1. Victor Tango’s
Tristan Simon’s fifth Henderson Avenue establishment, billed as a gastropub, entices a good-looking twenty- to thirtysomething crowd that comes here for upscale bar food and a drink menu so good that leaving a little fuzzy is a distinct possibility. Small plates of two-bite appetizers like lamb chop lollipops and mini–cheeseburger tacos encourage sharing, and the stout drinks, like the champagne-infused French 75 and the muddled mint-and-cucumber Victor Tango, make any night of the week more extravagant. 3001 N. Henderson Ave., 214-252-8595, victortangos.com
2. Stacy Hyde
The cool palette (white, cream, pale blue) of this home-furnishings store exudes “chic beachside shack meets posh Parisian boutique.” Overstuffed couches covered in crisp, bleached fabric are flanked by weathered side tables scattered with silver seashells. The gourd-shaped lamps by Dallas-based Arteriors add a touch of citified elegance, and the affordable price points for the on-trend styles can’t be beat. Stacy Hyde travels to Paris often, so if you’re on the hunt for something specific, let her know and she’ll keep her eyes peeled. 2933 N. Henderson Ave., 214-370-4933, stacyhyde.com
3. Nick Brock Antiques
The raincoat-yellow door with a brass knocker and the gray-and-black awning are pure neoclassical Regency, but this rambling shop doesn’t limit itself to one style. A gilt-bronze chandelier from the early 1800’s hangs near a late-1800’s Birge Harrison painting; porcelain Chinese mud men, tiny enough to cup in your hand, share space with miniature foo dogs. Not sure if a chaise will look good in your bedroom? Nick Brock will deliver items to your home for a 24-hour tryout period. 2909 N. Henderson Ave., 214-828-0624, nickbrockantiquesonline.com
4. La Mariposa
Have your checklist ready before entering. Otherwise, the abundance of handmade Mexican folk art will pull you in every direction. Dream up your own personal fiesta with garlands of colorful paper flowers and traditional glazed ceramic dishware and candelabras. Or consider accessorizing your home with delicate, one-of-a-kind woven Otomi textiles, which can double as bedspreads and tablecloths. Or get a similar feel with more-substantial pieces, like easy-to-wipe utilitarian oilcloth that can be bought by the yard and used for kids’ messy art projects. 2813 N. Henderson Ave., 214-826-0069, lamariposaimports.com
5. Soley Restaurant
Nestled among traditional taquerías and beer bars is this refined brunch favorite whose menu is a lesson in upscale French food with a south-of-the-border twist. Take a seat on the patio and soak up the diversity of the neighborhood—the chiming bells of the paletero’s ice cream cart, the jaunty tejano music from passing trucks—while the Mexican-born, Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef whips up brasserie-classic onion soup with a Oaxacan cheese crouton and diced avocado or the ensalada de atún, seared tuna on a bed of field greens finished with crispy tortilla strips. 2405 N. Henderson Ave., 214-485-1302, soleyrestaurant.com
6. Natsumi Gelato + Frozen Yogurt
I-am-what-I-eat M Street pedestrians and Lakewood families park it here for the stellar organic treats, made daily on the premises. Relax on white Barcelona chairs and ottomans inside the futuristic lounge and nosh on tangy all-natural yogurt or the exotic gelati, like dragon fruit, ginger goji berry, and avocado. 2323 N. Henderson Ave., Ste. 105; 214-823-1707, natsumiusa.com
7. Again Design Studio
Owner Leslie Pritchard made a name for herself by turning throwaway chairs, couches, and tables into showroom-worthy pieces at her consignment store Again & Again. Her second venture is more glamorous, with graphically driven designer fabrics from decor gurus Kelly Wearstler, Madeline Weinrib, and Lulu DK. Pritchard is a whiz at reproducing the ensembles seen in magazines, but her photo-shoot-ready furniture arrangements are the ultimate inspiration. 2003 N. Henderson Ave., 214-826-6777, againandagain.com
8.The Pearl Cup Espresso Bar
Free Wi-Fi may attract the scruffy media types who hold court at this coffee shop, but the brew is what lures everyone else. Locally roasted beans paired with a La Marzocco espresso machine turn out smooth, creamy lattes and cappuccinos. The popular Pearl Latte, a secret concoction of velvety sweetness, will have you begging the baristas for how-to tips. (PS: They won’t give you any.) For an afternoon pick-me-up, try a crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-in-the-middle grilled cheese. 1900 N. Henderson Ave., Ste. B; 214-240-0667, thepearlcup.com
