Have you ventured to Garden Oaks or Oak Forest? These two communities northwest of the Heights — nicknamed “the GOOF” — attract a lot of families who enjoy the quiet and calm of the suburbs, but also want to be near delicious restaurants and parks to make you feel like you’re in the thick of bustling city life. Let’s go exploring!
The Best Restaurants and Happy Hours
You can’t go wrong with a delicious plate of brisket and sweet potatoes from award-winning Gatlin’s BBQ. For my fellow wine aficionados, grab a glass at Plonk! Bistro & Wine Cellar, a neighborhood wine bar with a dog-friendly patio. Also, stop by Sunday Press, a cafe known for delicious daytime eats like the Cubano sandwich or cinnamon sugar waffles. At 5 p.m., the cafe transforms into Sunday Social HTX, a full-service bar with light bites and cocktails.
Enjoy a wood-fired pizza or tasty bucatini with marinara sauce at d’Alba. If you’re craving Southern comfort food, head to Millie’s Kitchen & Cocktails for chicken fried steak or fried Gulf shrimp. Take in happy hour at Sassafras, which is known for great drinks and its cozy neighborhood vibe. Finally, who wouldn’t want dessert from local favorite Red Dessert Dive?
The Best Places to Explore
Make sure to check out Stomping Grounds, a large complex where you can shop, take a fitness class, or connect with your neighbors on a massive green space. Soak up sunny winter days at TC Jester Park, which has dog parks, walking trails, a playground, and a disc golf course.
Grab your kids for a day at Oak Forest Park. The playground is inclusively constructed for people with different physical abilities, so children with disabilities can play safely. Play a game of tennis or basketball on the updated courts. Community members also enjoy Candelight Park, a peaceful oasis in the Oak Forest neighborhood, where you can have a picnic, play a game of basketball, or let the kids explore the playground.
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