Discover Plano, Texas: Your Ultimate Guide to Dining, Attractions, and Weekend Getaways

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to join my dear food blogger friend, The Food Hussy, on an exhilarating culinary and travel adventure through Plano, Texas. Hosted by Visit Plano, who flew her in from Cincinnati, Ohio, this whirlwind tour promised to showcase the best of what the city has to offer. Naturally, I eagerly accepted the invitation! Living in nearby Addison, I had a general familiarity with some of Plano’s attractions and restaurants, but I was completely unprepared for the delightful surprises that awaited me. This trip unveiled Plano as a truly exceptional destination for a weekend getaway or a fun-filled staycation, whether you’re traveling with family or enjoying some adult time. Join me as I share my highlights and recommendations in this comprehensive Plano, Texas review: Where to Eat, What to Do, and Why You’ll Love It!

Before diving into the delicious details and exciting activities, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my favorite (and truly one-of-a-kind) Food Hussy for inviting me to be her partner in crime on this unforgettable journey. A special thank you also goes to Visit Plano for their generous hospitality in hosting us for an extended weekend filled with memorable experiences.

Plano’s Culinary Scene: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Our gastronomic journey through Plano was nothing short of extraordinary. We embarked on a mission to savor as much of the city’s diverse cuisine as humanly possible within one long weekend. It was a challenging, yet utterly delightful, task that we were more than ready to undertake. From upscale dining to casual eats and unique culinary experiences, Plano offers an impressive array of options to satisfy every palate.

Breakfast Delights to Kickstart Your Day

A good day in Plano starts with a fantastic breakfast, and we found several spots that truly delivered.

Copper Bottom Grille

Our home base for the weekend was the stunning Dallas-Plano Marriott at the Legacy Town Center, a gorgeous hotel offering beautiful balcony views. We were fortunate enough to enjoy breakfast almost every morning at the hotel’s own Copper Bottom Grille. This provided a convenient and delicious start to our busy days.

The extensive breakfast buffet at Copper Bottom Grille truly has something for everyone. From a vibrant selection of fresh fruit to made-to-order omelets, fluffy scrambled eggs, an assortment of pastries, pancakes, and savory potatoes, it’s a feast. My personal favorite, however, was the abundance of crispy bacon – and not just any bacon, but mounds of perfectly cooked, utterly satisfying crispy strips! It’s a good thing we had so much walking planned for the weekend, as we definitely indulged.

Urban Rio Cantina & Grill

For a change of pace, we ventured into vibrant downtown Plano for Sunday morning brunch, discovering the charm of Urban Rio Cantina & Grill. This beautiful restaurant instantly charmed us with its inviting atmosphere, and our server was particularly sweet and attentive. I ordered “Pedro’s Breakfast,” a delightful plate featuring three farm-fresh eggs scrambled with pico de gallo and typically topped with Queso Fuego, though I opted for it without the queso. It came served with an amazing jalapeño bacon, creamy refried beans, flavorful Rio papas, and warm tortillas. Our server recommended it as his favorite, and I could absolutely see why – I would unequivocally order it again on my next visit! Heather chose hot, bubbling queso and breakfast tacos, and couldn’t resist sampling my much-raved-about jalapeño bacon. While the spice level was a bit intense for her palate, she agreed on its excellent quality.

WOW Donuts and Drips

WOW Donuts and Drips was high on our list of must-visit spots, but our jam-packed weekend itinerary unfortunately left us no time for a stop. However, living so close to Plano, I made sure to rectify this oversight a month later. I popped in for a rich coffee and a selection of their renowned doughnuts – one for me, one for my Food Hussy (a belated treat!), and another just because, celebrating my recent gym membership with a delicious indulgence!

Lunch & Dinner: Unforgettable Flavors in Plano

Plano’s lunch and dinner options are incredibly diverse, offering everything from interactive sushi to gourmet pizza and fresh seafood.

Kura Revolving Sushi

If you’re seeking a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with endless fun, look no further than Kura Revolving Sushi in Plano! This spot is an absolute gem, perfect for friends, couples, or families with kids. I had no idea such an engaging concept existed, and I’m already making plans to introduce every visiting friend and family member to this delightful restaurant.

The magic begins as a vibrant array of dishes circulates throughout the restaurant on a conveyor belt. After taking our drink order, our server provided a quick, helpful demonstration on how to deftly remove plates from the revolving sushi belt and explained how to order additional items from the menu. If you desire something not currently on the belt, simply use the interactive computer screen above your table, and your custom order will be swiftly delivered via a “fast track” conveyor belt positioned just above the main sushi train.

What makes Kura especially captivating is the ease and affordability of trying new things. At a mere $2.25 per plate, experimenting with different flavors is low-risk. If a dish doesn’t quite hit the mark, you haven’t invested much. Conversely, if you discover a new favorite, like I did with the mackerel sashimi pictured, you can simply grab another plate – or continue your culinary exploration with other new items and trusted favorites.

Once you’ve finished a plate, provided it’s completely empty, you can dispose of it in a special slot located at each table. The fun doesn’t stop there! After returning 5 plates, a charming cartoon plays on the screen above you, and if you manage to return 15 plates, you earn a toy! Regrettably, our appetites were satisfied before we could reach the coveted toy threshold, but the delightful food and playful atmosphere were prizes enough.

Urban Crust Pizza

Our Visit Plano tour commenced on a Friday, and we dedicated much of that day to exploring the charming downtown area. For lunch, we settled on Urban Crust Pizza, a popular three-story establishment renowned for its delicious wood-fired pizzas. The weather was absolutely perfect, so we opted for a table on the third floor’s inviting rooftop balcony, offering lovely views of the surroundings. We decided to create our own pizza, selecting goat cheese, mushrooms, and tomatoes, specifically requesting it without the standard mozzarella due to my cow’s milk allergy.

While we eagerly awaited our custom pizza, a generous basket of cut bread and pizza crust arrived, accompanied by two tempting dipping sauces: classic marinara and a rich olive tapenade. Poor Heather – I admit to monopolizing the marinara, as I’m not a big fan of olives. Fortunately, she adored the tapenade, so it worked out perfectly!

There was a minor mix-up in the kitchen, and our pizza initially arrived without the light sauce we had requested. However, our server quickly and gracefully rectified the situation by bringing us a side of marinara for dipping. It’s worth noting that they generously offered to remake the pizza entirely, but we politely declined for several reasons: a) we were quite hungry, b) it looked incredibly appetizing even without the sauce, and c) we now had a fantastic dipping sauce! This pizza was truly amazing, even with the small hiccup, and I’m already looking forward to ordering the same custom creation again.

The Keeper

One evening, we were treated to an exceptionally special dinner at The Keeper, a highlight of our culinary tour. We had the pleasure of chatting with the general manager and even received a fascinating kitchen tour led by Executive Chef Gil. Among the many impressive insights, what truly stood out was their commitment to freshness: when they say their seafood is fresh, they *truly* mean it. Premium seafood is flown in daily, and patrons can even check their website to see the specific origins of the day’s catch. Furthermore, recognizing that weather and seasonal fluctuations can impact supply, The Keeper’s menu is entirely digital, presented on individual touchscreens for each guest, and is updated daily based on availability, ensuring peak freshness and quality.

We began our evening with expertly crafted cocktails and a complimentary bowl of seasoned popcorn – a light, flavorful nibble that elegantly wards off hunger, a refreshing change from the usual bread basket.

For appetizers, we shared the fried Gulf oysters. These were not only some of the most flavorful oyster bites I’ve ever tasted, but they also achieved the remarkable feat of converting Heather to “team oysters” for the very first time! An added bonus for gluten-free diners: these delectable morsels are completely gluten-free and even fried in a dedicated gluten-free fryer, ensuring no cross-contamination.

We also shared a generous serving of mussels, swimming in a fragrant coconut lime broth infused with cilantro and various herbs. They were accompanied by grilled bread, which you’ll absolutely want to use to sop up every last drop of that incredible broth, just as we did!

With an abundance of fresh lobster in the house, The Keeper was featuring several tempting lobster specials. Heather chose the rich lobster linguine, while I opted for the impressive whole baked lobster. Suffice it to say, it was pure lobster heaven, a true celebration of fresh, perfectly prepared seafood.

Remarkably, we still found room for dessert and French press coffee. We selected “The Key”per, described as the lightest dessert option, crafted with delicate angel food cakes, tangy key lime mousse, fresh raspberries, and crunchy pistachios. Due to my dairy allergy, they thoughtfully prepared my portion without the mousse. It was absolutely divine, and I can only imagine how utterly perfect it would be with the addition of the mousse!

Whiskey Cake

Another memorable evening led us to Whiskey Cake for dinner. This establishment is incredibly popular in the Plano area, and after our visit, we completely understood why! Every single morsel we tasted transported us to a state of pure foodie nirvana.

The deliciousness began with our appetizer: the Local Goat Cheese Fondue. I am endlessly grateful that my allergy is limited to cow’s milk and, thankfully, doesn’t extend to goat’s milk, because missing this dish would be an absolute tragedy. This warm, creamy, and luscious fondue is crafted with olive oil, rich goat cheese, Greek olives, roasted tomatoes, and served with perfectly grilled sourdough bread. Even as someone who typically isn’t a fan of olives, I found myself enjoying them in this context!

For my entrée, I chose the Rotisserie Farm Bird, featuring a perfectly spit-roasted half chicken accompanied by tender brussels sprouts, a zesty mustard vinaigrette, and aromatic gremolata. Our server proudly shared that they slow-roast their chicken for an astonishing three days, a testament to its incredible flavor and tenderness. The entire combination was pure magic in every bite. I quickly reached a satisfying fullness, eager to save room for dessert, so I took half of my meal home – and couldn’t wait to enjoy the exquisite leftovers the following night!

Heather opted for the Black Angus Ribeye, served with perfectly char-grilled caulini and rich roasted garlic butter. She graciously offered me a bite of her steak; it was incredibly tender, wonderfully juicy, and expertly seasoned, a testament to the quality of the meat and preparation.

Last but certainly not least, we indulged in the restaurant’s namesake dessert: the Whiskey Cake. This exquisite toffee torte cake is generously topped with a luscious bourbon anglaise and spiced pecans. If you try nothing else at Whiskey Cake, you simply *must* try this! It’s typically served with whipped cream on top, but we ordered the cake to share, with the whipped cream on the side, due to my dairy allergy. Fortunately for me, while cow’s milk can sometimes affect my sinuses, I can tolerate a small amount (and there is a small amount of dairy in the cake itself), making this unforgettable treat accessible.

Turkish Café and Lounge

Tucked away within a unassuming strip mall in Plano lies a seemingly ordinary entrance that belies the extraordinary experience within. Step through the doors, and you are immediately transported into a large, enchanting indoor/outdoor wonderland of vibrant, colorful light globes and intoxicating, exotic aromas – the Turkish Café and Lounge. A friend recently introduced me to this magical place, and I knew instantly that I had to share it with Heather. A key note for visitors: if you’re in a hurry, this is not the place. The Turkish Café encourages you to relax, lounge, and linger, embracing a more European approach to dining. On weekends, you might even be treated to lively dancing, enhancing the immersive cultural experience.

If you appreciate Greek or Middle Eastern cuisine, you will undoubtedly fall in love with Turkish food. We ordered a delightful smattering of appetizers to share, including crispy falafel, savory feta rolls, and our absolute favorite – the warm Turkish Hummus. This heavenly dish is made with warm, velvety pureed chickpeas and topped with your choice of chicken, beef, Turkish gyro, or house-made Turkish sausage, all served with warm, soft, freshly baked pita bread that bears no resemblance to anything you’ll find in a grocery store. Both Heather and I highly recommend opting for it topped with the incredibly flavorful Turkish sausage.

Legacy Hall

Legacy Hall stands as a magnificent three-story gourmet food hall, a true mecca for food lovers, minus the actual trucks. Living in a neighboring town, I had already grown to deeply appreciate this innovative culinary destination. It’s a place that feels fresh and new with every visit, especially if you resist the urge to order the same beloved dishes each time. The sheer variety of options is astounding – from juicy burgers to savory brats, fresh seafood to aromatic shawarma, gourmet pizza to vibrant poke bowls, and delightful popsicles, there’s truly something for every craving. Each floor boasts a bar, with the entire third floor dedicated to an expansive tap room. The back of the building opens up to the family-friendly Box Garden area, complete with balconies on the second and third floors, where visitors can enjoy free live music, movie nights, and sports screenings throughout the year, creating a vibrant community hub.

While it will undoubtedly take me years to fully sample everything Legacy Hall has to offer, some of my current favorites include: Shawarma Bar (their chicken shawarma bowl is a must-try), Enter the Bao (the innovative dim sum 2.0 bao, K-pop bao, and orange chicken bao are exceptional), Monkey King 3 (the loaded Taiwanese tots are addictive), and Roots Chicken Shak (their duck fat fried chicken wings, spicy bird sandwich, and duck fat fries are simply out of this world).

Haywire

Haywire, an impressive three-story restaurant, is operated by the same visionary team behind Legacy Hall. It’s conveniently located adjacent to the food hall and also features a back entrance opening onto the lively Box Garden. While it was high on our “hit list,” our weekend schedule was so packed with other culinary adventures that we simply ran out of time and meals to experience it during our official tour. However, having visited Haywire many times on my own, I wholeheartedly recommend it as an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or simply enjoying cocktails in a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.

Beyond the Plate: Exciting Activities and Attractions in Plano, Texas

While Plano’s culinary scene is undoubtedly a major draw, the city offers a wealth of activities and attractions that extend far beyond dining. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, family fun, or a bit of pampering, Plano has something to keep everyone entertained.

Explore Historic Downtown Plano

Downtown Plano is a vibrant hub brimming with activities. Beyond the fantastic eateries, you’ll discover a delightful array of boutique shops, cozy cafes serving luxurious lattes, a bustling farmer’s market, and even a fascinating train museum and a charming park perfect for children. It’s a captivating district that effortlessly blends historical charm with modern appeal.

The sheer number and diverse variety of shops make downtown Plano an absolute pleasure for window shopping, finding unique gifts, or simply treating yourself to something special. During our visit, we walked away with a few delightful items, Heather sampled some delicious cake pops, and I enjoyed a wonderfully rich latte from XO Coffee. We also took time to browse the offerings at the local farmer’s market, enjoying the fresh produce and artisanal goods.

Additionally, downtown boasts a lovely park complete with a playground and the intriguing Interurban Railway Museum. We made sure to stop in (it’s absolutely FREE to enter!) and even took a guided tour of the old train car on site. Be sure to check out my picture of a picture showing the original train! What isn’t visible in that photo is the fascinating secret mail room hidden at the back of the train car, a delightful surprise for history buffs.

Family Fun & Educational Experiences

Plano is an excellent destination for families, offering engaging and educational experiences for all ages.

Crayola Experience

If you’re traveling with young children (or, let’s be honest, even if you’re just a big kid at heart!), the Crayola Experience in Plano is an absolute must-visit. Kids and the “inner child” in adults can immerse themselves in a world of vibrant color and creativity with both low-tech and no-tech activities. Imagine making your very own crayon, sculpting with modeling clay, playing on a giant Lite Brite, or climbing and sliding in the multi-level indoor playground. Beyond these tactile experiences, there are interactive digital attractions, opportunities to take silly selfies, and, of course, delicious treats to enjoy. We had the pleasure of “borrowing” my three adorable grandsons for the day, and after two hours of non-stop, exhilarating fun, it was well past nap time for everyone!

Heritage Farmstead Museum

Another top recommendation for families with children is the enchanting Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano. This hidden gem is so subtly nestled that you could almost drive past it without noticing. However, the moment you step onto its grounds, the bustling suburban city around you seems to fade away, transporting you to a simpler place and time. Here, you’ll discover a charming schoolhouse, friendly pigs, goats, and donkeys, and rustic barns that evoke a sense of bygone eras. Follow a short, winding path, and you’ll be greeted by the picturesque view pictured below, offering a serene escape into agricultural history.

Shopping & Relaxation at The Shops at Legacy

Finally, no visit to Plano would be complete without experiencing The Shops at Legacy.

This vibrant outdoor shopping and dining destination is a beloved spot for locals and an equally fantastic attraction for tourists, boasting plenty of convenient free parking. Here, you can easily walk to a multitude of diverse restaurants, catch a movie at my favorite cinema, the Angelika Film Center, or indulge in some retail therapy at the various shops. For a truly pampering experience, you can also visit The Woodhouse Day Spa and treat yourself to a luxurious pedicure, as we did, or unwind with a relaxing massage, rejuvenating facial, or other exquisite spa services.

Whew! That was an incredibly busy, yet utterly delicious and rewarding, long weekend! I diligently tracked our movements, and we managed to walk almost 10 miles. This surely means we effectively worked off all that amazing food, right?!

This trip was a truly fantastic staycation for me and an unforgettable weekend getaway for Heather! My sincere thanks once again go to The Food Hussy for the wonderful invitation, and to Visit Plano and the Dallas Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center for their exceptional hospitality in hosting us. Plano truly offers a perfect blend of culinary delights and engaging activities for any traveler.