Nestled amidst tree-lined streets and elegant homes, Highland Park in Colleyville, TX, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a culinary hotspot. But stroll down Glade Road or take a detour off Colleyville Boulevard, and you’ll discover a food scene brimming with character, flavor, and local pride. Whether you crave upscale bistro fare, cozy coffee corners, or family-owned bakeries, Highland Park offers something to delight every palate—often just a short walk or drive from home. Here’s your insider’s guide to the best eats, hidden gems, and food traditions of Highland Park.
Upscale Flair and Local Flavor: Standout Highland Park Restaurants
While Highland Park exudes a tranquil, residential vibe, it boasts several sit-down restaurants that punch well above their weight. Scattered along Colleyville Boulevard near Glade Road, these dining destinations blend sophisticated ambiance with approachable charm.
- Next Bistro
Situated at 5003 Colleyville Blvd, this contemporary American bistro is a Highland Park staple for date nights or anniversaries. Chef-driven dishes like Chilean seabass, duck confit tacos, and housemade desserts set Next Bistro apart, while an extensive wine list (with global bottles and cult finds) speaks to serious oenophiles. Expect pricing in the $20–$40 entrée range, with a weekday happy hour that feels like a local secret.
- Glade Road BBQ
Just blocks from Highland Park’s heart, Glade Road BBQ does Texas barbecue with a boutique twist. Slow-smoked brisket, jalapeno-cheddar sausage, and creative sides (think smoked gouda mac and gourmet potato salad) draw families and foodies alike. Don’t leave without sampling a banana pudding for the road. Gates open for lunch and close “when we’re sold out”—so get there early!
- Ravi’s Indian Bistro
Craving global flavors? Ravi’s, tucked into a shopping plaza near Glade and Colleyville Blvd, brings North and South Indian cuisine to the heart of Highland Park. The buffet (around $15 per person) is a favorite for lunch, while dinner features beautifully plated curries, tandoori specialties, and the city’s crispiest dosas. Vegetarian and vegan options abound.
Coffee, Bakeries & Brunch: Highland Park’s Daytime Delights
There’s something special about a neighborhood café—especially one that’s filled with familiar faces and the irresistible smell of fresh bread. Highland Park is lucky to have both bustling coffee corners and award-winning bakeries, making lazy weekend mornings a joy.
- The Market on Glade
On the lively corner of Glade Road and Heritage Avenue, The Market brings together coffee shop comfort, gourmet groceries, and scratch-made baked goods. Their latte art and homemade kolaches have a cult following; on Saturdays, the patio fills with families sipping cold brew and enjoying brunch bites like avocado toast and quiche. Prices are reasonable, with most café items under $10.
- OB Bakery & Café
A hidden gem beloved by Highland Park locals, OB Bakery excels at European-inspired breads, cakes, and pastries. Don’t miss the morning croissants or the signature honey-almond tarts. Sandwiches and soups make for a cheap-but-elegant lunch (usually $8–$12), and whole cakes can be special-ordered for celebrations.
- Red Barn Coffee Roasters
Just off Colleyville Boulevard lies a red barn-turned-café that’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious. Locally roasted beans, affogatos, and creative seasonal drinks keep the menu fresh. Expect a cozy, rustic vibe and the neighborhood’s friendliest baristas.
Food Trucks, Family Traditions, and Local Favorites
Newcomers are often surprised to discover Highland Park’s robust street-food culture. Several food trucks and seasonal pop-ups make regular appearances at neighborhood parks, church festivals, and along Glade Road on sunny weekends. Here are a few not-to-miss favorites:
- Taco Raza
This colorful food truck, often parked near the Glade Crossing Shopping Center, serves up authentic Mexican street tacos ($2–$3 each) with unbeatable salsas. Their al pastor is legendary, but the vegetarian mushroom tacos are a close second. Grab an agua fresca and take a seat at their community picnic tables.
- Colleyville Farmers’ Market
Open select Saturdays at Plaza at Colleyville, the market brings together Highland Park families and small vendors from nearby. Food stalls offer everything from artisanal cheeses to tamales, while pop-up bakeries provide limited-edition pastries and fresh sourdough loaves. It’s a local tradition to meet friends here for breakfast and stock up on provisions for the week.
- Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Cart
For something cool, keep an eye out for the Sweet Scoops cart at Highland Park block parties or during summer concerts at McPherson Park. Churned in small batches with Texas dairy, flavors rotate from classic vanilla bean to inventive blueberry-lavender.
Hidden Gems: Where Locals Go
No Highland Park dining guide would be complete without a nod to the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets. These under-the-radar eateries are where locals send their foodie friends (or keep for themselves).
- La Piazza Italian Grill
Nestled in an unassuming corner of Colleyville Boulevard, La Piazza is a family-owned trattoria serving housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and Old World wines. The Gnocchi Sorrentina and Tiramisu are talk-of-the-town good. Prices hover in the $15–$25 range, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
- Pho Central
Warm up with steaming bowls of fragrant pho at this Vietnamese eatery off Hall-Johnson Road. Affordable (under $15 a bowl), quick, and always comforting, Pho Central is a go-to for lunch breaks and chilly evenings. Try the spring rolls and strong Vietnamese iced coffee.
- Marino’s Deli
Tucked inside a modest shopping center, Marino’s is as much a neighborhood institution as it is a lunchtime staple. Italian sandwiches piled high with imported meats and cheeses draw office workers and Highland Park residents alike. The lasagna and cannoli are not to be missed!
The Heart of Highland Park’s Food Culture
What unites Highland Park’s dining scene isn’t just the variety—it’s the feeling of community. From chef-owner passion projects to long-standing family businesses and weekly food markets, there’s a sense of welcome and authentic local pride in every bite. Whether you’re indulging in a celebratory dinner, picking up pastries for the weekend, or noshing curbside at a food truck, know that you’re savoring a snapshot of what makes Highland Park Colleyville’s tastiest hidden treasure.
Grab a map, bring your appetite, and get ready to explore the Highland Park food scene—you’re in for something delicious!