Over the last 10 years the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas has gotten less and less appealing with the invasion of ‘gangs’ and ‘garbage’. Although still a Meca for artist during the day, once the sun goes down; nazi’s, skin heads and other less desirables seem to come out of the sidewalk.
Us that enjoy an alternative life became tolerant, of some of these ‘hate- monger’ groups, so that we could still enjoy the clubs and percs of the area. Until recently. Now, most of us chose to ‘club’ in Arlington and other area’s that cater more to the pop culture than to us. Rest assured though, there is an alternative.
Travel I-35 North for 35-40 minutes right into Denton, Texas. Denton is the home of 2 Universities ( University of North Texas and Texas Women’s University), which is what prompted a profitable night scene. Exiting on the Oak Street exit, will bring you within 2 miles of the Fry Street area.
Fry Street has been well established since the 1960’s era, and in some of the shops and business’s it still shows.
My first suggestion is to stop at The Flying Tomatoe. This pizza utopia is located on the corner of Fry Street and Hickory. Wonderful thing about this area is once you park here, everything else is within walking distance ( 3 blocks ) . The Flying Tomatoe offers the best pizza, in my opinion, of any restaraunt south of Oklahoma. The crust is sweet and thick, and the famous ‘Gut-Buster’ is a single slice with ingredients cut Sicilian style that will quench any appetite you may have developed on the 40 minute drive.
After pizza and pitchers, leave the Tomatoe and either enjoy the scene that develops on the curbside ( especially on Thursday and Friday nights ) or travel 3 doors to the right to Cool Beans. Cool Beans often has ‘ live bands ‘ , and is a nice little pub to start the evening.
There are also 3 other clubs on this block, all of whom cater to those looking for an alcohollically enhanced evening.
If alcohol is not on the menu, then simply cross the street, from the Tomatoe and look to the left to see Kharma Cafe. Kharma is a California style coffee house with espresso, latte’s, italian soda’s and much more. After ordering, lounge on a couch or browse the artwork that lines every wall of the cafe.
In any case, while your enjoying this scenery you will see posters, and hear of groups and bands playing at the many clubs on this 3 block area. Chose one to your preferance regardless if your looking for Gothic, Punk, Ska, Indi or any other alternative style.
Don’t be surprised if you see other friends from the Ellum area, as we are not the only ones who have discovered this utopia.
