Dallas’ culinary community will gather on Friday, July 24, as the Southern Taste of Dallas Awards returns for its third annual awards celebration at On the Levee, honoring the restaurants, chefs, food trucks and culinary entrepreneurs shaping North Texas’ vibrant food scene. This year’s celebration embraces the theme “Cowboy Culture” — inviting guests to don their best Western-inspired couture meets luxe attire for an unforgettable evening.
Founded by Brittany “Luscious Barbie” Criswell and powered by restaurateur Rickey Booker Sr., the Southern Taste of Dallas Awards was created to recognize the excellence and impact of Black-owned restaurants. This year, the awards program expands its reach to also celebrate Latin-owned restaurants, reflecting the rich diversity of Dallas’ culinary landscape.
“The Southern Taste of Dallas Awards were created to do more than just recognize outstanding restaurants; they were designed to celebrate the hardworking entrepreneurs behind them while creating opportunities for long-term success,” Criswell said. “As the event has evolved, it was important that it reflect the diversity of Dallas’ food scene by celebrating both Black and Latino-owned restaurants the help shape our city’s culinary identity. Our mission is simple: to bring Black and Brown cultures together, one plate a time, while honoring the people, passion, and community that make Dallas one of the nation’s great food destinations.”
The evening will feature a red-carpet experience, VIP reception, live entertainment by Kkeeyz, Ashley Kaee, and others, along with the presentation of community-nominated awards recognizing outstanding achievement across numerous categories. Among the honors to be presented are Favorite Soul Food, Favorite Taco Spot, Favorite Food Truck, Favorite Brunch Spot, Favorite Seafood, Favorite Journalist, Favorite Community Leader, and more.
Unlike traditional industry awards, the Southern Taste of Dallas Awards are driven by the community, with residents nominating and voting for the restaurants and food businesses they believe deserve recognition.
Previous honorees have included some of North Texas’ most beloved culinary destinations, including Breakfast Brothers, Smokey John’s BBQ, Wingz World, Aunt Irene’s Seafood, Williams Chicken, Kitchen + Kocktails, Slutty Vegan and Hip Hop Hibachi.
More than an awards ceremony, the Southern Taste of Dallas Awards has become a celebration of entrepreneurship, culture and community, shining a spotlight on the restaurateurs whose businesses continue to fuel economic growth while preserving the rich culinary traditions that make Southern Dallas and the surrounding region unique.
The Southern Taste of Dallas Awards will take place on Friday, July 24, from 7 to 11 p.m. at On the Levee. For more information, including tickets and the complete list of nominees, visit www.
