Porttia Portis
A Day Of Eating Your Way Around Denton's Up-And-Coming Culinary Scene.
Denton has been endlessly lauded for its bars and music scene and, much to Dentonites' chagrin, for its miniature Austin sensibilities.
But, among all of the things that make the North Texas town great, one that doesn't get much shine, is its food scene. With a host of new places to eat and more to come, it's time to take Lil' D a little more seriously when it comes to cuisine. That being said, we took the liberty of investigating what a day of eating through Denton is like. We've compiled this schedule that's sure to make your next trip north of the dial fulfilling and delicious.
• Start your morning with breakfast at Flatlanders Tacos. At the new brick and mortar offshoot of its food truck counterpart, the breakfast tacos come with a healthy foundation of eggs on corn tortillas, ranging from a standard bacon and egg to tweaked versions of items off the main menu. Creamy avocado salsa adds a unique twist to the bacon and egg, with a surprising spiciness that plays on the creamy texture and saltiness of the bacon. The brisket taco features a spicier red salsa, that in combination with the heartiness of the smoked beef and pico de gallo, make for a filling pick that could be eaten just about any time of day. Alongside the breakfast items, Flatlanders features its own coffee bar and is planning on opening earlier in the day to provide for a full-fledged morning experience. Pro Tip: This place is BYOB and right across the street from Oak Street Draft House. Take this into account so you'll be fully prepared if you want a drink or two around your meal.
• Just a couple of blocks away is Harvest House, where you can indulge in some midday drinking as well. While its primary focus is on its extensive beer offerings, the housemade juice is an attraction all its own. Fresh fruits and vegetables are made into four flavorful options, like the Vivánt, a brightly-colored liquid made with oranges, grapefruits, carrots and more. The natural tartness of the citrus is neutralized by the carrot, leaving a sweet, but solid mixture, perfect for juice cleansers or as an after-meal refresher. For the more daring, try the Calór, a rosy watermelon-based juice with jalapeño that's used in their margaritas. The heat from the pepper is exacerbated by the tequila, with the fruit flavors acting as the chaser. Pro Tip: For the health-minded, yoga classes are held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for $5, with a weekly yoga-inspired juice.
• For lunch, head over to Pizza Snob. If you like to experiment, or just downright play with your food, this is your spot. The Fort Worth-based company has made it their mission to let guests build their own pizzas from a list of out-of-the-ordinary ingredients, like beer-glazed onions and French fries, or choose from a list of specialties. Take the spicy Italian sausage with candied jalapeños, and buttermilk Alfredo, for instance. The Alfredo sauce is the real kicker, setting off a sweet tone for the pizza, with the sausage and jalapeño as flavorful undertones. Then there's the kale salad, which isn't a salad at all, but a pizza topped with kale, caramelized ginger, cranberries and roasted pepitas. It's light and sweet, with a roasted taste from the kale, that feel like the last remnants of summer. The crusts used are thin, inspired by one of the owners' upbringing in Buffalo, New York. The way it's baked makes the crust more akin to toasted bread and combined with the personal sizing, makes you feel comfortable with eating an entire box. Building your own pizza allows up to four toppings, while specialty flavors range from the Cordon Bleu, to a street taco option. Pro Tip: Sunday brunch hours will soon join the line-up, as well as a menu of breakfast pizzas.
• For dinner with a touch of elegance, hit up Barley & Board. One of the newest ventures on The Square, the brewpub combines upscale measures with the casual vibe Denton is known for. Here you can get your fill of expertly prepared meats in the form of charcuterie boards served with pickled vegetables, or slow-roasted pork, plated atop a bed of elotes and crispy onions. Pro Tip: Try the house-brewed beer.
• For a solid nightcap, end the day with a late happy hour at Seoul Chicken, where you can enjoy $2 beer specials and some amazing Korean fried chicken. Each batch is marinated before being fried, then coated with Asian-style bread crumbs for an extra crunchy texture, and flavors that permeate each bite. You have the choice of wings or strips, in flavors like Seoul, Asian tang, soul teriyaki, barbecue, garlic Parmesan and lemon pepper. We recommend the Asian tang, a thick sauce with the perfect combination of sweet and spicy that sticks to each bite. Add a side of Seoul fries, which are basically homemade potato chips made from freshly sliced potatoes. Pro Tip: Order the Patbingsoo, a Korean shaved ice dessert made with condensed milk, red beans and fruit, then topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. It may seem weird at first, but the combination of flavors and textures are pleasantly surprising and just the right amount of sweetness.
