Praise be to the House of Blues. Gospel Sunday Brunch is served hot with some good 'ol southern cookin' and live performances to rejuvenate those weary souls. If you're not much of a church goer, come during their regular hours for the voodoo shrimp with rosemary cornbread and Dixie beer reduction. Their menu offers a mixture of Cajun and barbeque style dishes, salads and sides accompanied by southern rock. The Pontiac Garage is a music hall situated here that hosts some of the best live performances. Go to the website for details on upcoming music events hosted by the House of Blues.

Known around the city as "The Shame of Dallas," Dick's last resort is the perfect restaurant/bar to go to for a wild and crazy time. You can start off by ordering one of their signature dishes such as Goldy Fry'd Catfish or Half-A-Chiky, which come served in metal buckets. Table manners are left at the door, because in this joint silverware is optional and wearing a bib is welcomed. Dick's also has a wide range of beers and spirits to help kick off your night. Rules are limited, so feel free to get your dance on or break out in song. Never a cover, always a pleasure, dress as you see fit.

The Walrus Bar attracts the downtown business power-lunchers during the day and the more riotous under-40 group come evening. Appetizers include Fried Pickles with spicy Ranch Sauce or Jalapeno Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, while favorite items of the entree menu include the Blue Cheese Burger, complete with real chunks of gorgonzola cheese and apple-smoked bacon. The Raspberry Cheesecake is a good dessert selection. The Walrus thoughtfully includes a Kids Menu for those tots visiting the Dallas World Aquarium. And at night when the kids are in bed, the adults come out to play with the Reverse Happy Hour.

Gone are the days when people would just go to a mind-numbing coffeehouse to kill time. Gachet Coffee Lounge is the perfect example of a contemporary cafeteria with a twist. The hangout offers an all-embracing coffee menu with drinks, such as Italian Soda, Hot Chocolate, Iced-tea, Café Mocha and the good old espresso. The spot has an in-house gallery, which hosts contemporary exhibitions by both, budding and entrenched artists. If you can appreciate art only when you are in high spirits, then pick your poison from the unassuming wine list. The place has fun events like " "Some Like it Hot and " "Vertigo from time to time. Check the web site for upcoming events.

Are you an aspiring singer scouting around for a spot to test your larynx? Poor David's might just be where you could strike it rich, for the likes of the Dixie Chicks, Robert Cray and Lyle Lovett have blazed the stage here. Open only to those over 21 years of age, this strictly non-smoking pub regularly hosts shows that rock the joint into the wee hours. Many of the shows feature advance tickets, which can be bought after 6p on the day of the show. Be sure to check out the web site for more updates and ticket details. Birthdays are celebrated with a free drink and if you are here for a show, avail of the 10 percent discount on your meal at the nearby Amuse restaurant. Private parties can be hosted here as well, with a capacity of up to 375 and possible arrangements for a live band. Good behavior is the norm, and those flouting the rules might just wind up cooling their heels on the street outside!

This watering hole is located in downtown and is frequented mostly by a white-collared crowd. It has pool tables for entertainment and the bar serves some exotic drinks. The food is mostly local cuisine but nothing much to write home about. If you visit the bar in the football season, you will find a special Bloody Mary bar over the weekends.

This impressive brick, limestone and granite marvel, designed by David M. Schwartz Architectural Services and HKS, Inc., was built not only as the home of the Dallas Stars and the Dallas Mavericks, but also as a venue for other entertainment. It anchors the 72-acre Victory Development, a project that reclaimed an area occupied by an abandoned rail yard and power plant and is in the process of creating a vibrant urban area. Special features include retractable seating and more than USD3 million in public art. Public tours are available and require reservations.

Founded in 1979, this nonprofit organization was formerly known as the Junior Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Today it gives Dallas a variety of cultural offerings and is the best attended of Dallas' African-American theaters. Most of the performances are touring shows on the national Black Theater Circuit. An annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. features local gospel choirs, international drum and dance by the KanKouran West African Dance company, poetry, art, and many film screenings. Offices and performance space are located inside the Dallas Convention Center complex. Cost varies per type of production.

650 North is an elegant setting of mahogany, glass and twinkling lights in the open lobby atrium of The Westin City Center, one of the finest hotels in Dallas. The downtown location is convenient to the financial and arts districts. The bar caters to business clientele and offers a pleasant environment for business or relaxation.

Packed at lunch, this homemade sandwich and catering shop is a popular cafe in the nostalgic Snider Plaza shopping village. Dine at the small cafe tables or grab a boxed lunch to go. All white meat chicken, tuna and egg salads sandwiched between two slices of homemade bread make for one of the best lunches in town. Take-out family dinners include King Ranch Chicken Casserole and Beef Stroganoff. Don't leave without buying the "best little cookies" in the house-they are wonderful! While you are here, take in some fresh air while strolling through Snider Plaza's picturesque fountains and park benches.