ON THE TOWN | Union Jack’s vast array of clothes, from Ted Baker to Andrew Christian, makes it a hit with stylish club-goers. (Arnold Wayne Jones/Dallas Voice)
There’s no worse feeling than rollin’ up in the club feeling fine only to see every Tom, Dick and Harry in the same exact shirt (thanks, H&M!). Since 1971, Union Jack has been an Oak Lawn staple and go-to source for gays looking for stylish, unique looks from head to toe. Start with what’s really important: a sexy pair of underwear from the store’s extensive lines of practical to practically-not-there options. Layer on the look with designer jeans, shirts and jackets. Or enhance your assets with a skimpy swimsuit or workout gear that will get noticed at the gym. Complete the perfect ensemble with a pair of new shoes, some simple jewelry and even a new pair of sunglasses. Conformity is for sheep, and the only wool you wear is custom cashmere cuteness — thanks to Union Jack.
— Jef Tingley
BEST CLUB THREADS
Union Jack
3920 Cedar Springs Road
Open Monday–Saturday at
10 a.m., Sunday at 11 a.m.
214-528-9600
UnionJackDallas.com
BEST BRIEFS AND BOXERS
Skivvies
4001 Cedar Springs Road, Suite C
Open Monday–Saturday 10 a.m, Sunday at noon
214-559-4955
SkivviesMensUnderwear.com
BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE
Dulce
2914 Oak Lawn Ave.
Opens Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m.
214-219-5656
MyDulce.com
BEST LEATHER/FETISH GEAR
LeatherMasters
3000 Main St.
Opens Tuesday–Saturday at noon
214-528-3865
LeatherMasters.com
BEST EYEWEAR/OPTICAL
Fashion Optical
3430 Oak Lawn Ave.
Opens Monday–Wednesday, Friday at 9 a.m., Saturday at 10 a.m.
214-526-6006
FashionOpticalDallas.net
BEST AFFORDABLE FURNITURE
Ikea
7171 Ikea Drive, Frisco
Open daily at 10 a.m.
972-712-4532
BEST GIFT BOUTIQUE
Nuvo
3900 Cedar Springs Road
Opens Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m., Sunday at noon
214-522-6886
NuvoDallas.com
BEST LIQUOR AND WINE SELECTION
Goody Goody
3316 Oak Lawn Ave. (and additional locations)
Opens Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m.
214-765-6878
GoodyGoody.com
BEST GROCERY STORE
Kroger
4142 Cedar Springs Road (and additional locations)
Open daily at 6 a.m.
214-599-9859
Kroger.com
Organic fair-trade java and local produce paired with free samples (be they of the adult beverage or nibble variety) is a fresh recipe for success. And with it, Austin-based Whole Foods Market has opened 310 stores worldwide, eight in the Dallas area. Seasonal produce, fish and grass-fed meats line each store with the grocery department, packed with natural and organic goodies, sitting in the center, the nexus of healthy delights and guilty pleasures. But it’s in the supplements and vitamins in the Whole Body department (pictured) where the specialty chain takes the cake, giving customers choices that satisfy nutritional requirements and taste buds. That doesn’t mean you can’t go nuts at the buffets and deli cases, which offer salubrious alternatives to the fast-food outlets pock-marking Big D. We’re talking breakfast tacos and customizable salads, rotating entrees like chicken tikka and soups (perhaps butternut squash seafood bisque?), even desserts washed down with a sporty smoothie or an invigorating kombucha. Spice up a prepared, pre-packaged dinner for two with a bouquet from the floral department. Talk about healthy!
— José Ralat-Maldonado
BEST HEALTH AND NUTRITION STORE
Whole Foods
4100 Lomo Alto Drive
(and additional locations)
Open daily at 8 a.m.
214-520-7993
WholeFoodsMarket.com
BEST FINE FURNITURE
Cantoni
4800 Alpha Road, Addison
Open Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m., Sunday at 1 p.m.
972-934-9191
Cantoni.com
BEST ANTIQUES
Lula B’s
2639 Main St.
Open Monday–Saturday at 11 a.m., Sunday at noon
214-824-2185
Lula-Bs.com
BEST JEWELRY SHOP
Eiseman Jewels
8687 N. Central Expressway, Suite 514
Open Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m.
214-369-6100
EisemanJewels.com
BEST GARDEN SUPPLY AND NURSERY
The Home Depot
6110 Lemmon Ave. (and additional locations)
Opens Monday-Saturday at 6 a.m., Sunday at 8 a.m.
214-654-9939
HomeDepot.com
BEST DOMESTIC AUTO DEALERSHIP
BEST DEALERSHIP SERVICE
Sewell Buick, GMC
7474 Lemmon Ave. (and additional locations)
888-572-5577
Sewell.com
BEST IMPORT AUTO DEALERSHIP
Park Place Motorcars
6113 Lemmon Ave.
Sales opens Monday–Friday at 8:30 a.m., Saturday at 9 a.m.; Service center opens Monday–Friday at 7 a.m., Saturday at 9 a.m.
888-873-4597
ParkPlaceTexas.com
BEST AUTO SERVICE OUTLET
Firestone
1720 Greenville Ave. (and additional locations)
Open Monday–Saturday at 7 a.m., Sunday at 9 a.m.
214-821-5188
FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com
BEST SMARTPHONE SHOPPING APP
Groupon
THINGS OF BEAUTY | An arrangement from All Occasions, above, let’s someone know you care; Kenneth Craighead, below, poses with two paintings by Jackson Hammock, one of the artists represented by Craighead-Green Gallery. (Arnold Wayne Jones/Dallas Voice)
Roses are red / Violets are blue / And cheap grocery store carnation bouquets send a tacky message that anyone can see right through. When it’s time to send flower arrangements that will leave a lasting impression, voters chose All Occasions for good reason. Who says flowers are just for high holidays, birthdays and anniversaries? These talented horticulturists can whip up a bouquet for any occasion including “Sorry I made out with your best friend, I blame the tequila” or “Happy Poultry Day” (March 19, duh). Looking for something more butch than pansies and tulips? They also offer plants and gift baskets. Want to take your relationship to the next level with that hottie from online dating? All Occasions delivers locally and can send orders anywhere in the nation, too.
— Jef Tingley
BEST FLORIST
All Occasions Florist
3428 Oak Lawn Ave.
Opens Monday–Friday at 8 a.m., Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
214-431-3303
AllOccasionsDallas.com
BEST ART GALLERY
Craighead-Green Gallery
1011 Dragon St.
Open Monday–Saturday
214-855-0779
CraigheadGreen.com
If you’ve graduated from motivational posters of kittens “hanging in there” to something a little (OK, a lot) more sophisticated, chances are you’ve heard of Craighead-Green Gallery. But even if you’re new to the world of high art, you’ll groove to the art here. Owned by partners Kenneth Craighead and Steve Green, the 20-year-old business is consistently recognized as one of the finest art galleries in the region, representing more than 40 artists in a variety of media ranging from contemporary paintings to sculpture. And lest anyone be intimidated by the art-buying process, they’re happy to provide expert guidance for collectors of all levels. Simply tell them what type of art you like and they’ll match you up with your dream works. It’s like a dating service, only what you take home will definitely be with you for a lifetime.
— Steven Lindsey
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition March 16, 2012.