Medical District Guide

About

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what this neighborhood is known for, though several geniuses call this booming part of town their home. The 1.4-square-mile Medical District lies less than four miles northwest of Downtown Dallas, and within that concentrated (and sometimes congested) area, several of Dallas’ most noteworthy hospitals, research facilities, and medical schools serve the community. William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital, and Children’s Medical Center Dallas all treat patients in state-of-the-art facilities located a few blocks apart within the boundaries of Maple Avenue to the north, Inwood Road to the east, Harry Hines Boulevard to the south, and Mockingbird Lane to the west. Because of the high concentration of doctors, nurses, and other professional hospital staff, as well as students attending the medical schools, some of the city’s most sought-after apartment complexes have been built in the Medical District in recent years. With its proximity to Oak Lawn, Love Field, and Uptown, many people who work in those areas choose to own or rent in the Medical District. There are a range of housing options in the Medical District, including everything from ranch-style homes to affordable apartment rentals and more upscale condos.

Getting Around

Even though the Medical District itself takes up a relatively small amount of real estate compared to some parts of Dallas, it’s not particularly pedestrian-friendly, so owning a car remains the norm for most residents. However, public transit in the Medical District is fantastic. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Rail system operates a trio of light rail stations: Inwood/Love Field Station, Southwestern Medical District/Parkland Station, and Love Field Station. Each of the three stations provides access to the Orange Line ending at Parker Road Station in Plano to the north and DFW Airport Terminal A Station to the west, as well as the Green Line that goes to North Carrollton/Frankford Station in the northwest and Buckner Station to the southeast. Bus stops are plentiful, as well, and when you’re looking to escape Dallas for a change of scenery, Love Field airport (home base for Southwest Airlines) can be accessed in a matter of minutes. At the south of the Medical District, I-35 E offers direct routes northward to Denton and Oklahoma beyond that, and heading south through Downtown Dallas you can keep driving until you hit Austin, followed by San Antonio. Bikeability within the area is fair, but you can easily reach Katy Trail and its miles of bike-friendly paths within a few minutes, too.

Food & Drink

With its mix of hospitals and apartment complexes, it’s no wonder that there are so many types of restaurants in the Medical District. A hub for great eating, the neighborhood offers plenty of options for medical professionals, visitors, and residents alike. Grocery stores in the Medical District are limited to Kroger and El Rio Grande Latin Market, as well as a couple of other smaller Latinx grocery options, but restaurants can be found to satisfy nearly any potential craving and desire. Practically every imaginable fast-food chain is available, and if you’re looking for no-frills dining with convenient takeout, you can also find a delicious meal at any number of other local businesses.

One of the unique hallmarks of restaurants in this area is longevity. For Mexican food, Ojeda’s has been serving a devoted fan base since 1969, and a few blocks down the street, Avila’s has been dishing up traditional fare almost as long since 1986. Breakfast at Original Market Diner has been a tradition for nearly 70 years. The original location of local BBQ chain Sonny Bryan’s serves hungry customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has been a staple for more than a century.

More recent additions shouldn’t be overlooked, of course. Some of the best burgers in the city—and easily the greatest in the neighborhood—can be found at either Maple & Motor or Blue’s Burgers. Thai2Go, Ichiro Ramen Shop, Oishi, and Lavu Vietnamese each offer impeccable versions of various types of Asian cuisine and also make for popular to-go options because of their ability to travel well and stay hot (or cold as the case with sushi should be). On the outskirts of the district inside Rennaissance Dallas Hotel, Asador serves modern farm-to-table dishes in what’s probably the most upscale of all the eateries in the area when the situation calls for something special.

When happy hour beckons or you need a fun spot for a nightcap, you’ll find options for that, too. For cold local brews on tap after a hard day (or during a much-deserved day off), Celestial Beerworks features an on-site brewery and taproom filled with friendly folks ready for a laid-back good time. M.D. Tavern (named after the Medical District) has taken over the old Windmill Lounge spot to become one of the newest hangouts in the neighborhood with pool tables, an intimate patio, and DJs spinning tunes late into the night on weekends. And Redfield’s Neighborhood Tavern hosts live music most weekend nights and super-cheap daily specials on weekdays.

Shopping

Other than a handful of small mom-and-pop shops selling random stuff (or scrubs and medical supplies), the retail shopping options in the neighborhood are limited. Yet, thrift store shopping in the Medical District is sure to satisfy the whims of bargain hunters. The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center is easily the largest store in the area and is considered one of the top destinations for thrifting in Dallas. Of course, the Medical District doesn’t exist in a complete shopping void, nearby Lemmon Avenue has several retailers and services, and a little further north, you’ll find plenty of places to shop in Inwood Village. Or head due east for everything Uptown has to offer, including its major retail and services complex, West Village.

Things to Do

One of the most surprising things about the neighborhood will surely please bird lovers, but also anyone seeking a little respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Be sure to check out the Rookery at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, also known more simply as the Bird Sanctuary—a true oasis filled with large trees and plenty of fine-feathered creatures for a one-of-a-kind de-stressor in this part of town. It’s the Medical District’s largest green space, but nearby Weichsel Park and Seldin Plaza both offer a peaceful escape on a smaller scale. Located a few blocks on the other side of I-35, you’ll find access to the Trinity River and miles of outdoor opportunities. Or head to Uptown for a stroll around Reverchon Park, then onto Katy Trail, where you can access the American Airlines Center for a concert, Dallas Mavs or Dallas Stars game, or do some dining and shopping at the businesses of Victory Park. In the opposite direction, spend an afternoon at Katy Trail Ice House right on the beaten path or keep walking, jogging, cycling, or rollerblading to multiple buzzworthy restaurants and shops along Knox Street.

If you’re headed out of town via Love Field airport located on the edge of the Medical District and need a place to drop off your doggies for a few days, Barking Hound Village on Cedar Springs Road makes sure their canine clientele is well-pampered. It’s also a popular daycare spot for the dogs of medical students and hospital staff who want their pups nice and worn out when they’re done with school or work for the day.

Colleges & Universities

Students living in the Medical District can count on the shortest commute around if they attend one of the four top options in the area for careers in the fields of wellness and medicine. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, UT Southwestern School of Health Professions, Parkland Health & Hospital System - Graduate Medical Education Office, and the Texas Woman’s University (TWU) T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences –Dallas Center all reside in the district.