Breaking up is hard, but the right location can make it… less hard.
By Brooklyn Rodgers | February 22nd, 2025 | 10:00 Am
As someone who’s been through my fair share of breakups, let me impart some wisdom: LOCATION MATTERS. Whether you’re the breaker-upper or the breakup-ee, some spots lend themselves well to delivering the bad news—while others should be avoided at all costs.
Below is a guide to some of my favorite iconic Dallas spots and why they might just be the perfect setting for your next (unfortunate) breakup. Plus, a bonus: the one place you absolutely should not do it.
Katy Trail Ice House
For a casual, low-key breakup where they won’t see it coming, Katy Trail Ice House is a solid choice. Just avoid peak happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays unless you want to spend an hour awkwardly waiting for a table, reflecting on the conversation ahead.
Otherwise, it’s foolproof—plenty of witnesses to keep things civil (no one’s throwing a scene in front of the Dallas’ 20s-and-30s crowd). When it’s time to exit, you have options: run, walk, or bike away on the Katy Trail.
Bonus: if you time it right, you can sip a summer beer while scoping out the sea of eligible (and often shirtless) bachelors parading by. Now that’s multitasking.
La La Land – Lower Greenville
This is for the heartless breakup. If you’re really over them, do it while standing in the always long line at La La Land. No need to buy a coffee you’ll be too wired to drink anyway.
The swarm of preteens might make things a little awkward, but the upside? A non-zero chance your breakup will go viral thanks to the endless TikToks being filmed in every square inch of this place.
Pro tip: The baristas here couldn’t care less about your heartbreak. Order ahead online if you don’t want to leave heartbroken and emptyhanded.
Dallas Farmers Market
For a wholesome breakup, suggest a trip to the Dallas Farmers Market. A couple of options here:
- While searching for nonexistent parking, offer to drop them off, then drive away forever.
- If you’re feeling sentimental, take one last overpriced stroll together. Free samples could serve as peace offerings during the conversation.
Either way, your post-breakup self-care starts immediately with a $14 fresh-squeezed juice and a fancy loaf of bread that will sit on your counter, uneaten.
HG Sply Co. Rooftop
For when you need a sit-down talk that’s serious—but not too serious—opt for the HG Sply Co. rooftop.
If you’re struggling to summon kindness, let the skyline remind you that there is a whole world beyond your breakup. The backless patio tables ensure no one is lingering, the lively music keeps the mood from getting too heavy, and if you choose a Friday or Saturday, their live DJ will juxtapose your breakup with bangers.
Best part? An easy escape. Hop over the railing and you’re in the heart of Lowest Greenville, where bars, restaurants, and your new single life await.
Carbone
For a breakup they’ll never forget, take them to Carbone. Even with a reservation, you might be waiting an hour—so pace yourself at the bar.
The atmosphere is too classy for them to execute public meltdown, but if you’re looking for your dramatic exit, this is the spot. The dimly lit, old-school setting makes for a perfect Goodfellas-style sendoff, and once it’s over, simply fade into the shadows of this dark-as-hell restaurant like the relationship never even happened.
Green Light Social
For the adventurous, consider a clubbing breakup in Deep Ellum.
In theory, it’s perfect: loud house music keeps the convo short, and you can head straight to the dance floor after. Plus, how can they be sad in the club?
Bonus maneuver: pickpocket him on your way out. It happens so often here, he’ll just assume luck wasn’t on his side that night.
Lower Greenville St. Patrick’s Block Party
For those timing their breakup in the lead-up to March, this is how you go out with a bang.
The massive crowd makes it easy to disappear, and once it’s over, you’ll find yourself in the most concentrated sea of drunk, hot, and mostly single 20-somethings in Dallas all year.
Last year’s party happened in a torrential downpour, which would only add to the drama. If you’re Irish, consider blaming your intergenerational trauma from the potato famine for your sudden change of heart.
The One Place You Should NEVER Break Up: Your Apartment
Whether you’re the breaker-upper or the breakup-ee, ensure that a break up does not happen in your own apartment. Theirs is fine—you shouldn’t ever have to go there again. 👀 But your place? Big mistake.
Being dumped in your own living room permanently ruins its vibe. Worse, when it happens in your space, you have to be the one to tell them to leave—which means they either linger too long or leave too fast.
And let’s not forget the worst-case scenario: they’re close with your pet. Nothing more awkward than watching your ex say a second round of tearful goodbyes—to your dog.
If you do choose to breakup in one of these spots, just know- they’re my favorite haunts, and there’s a good chance I’ll be there, eavesdropping with popcorn.
All jokes aside, breakups suck, but at least your favorite places will still be there for you. Just… maybe don’t ruin them with a breakup.
Brooklyn in Dallas 