A sign on the front door of the Juicy Pig on Monday states that the barbecue restaurant is offering only pickup and delivery. Several Denton restaurants have closed their dining areas to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
Are you the parent of a Denton university student looking to visit and get a taste of something other than dining hall food? Just stopping through over a weekend and need a meal or two? Luckily, Denton has a ton of unique places to try, as well as reliable chain restaurants.
For Denton, it’s helpful to divide up places to go by location and know what each has to offer.
University Drive/U.S. 380 can be one of the busiest areas of Denton on the north side, especially during university events like graduation, orientation and during move-in and move-out. There are mostly fast food chain options available along University Drive, but there are a few restaurants and fast-casual spots that are excellent choices as well.
A barista at Seven Mile Cafe tops off a cappuccino
DRC file photo
Generally, Loop 288 is less of a hotspot than University, with most of its restaurants toward the south side of Denton. While 288 has mainly fast food options, there are also a few restaurants and fast-casual establishments to choose from.
Seven Mile Cafe: Very popular (consider getting on the waiting list or making a reservation on weekends) breakfast and lunch restaurant open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kurume Ramen and Izakaya: Ramen restaurant with large variety of ramen to choose from, as well as a few rice dishes
Salata: One of the newest additions to the Loop, get fresh salads, wraps and soup.
The Great Egg: Another of Denton’s breakfast, brunch and lunch spots, open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day
J-Sushi: Sushi place with a large menu ranging from a wide variety of rolls, rice and noodle dishes, and more.
Sweet Basil Thai Bistro: Thai cuisine with an expansive menu featuring a variety of rice and noodle dishes, seafood, chicken and more.
Coco Shrimp: Fort Worth-based restaurant that offers Hawaiian-style shrimp dishes in a fast-casual setting
Family-owned Milpa Kitchen & Cantina won readers’ votes for Best Mexican/Tex-Mex and Best Catering.
Jeff Woo/DRC
Interstate-35E is mainly home to Denton’s big chain restaurants, which can be perfect options for anyone looking for something familiar and comfortable. Some options include:
The downtown Denton Square is home to the city’s quirky businesses and hole-in-the wall establishments, many of which can’t be found anywhere else.
Barley and Board: Upscale gastropub with a wide variety of beers on tap, plates to choose from, and charcuterie boards available
Hannah’s Off the Square: Upscale dining serving lavish dishes for brunch and dinner, with special cocktail hours available
A sign on the front door of the Juicy Pig on Monday states that the barbecue restaurant is offering only pickup and delivery. Several Denton restaurants have closed their dining areas to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
Al Key/DRC
Here are a few more popular restaurants in other locations around Denton, according to Best of Denton 2022:
Austin St. Truckstop:Â Local food trucks set up regularly off of Austin Street and among Denton's "beer alley" between Eastside, Denton County Brewing Co. and the Bearded Monk.
Mr. Chopsticks: Restaurant serving up various types of Asian cuisine right off the UNT campus
Juicy Pig: Slow-cooked barbecue serving up brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage and more
New York Sub Hub: A favorite of Denton’s residents and college students alike, Sub Hub serves up New York style sandwiches made just how you like them
Osteria il Muro:Uupscale regional Italian cuisine, available by reservation only or limited walk-in seatings
Denton Independent Hamburger: With a record setting 18-year streak as winner/finalist in Best Hamburger in Best of Denton, Denton Independent has been around for forty years and continues to grill up burgers and chicken
Pizza Snob: build-your-own pizza restaurant right off the square offering an array of unique pizza toppings and options
Blue Ginger: Asian cuisine offering a variety of sushi rolls, hibachi plates, bento boxes, and more
