West Dallas - Dallas, TX

West Dallas started as a community on the edge of Dallas in the 1880s. The Texas & Pacific Railway ran east and west and served as a significant agent of commerce. People flocked to the west in particular because it was the last place to stock up on food and supplies before heading further west to California.

The beautiful Art Deco Kessler Theatre for the Arts features music shows and live theatre, while providing moderately priced drinks and food. Its small and intimate theatre provides great acoustics, making for great shows no matter the type.

Don't expect to see the latest Hollywood blockbuster at The Texas Theatre on West Jefferson Drive. This theatre showcases art-house films and old Hollywood classic movies, with hip blues festivals featuring live music thrown in for fun. The live burlesque show certainly raises eyebrows.

Some restaurants dedicate themselves exclusively to food, while others mix entertainment in with nightlife in their establishments.

Come to Chicken Scratch on Pittman Street strictly for the food. Chicken ranks high on its menu, featuring fork-and-knife biscuit sandwiches. Make sure to try the smothered fried chicken with gravy fries and American cheese on a biscuit. The Foundry sandwich, an homage to the brewery next door, mixes smoked bacon and beer mustard with fried chicken. An outdoor patio shared with The Foundry makes people-watching as entertaining as a live musical show.

Babb Brothers BBQ and Blues at Trinity Groves likes to mix it up. This roadhouse sells barbecued brisket and pork chops that aren't too greasy or dry, while also serving up a healthy dose of live music on the bluesy side. Rustic in design, diners eat at picnic tables with traditional white-and-red checkered tablecloths. Menu items include the aforementioned brisket and chops as well as a full-pound of turkey or chicken breast. If you can't decide, go for the combo plate, a mix of three different meats of your choice. Desserts include Southern classics such as banana pudding and deep-fried bread pudding balls. Pony up to the full-service bar for an entire pitcher of margaritas or an iced down bottle of beer, domestic of course. All blues shows start at 7 pm, but guests must make their reservations before 5 pm. Performers on the roster include local favorites such as Mike Babb and the Master Cylinder Band.

Carmen's Mexican Cafe on Singleton greets early risers with a yummy breakfast taco, spilling over with salsa and cheese. Lunch time brings popular Carmen's specials, including the famous three amigos lunch special. Regular lunch-time visitors like the friendly service and great prices that come from this family-run restaurant.

The Foundry sits next door to the Chicken Scratch. If your dog can hang late, bring it along because this establishment allows leashed dogs. You can hang outside and sit on beautifully mismatched chairs, or come inside and sit at the bar. Reasonably priced beers from a microbrewery and a fun atmosphere makes you want to stay until closing time at 2 am. For instance, The Foundry features Game Night with a ping-pong tournament one night per week. It also schedules a DJ and live musical performances on the aesthetic stage made of pallets. Be sure to call ahead because The Foundry closes certain months of the year.

Route 35E runs through the many communities of West Dallas. Bike lanes circle several parks, including Trinity River Greenbelt and the smaller Fish Trap Lake Park. Commuters appreciate four-lane highways in addition to HOV lanes on Interstate 30. DART serves the area as the primary public-transportation option, but you can use Uber if you're willing to spend a bit more. You can safely walk around the city, but use caution.

Trinity River Greenbelt Park on the Trinity River has a 4-mile running track under construction. In the meantime, runners and bikers share the exceptional bike path that circles the park. Expect a challenge as you bike and hike this path, which crosses through the Fort Worth Stockyards. It isn't flat as most of the land in West Dallas. The hills and curves work the thighs and calves. Exercisers appreciate the hydraulic lifting stations along the trail where they can do physical training. Each year, the Bravest Race Fire Safety Expo takes place in the park. An annual 5K run crosses the pedestrian bridge in the park and continues on for 9.11 miles because it is to commemorate the fallen fire fighters from New York. Locally, it supports the Hispanic Firefighters Association.

The Trinity River Overlook Park makes the perfect spot from which to view the city's annual fireworks display. This large expanse has enough room for family picnics and outings. Certain neighborhood school parks have swings and slides where children play.

The cost to live in West Dallas is low compared to the average cost of living in Dallas proper. Rent averages about $710 for a one-bedroom unit, and a beer at Babb Brother costs $3.50 for a domestic and $4.50 for an imported brand. More people rely on their cars for transportation here than in Dallas; gas prices at 16 percent below the national average cost helps keep costs lower. DART bus passage costs $2.50 for a 2-hour pass and $5 for an all-day pass.

The vintage antique items at Lula B's takes shoppers down memory lane. Pickers and lookers are thrilled with the nostalgic items. Don't be surprised to see that channel back kitchen chair you used to sit on when you were a kid. Lula B's also likely carries just the retro outfit to wear to the Rocky Horror Picture show at the Texas Theatre.

Nadeau on Longpoint Avenue sells furniture with a soul. Forget rows of cookie-cutter pieces, each piece in this store stands alone in its beauty and design. For example, the grass-green tea table stands out and looks great in the store room, but even better your patio.

Count The House of MacGregor Millinery as one of few unisex haberdasheries around. Although situated in Texas, this boutique doesn't sell ten-gallon hats. It stocks unique fashion hats for both men and women. Come in and try on the coffee sack newsboy cap or the ocelot big brim hat on.

When it comes to neighborhood markets, El Rio Grande #3 grocer provides quality foods and other essential items. This "supermercado" hosts a fun back-to-school festival with face-painting and prizes. Local stars show up to sign autographs for customers.

Urban Acres on North Beckley Avenue brings local organic produce direct from the farmers. As part of the Real Food Movement, it aims to provide healthy foods for those in cities. This cooperative farm also offers great prices and is open longer hours than a traditional farmer's market, serving customers every day except Monday.