Shorty’s Cafe (Southern Homestyle Comfort Food)
This cozy little spot serves the best homestyle breakfast, everything is made from scratch, and they only serve breakfast and lunch. The portions are large, the coffee is good and the staff is kind! Shorty still works there! Warning: You will probably need a nap after you eat here!
Google listing:
https://goo.gl/maps/owwqbSoCQrgGvDQs8
Swiss Donut
The sweetest Korean lady owns this place and the donuts and kolaches are the best in town in our opinion! I always buy an extra dozen donut holes and eat them throughout the day as a snack. Even hours later, the bread remains soft and tastes just as good. There are other donut shops within a closer distance but I can’t recommend their quality or consistency like Swiss Donut.
Google listing:
https://goo.gl/maps/v732hnmfVZwq7A2WA
Crepe & Cup (French)
Crepe & Cup is a creperie located within the Irving Mall food court, just off of Belt Line Road. If you’re craving delicious sweet crepes without flying to Paris, this is where you go! Bon appetit!
Google listing:
https://goo.gl/maps/UtmvsE64ar1ZoRcK9
Website:
Waffle House on Northgate (American Diner)
I wouldn’t usually recommend a chain restaurant but we love this Waffle House diner in particular because of the people who work there and who consistently provide wonderful service and food! Diante and Tanya are the best! We have been visiting them for years and though we don’t go out as often as before, they make it easy to call and pick up my order to go whenever it’s declared a Waffle House day in our family, be it for breakfast, brunch, or on occasion, breakfast for dinner. If you’re wondering, our usual consists of the All-Star Special, shared by the two of us, with an additional egg and an additional waffle.
Google listing:
https://goo.gl/maps/3cxSdMQEm2ZZQvUT7
Le Peep (Breakfast and Lunch)
Empa Mundo (Argentinian Empanadas)
With many YELP awards every year, THE BEST empanadas you will ever have! There are flavors for everyone, the sauce is essential and don’t forget about the dessert empanadas too! I can’t leave there without a guava and cheese. Nutella banana is another favorite. Tell Mimi that Tara sent you!
Google listing:
https://goo.gl/maps/uSSZKfq8cMEMFt2CA
Website:
Mr. Max Cafe Nippon (Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Tapas)
Chill izakaya with a quaint feel & Japanese-style seating, plus a sushi bar, tapas & sake offerings will make you feel as if you’ve stepped inside and entered Japan! The tables are traditional and you’re expected to remove your shoes before sitting down. We come here for the Tonkatsu Ramen and tapas, though the sushi is popular here as well. Just call ahead for reservations or carry out.
Google listing:
https://goo.gl/maps/Kt5BW1fanUUUYnq89
Website:
https://www.mrmaxrestaurant.com/
Adobo (Puerto Rican)
African Village Restaurant (West African)
Big Daddy’s Ship Store (Breakfast & Burgers)
Andalou’s Mediterranean
Website:
https://www.andalousgrill.com/
Vito’s Pizza & Grill (Italian)
Our local Italian restaurant offers Italian calzones (in large portions) and pizza, as well as many other classic Italian dishes. Vito’s also has a flavorful tomato house vinaigrette on a bed of fresh salad and vegetables that I love. Whether you order in or pick up on the way to a more romantic, private setting, your taste buds will be pleased and your belly will be full (and you might have leftovers too)!
Google listing:
https://g.page/vitosinirving?share
Website
https://vitos.pizza/
Aspen Creek Grill (Homestyle American)
La Margarita (Mexican Kitchen & Margarita Bar)
Lohas Teriyaki (Asian Fusion & Bubble Tea)
Hidden away into a strip center, this joint serves Asian fusion dishes and bubble tea. We like their teriyaki bowls and boba tea. If you’re already on BeltLine Road and feeling a little parched, you might want to stop on in and pick up a bubble tea.
Google Listing:
https://goo.gl/maps/uwGRRJzpqVsnxbsT6
Skillman Wok (Chinese)
Skillman Wok is a joint that serves familiar Chinese dishes. General Tso, Almond chicken and Sesame Chicken are my favorite go-to orders.
Google listing:
https://goo.gl/maps/2YjvXzqes4qs2CHw5
Website:
http://www.skillmanwokirving.com/
Market Latina (El Salvadorian)
If you’re not paying attention you will miss this restaurant hiding away in a strip mall, but step inside and taste the flavors of El Salvador! The pupusas are amazing.
Google listing:
https://goo.gl/maps/P1R1r8gsUfy7SrLz9
Website:
http://www.marketlatina.com/irving-locations.html
Samosa Hut & Grill (Indian)
Parks and Nature!
NorthWest Park
Irving Dog Park
Grapevine Lake/Trail
Cedar Hill State Park
Find What Feels Good!
I hope that these suggestions give you at least a starting point in your staycation planning. You have a variety of flavors from all over the world available at your fingertips! There are also some great, grassy green places to escape to while maintaining social distancing. You know what feels good, so trust your gut and get ready to treat yourself! I’d like to add just one more note to this guide, given that our journey never stops no matter where we go. As long as you are staying for a little while, I encourage you to explore, sit still, listen and continue your inner-journey with a yoga home practice. I have found both peaceful grounding and a community from my living room (read about my yoga journey here!), thanks to the Yoga with Adriene Youtube channel. I’ve now provided you with all of my ingredients to the perfect staycation; It’s time to start creating yours! Have a wonderful stay!
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