Guide to the Bishop Arts District in Dallas: Explore, Eat, Shop, and Check Out Our Tile
The bustling Bishop Arts District is nestled in the heart of North Oak Cliff, just five minutes from downtown. Once the busiest trolley stop in 1930s Dallas, the revitalized neighborhood currently boasts over 60 independent boutiques, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and art galleries.
As you explore, you’ll soon discover that the popular arts district Dallas residents and visitors love to stroll through is a vibrant bohemian hotspot filled with eye-catching murals, mouth-watering food, decadent desserts, and one-of-a-kind shops.
If you’re looking for a place to spend a fun-filled day, check out some of the best Bishop Arts shops and best Bishop restaurants that belong on your must-see itinerary. Here are some of our favorites.
Must-See Murals
Bishop Arts has several stunning, must-see mural displays. Many of them are popular, Instagram-worthy photo spots.
Artist Steve Hunter created a special one of Batgirl to commemorate Oak Cliff resident Yvonne Craig, who played Batgirl in the 1960s Batman TV series. It’s located behind Hunky’s restaurant.
More amazing Bishop Arts murals include:
- It’s Cool to Be Kind at Picolé Pops Brazilian popsicles.
- Love Equation by Daniel Garcia, Mario Garcia, and Janet Aguirre at the corner of Davis and Madison.
- Highline Bishop Arts four-story mural by blind artist John Bramblitt at Bishop Highline Apartments.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan Lyric Mural by Derek Nemunaitis at the corner of 9th St. and North Madison.
- Black and White Cactex by Wheron Art behind Mini-Fab grooming shop.
- Selena by Jeremy Biggers at 306 S. Bishop Ave.
Take your time exploring because there are so many more magnificent murals to see.
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We humbly attest our custom cement tiles are a work of art on this staircase with @strutinteriors in the Bishop Arts District. You’ll find lots more Riad tile displays throughout the neighborhood.
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And this custom cement tile installation looks fabulous on a sunny Bishop Arts day.
Delicious Dining Options
Sampling local food when you visit a new place is an essential part of the experience. The Bishop Arts District has lots of delicious dining options for you to enjoy.
Dive into old-fashioned hamburgers and shakes at Hunky’s Diner, or have some world-famous pit barbecue at Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ. If you love Mexican food, try the one-of-a-kind, authentic dishes at the Veracruz Café.
Pizza lovers need to check out the signature pies on the menu at Eno’s Pizza Tavern. You can also enjoy delicious smoothies and power bowls at Tribal Café, or savor an ooey-gooey grilled cheese in a palate-pleasing number of flavorful ways at Dallas Grilled Cheese Company.
For cocktails and apps, visit the Whitehall Exchange and Parker Barrow’s – “The Official Bonnie & Clyde Bar” of Dallas.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, check out Azucar Ice Cream Company, Dude, Sweet Chocolate, and Cretia’s Bakery’s delectable variety of pies, cookies, and cupcakes – 34 pie flavors, to be exact!
Unique Shops and Galleries
One of the most charming aspects of the Bishop Arts District is that so many independent shops and art galleries have a home there.
The landmark anchor store, Bishop Street Market, is one of the oldest in the neighborhood. They sell specialty gifts, cards, candles, bath products, handmade jewelry, local art, and clothing. The historic location was formerly a soda shop that Bonnie and Clyde visited.
The Wild Detective puts a cool twist on an indie bookstore. The quaint and cozy shop has won many awards, including D Magazine’s Best Bookstore 2014, 2015, and 2016. The owners added a bar for patrons to hang out, sip a beer, talk, and share ideas.
More must-see Bishop Arts District shops include:
- We Are 1976 – Gifts, art, unique designs, and print studio
- Neighborhood Store – Home furnishings boutique, local art, Lone Gallery
- AJ Vagabonds – Outdoor gear, tees, gifts
- Ellison Valencia Gallery – One-of-a-kind abstract art, sculptures, and interactive gifts from local Dallas artists.
- Red Pegasus Comics – Vintage comics, collectibles, toys, and accessories.
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who has it all, you’re bound to find something unique at one of these stores — or the many more Bishop Arts shops you can explore.
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Check out our custom three-tile configuration at the front of the Neighborhood Store. Isn’t it sweet?
Entertainment Options
As for entertainment, you can listen to live jazz at Reveler’s Hall, play pool at the Oak Cliff Social Club, or catch a show at Kessler Theater.
There’s so much to see, do, taste, and experience at the Bishop Arts District, we can’t cover it all. We just encourage you to get out and enjoy it!
