Nestled in the heart of the town square of Lancaster, Texas outside of downtown Dallas, HUG BBQ serves traditional Texas barbecue with a Soul Food twist. The restaurant atmosphere is a beautiful rustic setting located inside a building built in the early 1900s. With exposed brick walls, tin ceilings and original oak floors, Chef-Owner Dwayne Holder has not installed any TVs. He wants to be sure his customers can experience old fashioned community by reviving the art of conversation at picnic table seating while enjoying hand-crafted meals of great food…

The charming historic downtown area, with its red brick buildings, circular layout, and shady trees, was the center of Lancaster life for over a century, until a 1994 tornado demolished many of the buildings that had been built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. While a few places like The Lovin Oven Bakery kept downtown from withering away completely, a revival has been underway thanks to investment initiatives…

From old-school diners wrapped in nostalgia to new chef-driven menus at gourmet cafes, Lancaster’s food scene tells the story of a community that’s always gathered around the table. If the heart of Lancaster is the historic downtown square, the arms and limbs extend to the borders of DeSoto, east of I-35 and south of I-20…

Even before entering the beautifully crafted wood doors of the tiny brick building that houses Kyotobrew, the aesthetic similarities to many buildings in Japan are striking. Step inside, and the warm, sepia tones of this new coffee and cocktail bar offer an immediate welcome, inviting guests to slow down and savor the experience. But this is not Tokyo, or even Dallas. Kyotobrew is a newcomer in downtown Lancaster…

The Curio Kitchen + Market space features tin ceiling tiles, original hardwood wide plank floors, and a commercial kitchen designed by Chef Patrick. “The entire front of house will be dedicated to wine and grab-and-go items,” Laura says…

Downtown Lancaster offers a charming mix of history and small, family-run businesses. Our historic square, filled with red-brick buildings and shaded courtyard spaces, tells the story of resilience after the 1994 tornado. It’s a perfect getaway for those seeking a blend of small-town charm and modern experiences. Just 20 minutes south of Dallas, Lancaster retains its small-city charm, with a history even older than Dallas itself…

There was a party on Tuesday night at Lancaster Old Town Square for the ribbon cutting of Lancaster’s own La Calle Dolce. The music, the crowd, and the main draw of the event set the scene.

Most locals would agree the recent arrival of the popular Mexican restaurant La Calle Dolce (meaning 12th Street) will most certainly be keeping the parking lot full…

“Wow,” said Lancaster Mayor Clyde Hairston. “What a delight to see life again in our Historic Square! At the center of this success is the Lancaster Downtown District’s distinctive character, marked by a diverse array of locally owned retail shops and restaurants.”

The city wants businesses to be proud of the investment they make in the area and looks for partners who will be involved in the community in some way, Shepard said. Mauldin-Jones is confident people will fall in love with Lancaster if they visit and "see what everybody's talking about…”

In addition to the recognition of Ellen Clark and Karl Stundins, Lancaster is also celebrating the success of two standout local businesses that have been named finalists in the Texas Downtown President’s Awards Program. La Calle Doce, a beloved Mexican seafood restaurant, is a finalist in the Best Commercial Interior category…