette. It's a refreshing contrast to the richness of their BBQ, offering a lighter, brighter alternative to the classic creamy style.
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Hard Eight BBQ: The tangy coleslaw at Hard Eight BBQ features a slightly spicier kick, making it a unique and flavorful experience. Their unique blend of spices is what sets them apart.
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Cattleack Barbeque: This local favorite offers a tangy coleslaw that strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. The fresh cabbage and carrots make it particularly appealing.
Unique & Creative Coleslaw
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Rodeo Goat: This burger joint serves up a unique coleslaw with a kimchi twist, adding a spicy, fermented flavor to the traditional recipe. This is for adventurous eaters.
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Kalachandji's: This vegetarian restaurant offers a delightful take on coleslaw, often incorporating unexpected ingredients and spices for a surprising and refreshing experience.
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Komali: Komali, known for its sophisticated Indian cuisine, might surprise you with their subtly spiced coleslaw that beautifully balances traditional Indian flavors with Western coleslaw concepts.
Coleslaw with a Side of Southern Charm
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The Grape: This Dallas favorite serves a delicious, creamy coleslaw that embodies the essence of Southern comfort food. It's simple, yet incredibly satisfying.
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Meso Maya Comida y Copas: Although known for Mexican cuisine, their coleslaw is a delightful, creamy side that adds a surprising element to the menu.
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Mi Cocina: Mi Cocina provides a classic creamy coleslaw that is simple but effective, a perfect complement to their Tex-Mex favorites.
Beyond the Traditional: Coleslaw with a Twist
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Hattie B's Hot Chicken: While known for its spicy chicken, Hattie B's coleslaw provides a cool, creamy relief – a necessary counterpoint to the heat!
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Cane Rosso: Cane Rosso’s coleslaw, while not the main attraction, adds a refreshing crunch and tang to the experience of their delicious pizzas.
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Twisted Root Burger Co.: This burger chain offers a creamy coleslaw that is a simple but well-executed classic.
Coleslaw in Unexpected Places:
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Neighborhood Services: This Dallas restaurant often features seasonal coleslaw variations with creative twists.
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Bullion: This upscale restaurant sometimes includes coleslaw as a component in its tasting menus, presenting it in unexpected and sophisticated ways.
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Henry's Majestic: This sophisticated restaurant may occasionally showcase a coleslaw preparation that highlights seasonal vegetables and unique flavors.
Honorable Mentions:
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Local Smokehouse (Your Local Favorite): Every neighborhood has its own go-to smokehouse. Check out your local spots for hidden coleslaw gems.
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Your Favorite Deli: Don't overlook your neighborhood deli. Some offer surprisingly delicious coleslaw.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Coleslaw
- Creaminess: Do you prefer a thick, creamy coleslaw or a lighter, tangier version?
- Sweetness: Some coleslaws have a subtle sweetness, while others are more tart.
- Texture: Do you like a finely shredded slaw or a coarser chop?
- Additions: Some coleslaws incorporate additional ingredients, like raisins, cranberries, or even jalapeños.
This guide provides a starting point for your Dallas coleslaw adventure. Remember to explore, experiment, and discover your personal favorite! Remember to check menus and availability as recipes and offerings can change. Happy eating!
