Best Southern American Restaurants in South Oak Cliff

Honestly, we had Valentine’s Day reservations months in advance at a steakhouse, but to our surprise upon arriving we were informed they had to shut down due to construction workers hitting a gas line. Highly disappointed, thinking we would not find a last minute reservation anywhere on Valentines night, Haywire had a few available slots on open table and it was right around the corner. We reserved for 2 not knowing what to expect, but I am SO GLAD WE DID! The elk tacos appetizers were delicious! The redfish w/crab and shrimp was amazing! I was also celebrating my birthday and the warm pecan pie w/ice cream was definitely the cherry on top! Our server was so attentive and took great care of us! We had reservations at 10pm and were done eating dinner at 10:40pm. 🥰 THANKS HAYWIRE.

A great Valentine’s Day Experience! Ambiance and Service was Top Tier. The flavorful food plus a live band was a great way to end our night!

I can’t get enough of this place at all. Great food, Great environment, Great Everything. I will admit I went 2-13-25 and my food was amazing until I got my southern fried chicken and it was too salty. BUT, they brought out another fresh order quickly, and it was perfect. This place is literally perfect!

Amazing Food & Incredible Experience! From start to finish, this restaurant delivered an unforgettable dining experience. We kicked things off with the deviled eggs and gumbo, and as a self-proclaimed gumbo connoisseur, I can confidently say this was one of the best I’ve had in a long time—rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. For the main course, we went with a family staple: fried chicken. It was everything you want in fried chicken—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. The collard greens were packed with flavor, and the shrimp fried rice was a delicious surprise, full of bold and savory notes. To top it all off, my cousin and I enjoyed a few of their specialty cocktails, the Purple Rain was absolutely fantastic. Meeting the chef was a highlight; she was incredibly kind and accommodating, which made the experience even more special. Although I don’t live in Dallas, I’m already looking forward to coming back. If you’re a local or just visiting, this place is a must-try!

We had reservation for Feb 11th for a table of 13 (business meal). Everything from the service, our waitress Summer was amazing, to the food and location were absolutely phenomenal. The sous chef came out and checked on us a few times to ensure we were satisfied with our meals and service. This experience was a 10/10 and we will be back!