1. Manny’s Tex-Mex Grill
Let’s be honest: Can any-thing beat crispy beef tacos with a side of creamy refried beans and fluffy rice? Local love for Manny Ramos’s no-fuss approach to this iconic food recently prompted him to move into a bigger space, where game days reel in fans who plant it at the bar surrounded by ESPN-tuned flat-screen televisions. Unless you designate a driver, though, go slow: Word is, the margarita on the rocks can be heady. 6705 Main, 972-377-6765, eatatmannys.com
2. Skatebus Skateshop
When it’s time to graduate from an off-the-rack skateboard to customized wheels, visit Austin Fernandez’s laboratory of everything you need to Frankenstein your own gear. Choose from one hundred wood decks—illustrated with, say, a glow-eyed red skeleton or candy-colored imaginary creatures—then move on to dozens of flashy wheels and trucks. Fernandez will assemble your selections for free, and in ten minutes flat you’ll be pulling a backside 180. 6726 W. Main, 469-362-5505, facebook.com/skatebus
3. Horse Hardware
A big ballpark, a shiny mall, and some fancy restaurants notwithstanding, Frisco is still a horse town. Barn basics like currycombs and bridles can be found in this store, but what really makes it shine is the monogramming machine that trans-forms saddle pads and blankets into bespoke creations. And forget the sugar cubes; instead, feed your pampered equine some organic Withers & Withers horse treats. If you don’t have a jumper in a stable, the natty button-downs, blazers, and Ariat leather boots may make you reconsider getting on the show circuit. 6943 W. Main, 972-334-0261, texashorsehardware.com
4. Fifth Street Patio Cafe
Shrimp, goat cheese, and bacon pasta or spinach-strawberry salad? Chicken curry salad sandwich or fried-shrimp po’ boy? So goes the daily indecision of this cafe’s hungry lunchtime patrons. You could spare yourself the long wait at the counter by phoning in your order, but then you wouldn’t have the satisfaction of watching well-groomed ladies lean over their iced teas for local gossip or seeing fresh brownies slathered in orange frosting make their way from the kitchen to the bakery table up front. 8621 Fifth, 972-377-3483, 5thstreetcafe.com
5. Southern Bliss
This faux-rustic boutique is best known for the mad mix of patterns and high-contrast colors that are the cornerstone of owner Karen Dawson’s hand-stitched creations. Pick fabrics in store or bring your own to design curtains or bedding finished with monograms, appliqués, and grosgrain ribbon. If matching fabrics with abandon isn’t really your thing, there are other options. The ready-to-wear Toms slip-ons hand-painted with sunflowers or collegiate emblems are pretty cute too. 8621 Fifth, 214-618-7968, southernblissboutique.com
6. Shining Wings
Unless she’s a determined tomboy, your little girl will swoon over the frilly tutus, colorful hair ribbons, and matching doll clothes for sale at this charming bungalow. But she’ll flip when you book a dress-up Glitz and Glam Tea Party for her and a dozen or so of her closest friends. Pink lemonade and cupcakes feel decidedly grown-up when served on china. The tiaras, feather boas, and mini-makeovers will complete an afternoon of girly pursuits. 7080 W. Main, 214-872-2636, shiningwingsboutique.com
7. The Style House
Tot-toting suburban moms with highlighted locks, varnished nails, and eyelash extensions beeline it to this rambling, century-old Victorian home for beauty upkeep and party dresses. A combination clothing boutique/full-service salon outfitted with a children’s play area, the house is filled with sophisticated beauty essentials such as OPI, Aquage, L’Oréal Professionnel, Sharla’s, and C.O.R., as well as affordable denim, tees, and cocktail frocks. And if you’re happy with the results of your makeover, you can have your portrait taken in the on-site photography studio. 7127 Main, 469-287-2823, stylehousefrisco.com
8. Double Dip Frozen Custard
The blue-and-gray-checkered floors and chrome bar stools make this frozen-dessert destination feel pure fifties. But the kids eagerly eating chocolate custard covered with fresh fruit, candy, and crushed cookies while texting will bring you right back to the twenty-first century. Bomb your belly with the Apple Pie á la Moore, a slice of pie slathered with two scoops of custard, caramel, and pecans. If you’re in the mood for something savory, crowd-pleasing Frito pie and hot dogs will do the trick. 7511 Main, 972-377-8668, doubledipfrozencustard.com
