Deep Ellum Murals and Food (Self Guided), Dallas

Deep Ellum is spotted with strange artwork open for interpretation. One that instantly comes to mind is the Dinosaur vs Robot piece by Franc Campagna, based on the artist's childhood fascination with those things. Well-known for having painted hundreds of murals throughout Dallas, Campagna is particularly proud with this one, which, in a sense "represents both the past and the future, as seen on TV".

The mural can be found on the wall of Louie Louie's Piano Bar – a great place for a night out in town. The venues has plenty of room with seating and a long bar to get service, but what really stands out is its atmosphere of youthful nonchalance. The musicians are phenomenal, switching with ease from one instrument to another; they will also take song requests (usually a tip helps get the song played faster) and will involve the crowd throughout the night. The mixture of music ranges from '70s-2000's, soul, rock, hair band, country and current. It is a place where, for a few hours, time is frozen while you drink, laugh, and belt out incorrect lyrics to your favorite songs while standing on chairs. No one cares and for the night you are safe! Just don't forget to make reservations unless you like to stand in the back.

Opening Hours:
Mon, Tue: 8pm–2am; Wed-Sat: 7pm–2am

Deep Sushi has stood the test of the up-and-down Deep Ellum times for sure. One of the stalwart holdouts from the neighborhood's glory days, it still is a bright star in the rebirth of this revived entertainment district. The rolls and sashimi are always fresh and perfect with a wide selection of originals, including vegetarian options.

While the passion for creative sushi is evident from the extensive offer on display, those who just can't do rolled up raw fish will find plenty of other dishes to their taste – from soups and salads to traditional starters and teppan-yaki. The 'Combo Tempura' appetizer (tiger shrimp, sweet potato, zucchini, bell pepper and white onion) is to die for and the very tasty dumplings filled with pork and green onions ('Gyoza') are spot on. Deep Sushi also mixes one of the best martinis in Dallas and it is served up by one of the most friendly and professional wait staff anywhere.

The murals in the parking lot across from Deep Sushi change quite frequently; some are amusing while others are more esoteric, so make sure to check them out.

Opening Hours:
Mon, Tue, Wed: 11am–10pm; Thur: 11am–11pm; Fri: 11am–12am; Sat: 5pm–12am; Sun; 5–10pm

This fab funky brewery is one of the shining reasons to be excited over the resurgence of Deep Ellum. Not only do they brew their mind-boggling variety of craft beers on site but their food is a certified knockout! Categorizing the menu as glorified bar food in no way does their inventive selections justice. They even have a bacon-and-beer pairing flight, which is super cool, but also a few legitimate vegan options. Staff is knowledgeable about everything and will offer good guidance when asked.

Braindead is one of those places where you are equally happy to sit in or outside. The large patio deck is great for the always interesting Deep Ellum people watching scene, but you sort of feel like you are missing some excitement by not grabbing a pub table near the bar inside. Rain or shine, you will keep coming back for a one-of-a-kind selection of barrel-aged brews in a great environment. Go look at the mural across the street while you're at it!

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 11am–12am; Thur-Sat: 11am–2am
Kitchen closes at 10pm, except Fri/Sat: 12am

Cane Rosso's wood-fired, Italian-style pizzas are some of the best in Dallas. They are best known for their Honey Bastard made with house-made mozzarella, spicy soppressata (which are basically hot pepperonis), bacon marmalade, and habanero honey – the absolute perfect combination of spicy, savory, and sweet. There are plenty of other great pizzas to chose from (both red- and white-based) but of course you can build your own. The crust and ingredients are always top notch.

One pizza can easily fill you and if you splurge on their zucchini artichoke fritters as an appetizer, you will definitely have enough food to take home with you. The menu also offers a great selection of cocktails and delicious deserts like The Edgar (mascarpone, nutella, and toasted marshmallows), so be sure to save some room.

It's a very large open space inside with seating at tables and along the walls. There is also a good sized bar where you can sit and watch the pizzas being made and placed into the large oven. Awesome Star Wars paintings and other paintings adorn on the walls.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am–10pm; Sun: 11am–9pm
HAPPY HOUR (dine-in only): Mon-Fri: 3–6pm
BRUNCH: Sat-Sun: 11am–3pm

Got a hankering for sandwiches, but don't want to empty your wallet? Uncle Uber's Sammich Shop in the Deep Ellum district is definitely a great spot for a casual hearty dinner and drinks with friends. Per the business' own account, the term "sammiches" is not only meant to differentiate from "typical cold deli sandwiches" but is, in fact, "reserved for the holiest and mightiest of all sandwiches made with the best ingredients, the freshest ingredients... and basically, the right ingredients". As most Dallas foodies will tell you, portions are quite substantial, and the flavors are all there!

While carnivores will have their "sammiches" and burgers loaded with beef and pork, vegetarians can order the Veggie BunMe, the Grilled Cheese, the Happy Hippie, the salad with goat cheese and veggies, The Impossible Burger, hand-cut fries served with "secret sauce", and a variety of ice creams. Also on sale are Zapp's Potato Chips, which are always great to eat with a great sandwich, and a wide selection of beers for those who want them.

In a nutshell: Stop by – you will find something to love here. And don't forget to check out the murals in the parking lot nearby!

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am–10pm

It really doesn't get more rock-n-roll than Reno's Chop Shop Saloon – a no-frills kind of place with friendly service, cheap drinks, relaxed atmosphere and and some of the best bartenders in the DFW area. Voted "Best People Watching" (2015) and "Best Rock Bar" (2019) by Dallas Observer, Reno's takes your dive bar and ups you one, or maybe two.

While the front is always lined with bikes, hanging above the bar are dozens of bras supposedly donated by avid female patrons, as well as countless dollar bills with various autographs and graffiti – all quite spectacular. The main attraction, however, is the stage in the back where both local and traveling bands can showcase their talents about three nights a week. The sound on the stage is great, and you don't have to be a biker or a regular to feel welcome here.

Tip:
Check the many murals on the walls of buildings in the adjacent July Alley, and most important - the "Deep Rawlins" mural by Steve Hunter on the neighbor building at 208 N Crowdus St.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 2pm–2am; Sat, Sun: 12pm–2am

"Deep Rawlins" is the grimacing man known to locals as Rawlins Gilliland, "a real character" who's been around Dallas forever. Located near the corner of Crowdus and Elm Street, this mural is the first Deep Ellum creation of Steve Hunter, a fine artist from across the pond who came to Dallas in 2004. Done in mosaic, the arresting image was part of the 42 Murals project which enlisted 42 artists from North Texas (and even one from Europe) to "paint the town". As you might guess, Rawlins himself penned a poem just for the mural, which Hunter added to the piece. Unfortunately, with the Deep Ellum Hostel purchase of the space, the poem was removed during renovation work. Hunter hopes to paint the poem back in at some point, but for now you can get your picture taken with Rawlins and read his original verses as salvaged from social media:

"Deep Ellum, go tell 'em
you're young and alive,
where stirring art cocktails
unshaken survive.

Whose memory tiptoes
past lovers we've known
as musical midnight
knights never old grown."

Brazilian colors paint the walls as you walk into this eclectic restaurant. When Cafe Brazil opened their Deep Ellum location, they picked Frank Campagna – "the father of Deep Ellum mural art" – to paint their building. After staying in place for twenty years, the mural had received a facelift by the man himself in 2014!

The menu is very interesting, with lots of healthy and comfort food options, and if you were to look at how many fruits and fresh foods are served, then it would be quite similar to Brazilian fare... except the dishes are actually Mexican- and Southern-inspired. However, they do have a large selection of Brazilian roasted coffee that really stands out, especially with the self-serve “all you can drink” station which is very smart indeed. No one tries to rush you out, and there's plenty of time for another cup!

Overall, this is a great relaxed spot, and did you know it's open 24/7?

Dining at Pepe's & Mito's is like having a homecooked meal from abuela (the Spanish word for "grandma"); perhaps the closest thing to authentic Mexican food in the Deep Ellum area. Rather unassuming on the outside, you would probably overlook this spot – open since 1994 – if searching for something trendy-looking, but it's a real keeper and quite cozy, too, besides having great prices. Go to the bar and order a killer margarita on the rocks, then do yourself a favor and dine as well.

Servers will hook it up with some outstanding chips and salsa on deck as soon as you sit down, and from there you can start diving in. The expansive menu is well-labeled, allowing to have a versatile Mexican meal with a mix-match of some of the staples, or to try one of the house favorites. A must-have here are the Tacos Norteños, described as four small corn tortilla tacos with fajita steak, though what makes them so delicious is the chipotle wine sauce! The albóndiga soup – a comforting bowl of fragrant broth with patties of meat and vegetables – is another clear favorite. No matter what you order, it will come out fast!

With a playlist, atmosphere, and food as fresh and filling as this, Pepe's & Mito's should be part of your plans if you enjoy having an enormous, flavorful Mexican meal.

Opening Hours:
Mon, Tue: 11am–3pm; Wed, Thur: 11am–10pm; Fri, Sat: 11am–11pm; Sun: 11am–5pm