Deep Ellum is a neighborhood in Dallas,Texas with a lot of character and a fascinating history. To fully experience this neighborhood, you need to visit during the day and at night.
During the day, shop at all the unique mom and pop shops, eat at a trendy restaurant with friends, and explore the neighborhood’s vibrant street art.
From art galleries to street murals to sculptures to even the banners on the street light poles!
There is literally art at every turn.
At night, continue eating your way through Deep Ellum while checking out the music and entertainment in the neighborhood that traces back to the 19th century when it was the premier destination for music, especially jazz and blues.
Whether you are a regular or a first-time visitor, I am here to guide you through this eclectic neighborhood!
Here are my top recommendations of things to do in Deep Ellum!
Fuel up on Coffee
First things, first. Grab a cup of coffee at Merit Coffee Co. before you start exploring the neighborhood. It’s a simple shop that sells yummy coffee and baked goodies.
Address: 2639 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
What to order: If you’re a fan of lavender, try their lavender latte with oat milk.
Brunch
Across the street from Merit Coffee Co. is the Mexican restaurant, Vidorra.
There are many restaurants in Deep Ellum to grab brunch, but If you want to start your day off with a Mexican brunch, check out Vidorra.
On the first floor is a cute outdoor covered patio with mist to help during those hot summer months.
The pretty decor continues into the indoor dining area where you will find colorful tiles, tons of greenery, and neon lights. I mean, even the bathroom tile is pretty!
Tip: At night, head upstairs to the rooftop for some dancing.
Address: 2642 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
What to order: The Chilaquiles or the Churro French Toast for brunch
Explore & Shop
Now that you have some food and coffee in your system, you can start exploring this fun neighborhood of Deep Ellum in Dallas, TX. Deep Ellum is full of local shops and there is truly something for everyone!
Tip: As you stroll the streets and shops, pay attention to all the art that surrounds you. Even the lamp posts have banners created by different local artists!
Jade & Clover
If you’re a plant lover, walk over to this cute gift shop called Jade & Clover.
Here you can buy house plants and succulents. They even have a plant bar to help you build your own plant terrarium!
They also have a lot of different souvenir gifts, bachelorette-themed gifts, and home-good items.
Address: 2633 Main St #150, Dallas, TX 75226
Archer Paper Goods
At first glance, you might not think you need to buy anything from this store. Well, think again!
This store has a lot of cute cards, gift wrapping paper, mugs, desk calendars, unique stationery, and office supplies.
Address: 2649 Main St Suite 160, Dallas, TX 75226
Deep Vellum Books & Publishing Co.
Deep Vellum is a small independent bookstore & publishing house in Deep Ellum.
Here you will find a lot of titles that you typically wouldn’t find in your neighborhood, Barnes & Noble.
Address: 3000 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Fleastyle
Fleastyle is probably my favorite store in Deep Ellum.
It’s a cute vintage shop that sells unique clothing items, art, decor, cowboy boots in every color possible, and my favorite part…a really cool HAT BAR!
You can select a hat from the store, and they help you customize it!
I love hats. So, I LOVE THIS CONCEPT, and I will definitely be coming back here to create my own hat!
Address: 3009 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
DEEP ELLUM OUTDOOR MARKET
If you happen to be visiting on a Saturday, check out the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market, where local vendors showcase their best handmade items for sale from 12 pm-6 pm.
You’ll find all sorts of things like unique t-shirts, handmade jewelry, handbags, food, and so much more!
Check out their facebook page for event updates.
Address: 101-199 N Crowdus St, Dallas, TX 75226
Murals
Deep Ellum is probably THE place to go for the best street art in Dallas. Have your camera ready because you never know what you will find at every corner!
Many restaurants and businesses in the neighborhood have murals created by local artists either inside or outside on their walls.
Looking at some of the murals, you get the sense that local artists are trying to preserve the soul of Deep Ellum and keep its culture in place. You’ll find mural tributes to blues legends from Texas and many other murals depicting the history of Deep Ellum (or Deep Elm as it was originally called).
Public Art
Deep Ellum is also known for the giant metal robots walking through the neighborhood, known as The Traveling Man.
You can find these three robot structures that tell a story on Good Latimer Expressway.
The first robot statue, named Awakening, features just a portion of the Traveling Man’s head emerging from the ground surrounded by his bird friends.
Continuing down Good Latimer Street, the robot has emerged from the ground near the rail station. With a big smile, he plays his guitar in the piece called Waiting on the Train.
The last robot is the tallest statue called Walking Tall. He is happily walking; with a bird friend on his arm and some around his feet.
The metal robot series represents the history of Deep Ellum’s rail line and the spirit of all the artists in the neighborhood.
Back in the day, the railroad provided opportunities for small businesses to thrive in Deep Ellum. When it got removed, it sadly resulted in the closing of many businesses and eventually the neighborhood’s decline.
Sweet Treats
If you’re in the mood for candy, chocolate, or old-school soda pops in a GAZILLION different flavors, head over to Rocket Fizz to satisfy all of your cravings!
Or, if you’re like me and prefer ice cream, head over to Jeni’s Ice Creams for some delicious ice cream. You should not miss this place!
What to order: two scoops of Gooey Butter Cake in a waffle cone
Grab a Drink
There are many cool bars, nightclubs, and speakeasies to grab a drink in Deep Ellum.
High & Tight Barbershop is a legit barbershop in the front, but head to the back to a hidden bar!
The Backyard is a fun place to grab a drink. It has a large dog-friendly patio with games.
Ebb & Flow – come here for cozy vibes and stay for drinks and the Cuban eggrolls!
Listen to Live Music
The neighborhood of Deep Ellum is well-known for its music and entertainment. Since the early 1900s, it was the place to be for blues and jazz musicians. As more music venues opened up, it attracted even more artists and fans!
Today, the music scene is still going strong with TONS of bars with live music and concert venues.
For concerts, check out Trees and its sister venue, The Factory (formerly known as The Bomb Factory).
The Factory has a unique history as well. In the early 1900s, the building manufactured cars for Ford, and then it was an ammunition factory during World War II. The building later became a music venue known as “The Bomb Factory.”
If you’re in the mood for dancing, check out the rooftop bars at STIRR or Vidorra.
My personal favorite is a speakeasy; High & Tight Barbershop. It’s a legit barbershop, but as you walk toward the back, you will find a bar and a stage for live musical performances! It’s very cool!
The Deep Ellum Music Festival is an annual street party that consists of stages with many musical acts, artists selling their work, and restaurants serving their food.
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