A Dallas staple for over 20 years, The Dream Cafe offers standard breakfast and brunch fare as well as globally inspired dishes. The delicious food and very budget-friendly prices has kept the Cafe attractive to a variety of guests.
The restaurant has even had its share of movie stars who appreciate hearty meals at reasonable prices. You can easily enjoy the same great meals as the celebs. Best of all, it is easy to dine at the Dream Cafe Dallas for less than $10 a person (although the average meal is closer to $15).
Even in the lower price range, the portions are generous. If your group includes children, you’ll appreciate the outdoor playground.
This is a huge draw for families, allowing adults to chat while the kids play nearby. Instead of a rushed breakfast, you can actually linger over an omelet or bowl of oatmeal, knowing that your children are being entertained.
If you are planning a day of shopping or sightseeing in Dallas, The Dream Cafe is a super spot to eat breakfast first. Because servings are hearty, you might not need to eat again till dinner.
The Cafe is located near the Nasher Sculpture Center and the McKinney Street Trolley. While the Cafe is recommended primarily for breakfasts and brunches, there are plenty who stop by for an early dinner.
One unique feature? Even at dinner time, you can order any of the items on the breakfast menu. So if you get a hankering for oatmeal or an omelet at 7 pm, you’ll want to keep The Dream Cafe in mind.
If you happen to be staying at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek or The Warwick Melrose Hotel, you could easily walk to The Dream Cafe for breakfast or brunch. Plan to drive to the Cafe? Keep in mind that the parking lot is very small. However, there is plenty of parking across the street.
All the cuisine is organic and offers plenty of specialties for adults and children. If you prefer vegetarian dishes, you’ll find plenty here. The Cloud Cakes are among the most popular options on The Dream Cafe’s menu.
Order them and you’ll get two over-sized ricotta pancakes which come with syrup, fresh butter and strawberries. The pancakes are also accompanied by crème fraiche, making the Cloud Cakes far superior to average pancakes.
Vegetarian choices include cheese grits, omelets (just ask for those without meat and other non-vegetarian ingredients), black beans, oatmeal and Veggie Burgers.
For meat lovers, the Bacon Cheddar Burger pleases both adults and children. The Mystic Pasta (perhaps a play on the movie, “Mystic Pizza”) is a scrumptious combination of grilled chicken, brie, caramelized onions and bacon in a wine sauce – all tossed together with farfalle pasta. This dish is geared more to adult tastes.
When it comes to drinks, you should definitely try the Mimosas. However, the smoothies are extremely popular, heart healthy and guaranteed to please kids. The Strawberry Smoothie is a particular favorite, with just the right balance of sweetness and strawberry flavor.
If you order coffee, you’ll get free refills. Beer and wine are also available. Planning to split the bill with friends? You don’t even have to ask for separate checks. You’ll find that your bill is subtotaled for each person.
Casual is definitely the order of the day at The Dream Cafe. You can even go for a run first and end up there in your jogging outfit.
Looking for a price break? Try the half-priced entrees on Tuesday nights. On Wednesdays, you can enjoy half-priced wine. Of course, the Cafe may be particularly crowded then but the discounts could make it worth the trip.
There are also regular specials offered throughout the year – such as the Twilight Trio, a three course dinner for only $12.50. That has to be one of the best deals in town!
Feel like grabbing a bite on the go? Use the convenient take-out service. You can also eat outside and watch the people strolling by. Since the inside of the cafe can get crowded and noisy, you might prefer to choose the outside option for a quieter – and much airier – ambiance.
You’ll have to take your chances on indoor seating at The Dream Cafe. Reservations can’t be made ahead of time. However, it isn’t usually difficult to find a place to sit, especially if you prefer outdoor seating (many do).
If you need to use a laptop for business or pleasure, you’ll be delighted by the free Wi-Fi at the Dream Cafe. Ask about free movie nights, too. They are periodically offered.
If you get the opportunity to take advantage of this option, you can sip drinks while watching classic movies like Rear Window and Casablanca (this would be a great activity for a first date).
The Dream cafe is open from Mondays and Sundays 7 am to 8 pm. On Tuesday through Saturdays, the restaurant stays open until 9 pm. The Cafe is located at 2800 Routh Street in uptown Dallas. Contact the Cafe at (214) 954-0486.
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