The Deep Ellum BBQ & Blues Run

Deep Ellum has always been the rebellious heart of Dallas, a neighborhood where the grit of pre-Prohibition industrialism meets a legendary blues legacy A Local's Guide to Dalla…. This route is built on the logic that one should never attempt to navigate the district's sensory overload on an empty stomach. The pilgrimage begins at Terry Black’s Barbecue, a heavy hitter in the Texas BBQ pantheon where the beef rib is non-negotiable and the brisket remains remarkably consistent Terry Black's BBQ in dow…. While some locals argue the brand has become more corporate than artisanal, the sheer quality of the jalapeño cheddar sausage and the creamed corn settles the debate for anyone looking for a definitive Texas tray Terry Black's BBQ in dow…r/BBQ - Terry Blacks, Da…. Transitioning from the smokehouse to the streets, the logic of this walk shifts to visual immersion. The Deep Ellum Art Mural Tour is not just a collection of backdrops; it is a curated open-air gallery documenting the neighborhood's shift from a jazz hub to a modern creative enclave THE 10 BEST Dallas Food…. Tracking down pieces like the 'Deep Ellum Elements' mural requires wandering off the main drag of Elm and Main, away from the storefronts and into the alleys where the neighborhood's real character remains etched in paint. This serves as the necessary buffer before heading toward City Park, a pocket of preserved 19th-century architecture that offers a silent, surreal contrast to the high-energy streets of the district. The circuit concludes back in the thick of it at Three Links. In a neighborhood that is rapidly gentrifying, Three Links maintains the 'old Deep Ellum' ethos—unpretentious, loud, and focused squarely on the stage TOP 10 BEST Blues Bars i…. It acts as the perfect decompression chamber, where the transition from daylight sightseeing to late-night noise happens seamlessly. By pairing high-end smoked meats with low-brow punk and blues energy, this route captures the two specific pillars—food and sound—that have defined Dallas’s most storied zip code for over a century.

What to Expect

Expect to spend between $30 and $60 at Terry Black’s depending on meat weight, as beef ribs are priced by the pound and can trigger sticker shock Terry Black's BBQ in dow…. The walking portion is significant—over three miles—so athletic footwear is mandatory. Deep Ellum parking is notoriously difficult and predatory; use a ride-share or park in a paid lot on the periphery. Three Links has a casual dress code, but the venue gets hot and crowded quickly once the sun sets TOP 10 BEST Blues Bars i….

The Route

1

Terry Black's Barbecue

62

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity22

Infrastructure54

Terrain99

Safety73

Lighting97

Amenities56

Transit24

"Follow your nose to the beef ribs, but don't sleep on that creamed corn—it’s the best side in Deep Ellum."

30-45 min6 min

6 min · 427 m62

2

Deep Ellum Art Mural Tour

62

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity22

Infrastructure54

Terrain99

Safety73

Lighting97

Amenities56

Transit24

"Look for the 'Deep Ellum Elements' mural on the side of E.A.S.L.; the hidden alleys have the best street art that Instagram hasn't found yet."

30-45 min40 min

40 min · 1.8 mi63

3

City Park

63

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity38

Infrastructure59

Terrain98

Safety77

Lighting95

Amenities40

Transit23

"Wander through the 19th-century saloon and schoolhouse to walk off that BBQ; it’s totally free and usually empty enough to have the whole 1800s vibe to yourself."

30-45 min36 min

36 min · 1.4 mi61

4

Three Links Deep Ellum

61

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity29

Infrastructure67

Terrain98

Safety76

Lighting95

Amenities40

Transit24

"This is a serious music venue disguised as a bar; hit the free water dispenser between sets so the Dallas heat doesn't ruin your night."

45 min - 1 hr12 min walk

Frequently Asked Questions