Brooklyn in Dallas

June eats, ranked from survival to self-actualization.

BY BROOKLYN RODGERS | JUNE 23rd, 2025 | 3:00 PM  

I eat out a lot—probably more than I should—but it’s one of the great joys of my life: food, alcohol, people-watching, all with a fresh blowout. For a while now, I’ve been searching for a way to share both the mediocre and mind-blowing meals I enjoy. But let’s be honest: a grilled cheese from Katy Trail Ice House doesn’t need a whole article (even if it does deserve a footnote).

So, I’ve compiled everything I ate and loved in June into a chaotic food pyramid-Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs-style (shoutout public school). The result? A ranking of what merely sustained me all the way up to what fully transformed me. If you stare at it too long, it kind of starts to look like a last meal situation… and if Wabi House is involved, I’m honestly okay with that.

Take a peek into my June stomach archives- maybe you’ll find your July dinner plans.

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Tier 5 – Survival (Meals, snacks, and drinks that just satisfy)

At the base of the pyramid, we have the Cacio e Pepperoni pizza from Pizzana, Mexican Vanilla Vacation froyo from Swirled Peace, and the Medusa and Spicy Tuna rolls from Bar Colette. These got the job done, but lacked the magic the higher tiers delivered.

The pizza was solid—especially dipped in ranch—but the crust lacked crisp, and somehow, despite pepperoni, piped parm cream, and black pepper, it still felt like something was missing. Soul, maybe?

The froyo at Swirled Peace in Bishop Arts should have hit harder (I was a few drinks and cigs deep, after all), but the vibe was too granola, the flavor lineup sparse, and the toppings off-brand. Biting into an off-brand “chocolate gem” when you expected a mini M&M is, in fact, a small tragedy.

Bar Colette’s sushi- borrowed from Namo next door- was good, but forgettable. With only five rolls on the menu, you’d hope the first two would be standouts. Still, I cleaned every plate. Let’s not be dramatic.

Tier 4 – Security (Meals, snacks, and drinks that elevated my day)

This tier belongs to two seafood snacks that surprised me. On a travel day at the DFW airport Pappadeuax, I naturally treated myself to an ice-cold Miller Lite and a shrimp cocktail- simple, but genuinely delightful.

On another night, after a chaotic session of karaoke at Casablanca, we stumbled into Written by the Seasons and refueled with mussels in a spicy, fishy, heartier-than-usual broth. It struck the perfect balance between white wine butter sauce and rich tomato.

Tier 3 – Love & Belonging (Meals that made me feel something)

The grilled cheese with fries and ranch at Katy Trail Ice House hit me like a love letter. The ranch arrived without asking- I felt seen. And not just any ranch: the watery, restaurant-style ranch of dreams.

Then there was the Lost in the Sand cocktail at Bar Colette: culantro-infused Patrón Blanco & Reposado, with mango, shio koji, and a Lego-man lollipop garnish. It was girly, gorgeous, and the lollipop was mildly erotic. Nothing hits quite like starting the night with lollipops and cocktails with the girls.

And after too many disappointing grab-and-go coffees at Rose Café, I finally tried their Rose Chicken Salad and- wow. I never knew chicken salad needed toasted coconut and fish sauce, but now I can’t go back. Rose Café, I retract every rude thing I’ve ever said (and there was a lot).

Tier 2 – Ego (Meals that made me feel like the truest version of myself)

These meals felt especially made for me.

First, the Roadside Lobster Roll from RH Rooftop: perfectly toasted, buttered brioche and a well-balanced lobster mix. Paired with truffle fries and sunroof sunshine, this lunch put me in a good mood for 12 hours straight.

Then- somehow, on the same day– cheese enchiladas with double rice from Las Palmas. It wasn’t my birthday, but it felt like it. These enchiladas came smothered in chili con carne (I always ask for yellow queso, but oh well), and while my queso request was ignored, chili con carne on cheese enchiladas still fucks.

This day I also had a Foxtrot latte, in addition to some Las Palmas margaritas- at the end of the day, my stomach was in crisis, but my soul was satisfied.

Tier 1 – Self-Actualization (Transcendent meals that shaped my life’s trajectory)

This tier belongs to two heavy hitters: first, the Shoyu Ramen at Wabi House. If you like noodles in any form, you have to go to Wabi House. The broth is rich with umami, the pork is perfectly charred, the marinated eggs go insane, and the noodles are perfectly chewy. Thank God they’re not on DoorDash or I’d be on a strictly ramen diet.

Second: Dole Whip frozen cocktails with rum at Swizzle. Yes, it’s technically a cocktail. Yes, it’s also dessert. Add a shot, mix it up, and you’ve got the creamiest, most refreshing, borderline-addictive rum drink on earth.

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I ate and drank my way through June- sometimes devouring standout meals back-to-back, sometimes in excess. July’s already looking promising. If you’ve got recs for where I should eat next, send them my way- apparently, I never stay in.