I was invited to join my food blogger friend The Food Hussy last month when Visit Plano flew her in from Cincinnati for a whirlwind food tour of Plano, Texas. Living in nearby Addison, I knew a few spots, but the weekend revealed many more. Plano makes a fantastic weekend getaway—great for families, couples, or locals looking for a staycation. Below are highlights and recommendations from my Plano staycation: where to eat and what to do.
Plano, Texas Staycation: Where to Eat, What to Do
First, a big thank you to The Food Hussy for inviting me to team up for this travel and food adventure, and to Visit Plano for hosting our extended weekend.
Restaurants in Plano, Texas – Where to Eat
We ate our way through as much of the city as possible in one long weekend. It was a delicious challenge, and here are the best bites we found.
Where to Eat in Plano, Texas: Breakfast
Copper Bottom Grille
We stayed at the Dallas-Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center, which has a lovely balcony view. Most mornings we had breakfast at the hotel’s Copper Bottom Grille. The buffet is extensive—fresh fruit, made-to-order omelets, scrambled eggs, pastries, pancakes, potatoes and, my favorite, generous portions of crispy bacon. It’s exactly what you want before a busy day of exploration.
Urban Rio Cantina & Grill
On Sunday brunch we visited Urban Rio Cantina & Grill in downtown Plano. The restaurant is beautiful and the service was warm and attentive. I had Pedro’s Breakfast—scrambled farm eggs with pico de gallo, jalapeño bacon, refried beans, papas and tortillas. It’s flavorful and satisfying; I’d order it again in a heartbeat. My friend sampled the queso and breakfast tacos and enjoyed them as well.
WOW Donuts and Drips
WOW Donuts and Drips was on our list but we ran out of time. Luckily I live nearby, so I went back later for coffee and doughnuts—worth the visit for a sweet treat and great coffee.
Where to Eat Lunch or Dinner in Plano, Texas
Kura Revolving Sushi
Kura Revolving Sushi is one of the most fun dining experiences in Plano. Plates circulate on a conveyor belt, and you can also order from a touchscreen—the menu items arrive on a separate fast-track belt. Most plates are affordably priced, so it’s easy to try many things. When you finish, return your plates into the table slot; after a few plates a little cartoon plays, and after more you earn a small prize—family-friendly and entertaining.
Urban Crust Pizza
While exploring downtown Plano, we stopped at Urban Crust Pizza, a wood-fired, three-story spot with a rooftop balcony. We made our own pizza with goat cheese, mushrooms and tomatoes. Bread and dipping sauces arrived while we waited. A small kitchen mix-up left our pizza without sauce, but marinara was promptly provided and the pizza was excellent as served. The rooftop atmosphere is a great reason to return.
The Keeper
The Keeper hosted one particularly special dinner. Executive Chef Gil gave us a kitchen tour and explained that their seafood is flown in daily, and the menu adjusts based on availability. The menu is digital and updated daily. Our meal began with seasoned popcorn, followed by fried gulf oysters—crispy, flavorful and fried in a gluten-free-only fryer, making them a great option for gluten-sensitive diners. Mussels in a coconut lime broth arrived next, served with grilled bread to soak up the sauce. We also enjoyed lobster specials: lobster linguine and a whole baked lobster—rich, fresh and memorable. Dessert was a light Key’per with angel food cake and raspberries; mine was adapted for my dairy allergy and was lovely.
Whiskey Cake
Whiskey Cake is hugely popular for good reason. We began with a warm goat cheese fondue—creamy, tangy and served with grilled sourdough. My entrée, the Rotisserie Farm Bird (spit-roasted half chicken with brussels and gremolata), was slow-roasted, tender and delicious. My friend had the Black Angus Ribeye, which was well-seasoned and juicy. For dessert we shared the namesake Whiskey Cake, a toffee torte with bourbon anglaise and spiced pecans—an absolute must-try.
Turkish Café
Tucked in a strip mall, Turkish Café and Lounge feels like a hidden oasis. It’s best visited when you have time to relax—on weekends there’s often dancing. The menu highlights are Mediterranean and Middle Eastern classics. We shared falafel, crispy feta rolls and a standout warm Turkish hummus topped with house-made Turkish sausage and served with soft, fresh pita. It’s an immersive, leisurely dining experience.
Legacy Hall
Legacy Hall is a three-story food hall with dozens of vendors, bars on each floor and a tap room on the third. The outdoor Box Garden hosts live music, movies and sports and has family-friendly seating. Favorites I’ve returned to include Shawarma Bar, Enter the Bao, Monkey King 3 and Roots Chicken Shak. The variety means there’s something for every palate, and it’s a lively spot to sample lots of different foods in one visit.
Haywire
Haywire, a three-story restaurant near Legacy Hall, is another excellent option for lunch, dinner or cocktails. I’ve enjoyed it before and recommend it for its atmosphere and menu variety.
What to Do in Plano, Texas (Other than Eat!)
Downtown Plano
Downtown Plano is full of shops, coffee spots, a farmers market, a train museum and a park with a playground. It’s a great place to stroll, window shop and pop into local stores. We enjoyed cake pops, a latte from XO Coffee, and a free visit to the Interurban Railway Museum, including a tour of an old train car.
Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience is ideal for families or anyone who enjoys hands-on fun. Activities include making your own crayons, playing with a giant Lite-Brite, climbing in an indoor playground and using interactive digital attractions—two hours flew by with my grandsons before nap time.
Heritage Farmstead Museum
The Heritage Farmstead Museum is a peaceful escape. It feels like stepping back in time with a schoolhouse, barns and farm animals. It’s a charming, educational spot for families and a quiet contrast to the city bustle.
Shops of Legacy
The Shops at Legacy are a convenient hub with plenty of parking, dining, shopping and entertainment. It’s home to the Angelika theater and The Woodhouse Day Spa, where we enjoyed pedicures. It’s an easy place to spend an afternoon or evening.
This long weekend was busy—and delicious. We walked nearly 10 miles exploring the city, which made room for all the incredible food. Thanks again to The Food Hussy for the invite and to Visit Plano and the Dallas-Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center for hosting us. Plano is a vibrant, walkable destination with something for every type of traveler, and I can’t wait to return.
