Nathan's Denton Guidebook
Food & Coffee Scene
Best combination of great coffee, prime location, and cool atmosphere. They also have fun non-coffee drinks, breakfast, baked goods, desserts, and a wet bar. They are usually on the
Best of DFW lists made by coffee snobs and foodies.
18 người dân địa phương đề xuất
West Oak Coffee Bar
114 W Oak StBest combination of great coffee, prime location, and cool atmosphere. They also have fun non-coffee drinks, breakfast, baked goods, desserts, and a wet bar. They are usually on the
Best of DFW lists made by coffee snobs and foodies.
A uniquely Texan dining experience. Music-themed restaurant with rooftop seating on the Denton square. It's very kitschy, but it's done so earnestly that it works, and the food is nothing-fancy delicious.
44 người dân địa phương đề xuất
LSA Burger Co.
113 W Hickory StA uniquely Texan dining experience. Music-themed restaurant with rooftop seating on the Denton square. It's very kitschy, but it's done so earnestly that it works, and the food is nothing-fancy delicious.
High-end sushi. Must have a reservation. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant is one of DFW's hidden gems. The entire restaurant seats only 14 people, and the best thing to do is just tell Chef K to make you whatever he wants. Warning: this is not a cheap restaurant, and once you try one of his dishes, you'll want to try at least 3 more!
6 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Keiichi
500 N Elm StHigh-end sushi. Must have a reservation. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant is one of DFW's hidden gems. The entire restaurant seats only 14 people, and the best thing to do is just tell Chef K to make you whatever he wants. Warning: this is not a cheap restaurant, and once you try one of his dishes, you'll want to try at least 3 more!
In this newer joint, Chef Andres dishes up what he calls Latin Street food, with finely-crafted tacos, torta sandwiches, salads, empanadas making up most of the menu. There are delicious meat-free options if you want that. The atmosphere is casual, the prices reasonable, and the food is delicious. Voted best food bargain in Denton its first year! It is one of our favorite places to go. It is a simple order-at-the-counter place, but the service and staff are exceptional. This place is great for a casual date or an inexpensive family outing. Also ideal for when you can't find parking on the square; this place is only two blocks away! Warning: the freight train will roar by at some point
7 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Boca 31
207 S Bell AveIn this newer joint, Chef Andres dishes up what he calls Latin Street food, with finely-crafted tacos, torta sandwiches, salads, empanadas making up most of the menu. There are delicious meat-free options if you want that. The atmosphere is casual, the prices reasonable, and the food is delicious. Voted best food bargain in Denton its first year! It is one of our favorite places to go. It is a simple order-at-the-counter place, but the service and staff are exceptional. This place is great for a casual date or an inexpensive family outing. Also ideal for when you can't find parking on the square; this place is only two blocks away! Warning: the freight train will roar by at some point
If you require good brunch food AND good coffee, this place is possibly the best choice in Denton. If you like sweet coffee drinks, the NOLA Iced Coffee (New Orleans-style chickory coffee) is amazing.
36 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Seven Mile Cafe
2123 Sadau CourtIf you require good brunch food AND good coffee, this place is possibly the best choice in Denton. If you like sweet coffee drinks, the NOLA Iced Coffee (New Orleans-style chickory coffee) is amazing.
A newer restaurant, and one of DFW's best eateries. One of the best locations on the Denton square, with a delicious and inventive menu. This is a place where you can spend $20 or $200, and either way you'll walk away happy. It mingles elements of fine dining, gastro-pub, and shabby-chic in a way that is fun but not overwhelming. We love the chicken pastor appetizer, the famous cheeseburger, the chorizo-stuffed dates, the ribs, and just about everything else we've tried. While the the place is usually busy, it's large enough that it rarely takes very long to get a table. But a reservation can't hurt!
33 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Barley & Board
100 W Oak StA newer restaurant, and one of DFW's best eateries. One of the best locations on the Denton square, with a delicious and inventive menu. This is a place where you can spend $20 or $200, and either way you'll walk away happy. It mingles elements of fine dining, gastro-pub, and shabby-chic in a way that is fun but not overwhelming. We love the chicken pastor appetizer, the famous cheeseburger, the chorizo-stuffed dates, the ribs, and just about everything else we've tried. While the the place is usually busy, it's large enough that it rarely takes very long to get a table. But a reservation can't hurt!
A short walk from our house, this place is a Denton-staple and we love it. Their menu features familiar foods such as burgers, fish, and salads, but their recipes are interesting and usually delicious (they recently invented a burger topped with basil, mozzarella, cooked tomatoes, and a balsamic drizzle--a caprese masterpiece called the Margo Jones Burger). They have lots of indoor and outdoor seating, nice drink specials, and on certain nights, live jazz!
14 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Greenhouse Restaurant
600 N Locust StA short walk from our house, this place is a Denton-staple and we love it. Their menu features familiar foods such as burgers, fish, and salads, but their recipes are interesting and usually delicious (they recently invented a burger topped with basil, mozzarella, cooked tomatoes, and a balsamic drizzle--a caprese masterpiece called the Margo Jones Burger). They have lots of indoor and outdoor seating, nice drink specials, and on certain nights, live jazz!
This is probably the closest restaurant to our house, and lucky for us, it's some of the best barbecue around. You can't go wrong with any of their meats or sauces, and if they haven't run out of their smoked mac'n'cheese, you're in for quite a meal. Their Smoky Mountain sandwich is simply perfect. This place isn't inexpensive--you'll spend at least $9 per person on food alone--but as I said it's one of the very best barbecue places around. The authentic, old-school Texas-country music and the stunning mural outside are bonuses.
Juicy Pig Barbecue
708 N Locust StThis is probably the closest restaurant to our house, and lucky for us, it's some of the best barbecue around. You can't go wrong with any of their meats or sauces, and if they haven't run out of their smoked mac'n'cheese, you're in for quite a meal. Their Smoky Mountain sandwich is simply perfect. This place isn't inexpensive--you'll spend at least $9 per person on food alone--but as I said it's one of the very best barbecue places around. The authentic, old-school Texas-country music and the stunning mural outside are bonuses.
A walking-distance brunch spot with plenty of food and coffee options and a pleasant, modern atmosphere. There is something here for everyone!
19 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Loco Cafe
603 N Locust StA walking-distance brunch spot with plenty of food and coffee options and a pleasant, modern atmosphere. There is something here for everyone!
Here, many of Denton's finest food trucks gather behind East Side bar. Our personal favorite is the Pickled Carrot (try the pork Banh Mi with a Thai iced tea).
Austin Street Truck Stop
208 N Austin StHere, many of Denton's finest food trucks gather behind East Side bar. Our personal favorite is the Pickled Carrot (try the pork Banh Mi with a Thai iced tea).
House-made ice cream with lots of really interesting flavors. The shop is a Denton favorite, and it looks and feels like an old-fashioned ice cream parlor--assuming that old-fashioned ice cream parlors were always packed with people!
18 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Beth Marie's Old Fashioned Ice Cream
117 W Hickory StHouse-made ice cream with lots of really interesting flavors. The shop is a Denton favorite, and it looks and feels like an old-fashioned ice cream parlor--assuming that old-fashioned ice cream parlors were always packed with people!
This place is delicious and is considered by most people to be the ONLY bakery of note in Denton. They have a lot of French-style pastries that are delicate and buttery, and their muffins are delicious as well (Shift Coffee also sells them). The shop is small, beautiful, and calm. And they always have samples set out!
Ravelin Baking Co
416 S Elm StThis place is delicious and is considered by most people to be the ONLY bakery of note in Denton. They have a lot of French-style pastries that are delicate and buttery, and their muffins are delicious as well (Shift Coffee also sells them). The shop is small, beautiful, and calm. And they always have samples set out!
A really inventive yet simple menu, I've enjoyed most everything I've gotten here. The space is stylish and better-suited to a date or a happy-hour hang-out then a family. The food is interesting takes on classics such as burgers, salads, and specialty entrees.
11 người dân địa phương đề xuất
940's Kitchen & Cocktails
219 W Oak StA really inventive yet simple menu, I've enjoyed most everything I've gotten here. The space is stylish and better-suited to a date or a happy-hour hang-out then a family. The food is interesting takes on classics such as burgers, salads, and specialty entrees.
If you combine quality and location, Thai Square is the best Thai restaurant in Denton (and we have a lot of them). We come here (or order take-out) very often. It's right off the square, and their stylish, small space feels urban and nicely hidden. I always get the curry (yellow, Penang, or green) or the Pad See Ew, and I am always happy with my choice.
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Thai Square
209 West HickoryIf you combine quality and location, Thai Square is the best Thai restaurant in Denton (and we have a lot of them). We come here (or order take-out) very often. It's right off the square, and their stylish, small space feels urban and nicely hidden. I always get the curry (yellow, Penang, or green) or the Pad See Ew, and I am always happy with my choice.
This place serves my favorite coffee, whether I'm looking for pour over or a flavored latte (try the Mothman!). It's located inside the taproom of Armadillo Ale Works brewery. If you want an amazing morning cup of coffee, this place is an easy bike ride or a 15-20 minute walk from our place. There is also lots of parking if you drive! It's near the square, AND if you go around lunch time, you can grab food from Boca 31 next door (ALWAYS a good idea) and bring it right inside! There's no kitchen at Cryptozoology, so they allow outside food!
Cryptozoology
221 S Bell AveThis place serves my favorite coffee, whether I'm looking for pour over or a flavored latte (try the Mothman!). It's located inside the taproom of Armadillo Ale Works brewery. If you want an amazing morning cup of coffee, this place is an easy bike ride or a 15-20 minute walk from our place. There is also lots of parking if you drive! It's near the square, AND if you go around lunch time, you can grab food from Boca 31 next door (ALWAYS a good idea) and bring it right inside! There's no kitchen at Cryptozoology, so they allow outside food!
Gourmet popsicles. There's nothing better than Frio's when it's hot and you want a delicious treat. Frio's uses a lot of organic juices and real sugar, so their pops taste amazing, and you don't feel bad afterward. A short drive from our property Frio's has a seating area and a drive thru, so perfect for any group anytime! My personal favorites are the Coconut Cream, the Latte, and the Raspberry Cheese Cake.
Frios Dessert & Coffee Drive Thru
1640 W University DrGourmet popsicles. There's nothing better than Frio's when it's hot and you want a delicious treat. Frio's uses a lot of organic juices and real sugar, so their pops taste amazing, and you don't feel bad afterward. A short drive from our property Frio's has a seating area and a drive thru, so perfect for any group anytime! My personal favorites are the Coconut Cream, the Latte, and the Raspberry Cheese Cake.
A newer coffee shop with a fine coffee product, amazing house-made baked goods (think Great British Baking Show), and an edgy alternative vibe (beware--some artwork, especially in the bathrooms, is not kid-friendly). This shop is very close to our property, and is also conveniently located if you're headed toward University Dr/380 for any reason (because of the one way streets, it's even MORE convenient if you're headed back to our place FROM University Dr/380).
Golden Boy Coffee Co.
1803 N Elm StA newer coffee shop with a fine coffee product, amazing house-made baked goods (think Great British Baking Show), and an edgy alternative vibe (beware--some artwork, especially in the bathrooms, is not kid-friendly). This shop is very close to our property, and is also conveniently located if you're headed toward University Dr/380 for any reason (because of the one way streets, it's even MORE convenient if you're headed back to our place FROM University Dr/380).
Best cinnamon rolls I've ever had. This is a Denton institution, recently remodeled after a fire next door caused extensive damage. Quirky modern decor, amazing location on the square, and a full-service coffee bar. Coffee snobs may not be impressed, but between their cinnamon rolls and bagel sandwiches, this shop earns its place.
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Jupiter House
106 N Locust StBest cinnamon rolls I've ever had. This is a Denton institution, recently remodeled after a fire next door caused extensive damage. Quirky modern decor, amazing location on the square, and a full-service coffee bar. Coffee snobs may not be impressed, but between their cinnamon rolls and bagel sandwiches, this shop earns its place.
A quirky personal pizza shop (like if Pie5 starred in a Wes Anderson movie). This place has grown on me a lot, and I can pretty much always be talked into eating there. Right off the square, so you can't beat the location.
Pizza Snob
321 W Hickory StA quirky personal pizza shop (like if Pie5 starred in a Wes Anderson movie). This place has grown on me a lot, and I can pretty much always be talked into eating there. Right off the square, so you can't beat the location.
Your kids will love it. The decor is maximum adorable, and the product is basically an all-natural sno cone that tastes like it (in a good way).
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Gnome Cones
421 US-377Your kids will love it. The decor is maximum adorable, and the product is basically an all-natural sno cone that tastes like it (in a good way).
Parks & Nature
Urban park with walking trails, playground, public pool, lots of trees, open space for frisbees and the like, and plenty of picnic tables and grass. This is the scene of many of Denton's festivals, including our famous Arts & Jazz Fest in the spring.
Quakertown Park
700 Oakland StUrban park with walking trails, playground, public pool, lots of trees, open space for frisbees and the like, and plenty of picnic tables and grass. This is the scene of many of Denton's festivals, including our famous Arts & Jazz Fest in the spring.
Nestled in the forest-like park on the north side of TWU campus, the Little Chapel is a serene place to pray, meditate, or just sit and be. The surrounding park is quietly one of Denton's loveliest spots, featuring lush grass, a turtle pond, plenty of shrubs and flowers, and secluded hammocks.
Little Chapel in-the-Woods
415 Chapel DrNestled in the forest-like park on the north side of TWU campus, the Little Chapel is a serene place to pray, meditate, or just sit and be. The surrounding park is quietly one of Denton's loveliest spots, featuring lush grass, a turtle pond, plenty of shrubs and flowers, and secluded hammocks.
Getting Around
Light rail station and bus hub. The buses can take you anywhere in Denton. The Denton-based A-Train will take you south toward Dallas. In Carrollton, you can link up with the Dallas-based DART train which can take you all over DFW. (The Google Maps app usually has reliable information for all of these options.)
Denton County Transportation Authority
604 E Hickory StLight rail station and bus hub. The buses can take you anywhere in Denton. The Denton-based A-Train will take you south toward Dallas. In Carrollton, you can link up with the Dallas-based DART train which can take you all over DFW. (The Google Maps app usually has reliable information for all of these options.)
Sightseeing
The courthouse itself is both a beautiful museum and Denton's active county courthouse. It sits in the center of Denton's booming and historic downtown. The courthouse lawn is a great place to people-watch, have a picnic, or strum your guitar. And from the courthouse, you are a 5-minute walk from half of Denton's best establishments, and only a 15-minute walk from your AirBNB!
31 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Denton County Courthouse-on-the Square Museum
110 W Hickory StThe courthouse itself is both a beautiful museum and Denton's active county courthouse. It sits in the center of Denton's booming and historic downtown. The courthouse lawn is a great place to people-watch, have a picnic, or strum your guitar. And from the courthouse, you are a 5-minute walk from half of Denton's best establishments, and only a 15-minute walk from your AirBNB!
Entertainment & Activities
Fun ways to have fun in a fun town.
Our kids love this trampoline park. It's filled with dozens of adjacent trampolines, as well as fun features like a foam pit you can jump into, dodge ball, basketball hoops you can dunk on, and even a private area for small children trying to learn the art of bouncing!
Altitude Trampoline Park - Denton
2434 S Interstate 35Our kids love this trampoline park. It's filled with dozens of adjacent trampolines, as well as fun features like a foam pit you can jump into, dodge ball, basketball hoops you can dunk on, and even a private area for small children trying to learn the art of bouncing!
For a smaller water park, this local attraction has quite a lot to offer: a large wave pool, a lazy river, several fast slides from fairly high up, and an elaborate shallow-water playground for the little ones. Extras abound, such as a volleyball court, snow-cone and food stands, and pavilions one can rent for parties. Great for kids of any age.
15 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Water Works Park
2400 Long RdFor a smaller water park, this local attraction has quite a lot to offer: a large wave pool, a lazy river, several fast slides from fairly high up, and an elaborate shallow-water playground for the little ones. Extras abound, such as a volleyball court, snow-cone and food stands, and pavilions one can rent for parties. Great for kids of any age.
One of the best public pools I've ever been to, and it's right by our place. It features a large pool with various depths, a big water slide, a shallow-water play area with numerous fun fountains, a small slide for small children, a ninja-like challenge where you try to walk across floating lily pads, and of course a deep pool for diving.
Civic Center Pool
515 North Bell AvenueOne of the best public pools I've ever been to, and it's right by our place. It features a large pool with various depths, a big water slide, a shallow-water play area with numerous fun fountains, a small slide for small children, a ninja-like challenge where you try to walk across floating lily pads, and of course a deep pool for diving.
It's just a generic Cinemark move theater, but it's clean with a wide selection of movies. You'll need to buy tickets in advance (like most theaters these days), and you'll be sitting in a luxury recliner. One plus is that Beth Marie's ice cream has a second location right next door, along with a nice selection of restaurants. Note: I would stay away from the Carmike Theater in Hickory Creek.
16 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Cinemark 14
2825 Wind River LnIt's just a generic Cinemark move theater, but it's clean with a wide selection of movies. You'll need to buy tickets in advance (like most theaters these days), and you'll be sitting in a luxury recliner. One plus is that Beth Marie's ice cream has a second location right next door, along with a nice selection of restaurants. Note: I would stay away from the Carmike Theater in Hickory Creek.
By far the best movie theater in Denton, if you value: a respectful curated atmosphere where no one will be on their phone during the movie, good food, amazing attention to detail in presentation, and a good mix of wide-release films and independents.
Alamo Drafthouse
3220 Town Center TrBy far the best movie theater in Denton, if you value: a respectful curated atmosphere where no one will be on their phone during the movie, good food, amazing attention to detail in presentation, and a good mix of wide-release films and independents.
Shopping
One of Denton's most iconic spots, and yes, it's just a used bookstore, but when you go, you'll see why. This is a spot for exploring and going through stacks of records or along long shelves of books, just to see what you'll find. The staff are usually incredibly knowledgeable, and it's clear they take pride in what they do. If you need a book for your trip, this shop is a no-brainer.
9 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Recycled Books Records CDs
200 N Locust StOne of Denton's most iconic spots, and yes, it's just a used bookstore, but when you go, you'll see why. This is a spot for exploring and going through stacks of records or along long shelves of books, just to see what you'll find. The staff are usually incredibly knowledgeable, and it's clear they take pride in what they do. If you need a book for your trip, this shop is a no-brainer.
If you think that record stores are a dying breed, then that is all the more reason to check out this earnest and well-stocked record store. They have CD's and T-shirts, but the main dish here is vinyl records, both vintage and contemporary. The window dressing is awesome, and the location is perfect. The sales staff is knowledgeable but not pretentious. I always want to go in here, even if I'm not looking to buy music, because it's just a good store.
Mad World Records
If you think that record stores are a dying breed, then that is all the more reason to check out this earnest and well-stocked record store. They have CD's and T-shirts, but the main dish here is vinyl records, both vintage and contemporary. The window dressing is awesome, and the location is perfect. The sales staff is knowledgeable but not pretentious. I always want to go in here, even if I'm not looking to buy music, because it's just a good store.
Essentials
Small, organic grocery store where you can find high quality groceries and essentials.
11 người dân địa phương đề xuất
Natural Grocers
110 W University DrSmall, organic grocery store where you can find high quality groceries and essentials.