Top Budget Restaurants for Prom in Dallas, Texas

1. El Ranchito
610 W. Jefferson, Dallas, Texas 75208
(214) 946-4238- www.elranchito-dallas.com
A beloved icon in the West Dallas area is the authentic Mexican restaurant, El Ranchito. It boasts regional flavors from Northern Mexico such as cabritos, tripa, milanesa and asada de puerco. This venue is full of fun and atmosphere with mariachi's performing right at your table. Prices range from $10-$20. This place gets packed on weekends so call for reservations.

2. Campisi's
1520 Elm St, Ste 111, Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 752-0141- www.campisis.us
For traditional, homestyle Italian food, your group will love Campisi's. Once you walk through the doors, the delicate aromas of tomato sauce and basil fill your senses and you're whisked away to Italy. The lovely downown location boasts long tabletops to accomodate the largest groups on their way to the dance. Prices range from $8-$18.

3. Chuy's Tex-Mex
4544 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205-4214
(214) 559-2489- www.chuys.com
Another Dallas favorite for Tex-Mex is Chuy's where you'll definitely get sensory overload. It has an atmosphere full of flair including jukeboxes, bubblegum machines, shiny hubcaps, and fish decorations. Come here for great dishes to start off your night right. Share a huge bowl of freshmade tortilla chips and salsa before indulging in sizzling beef fajitas, spicy chile rellano, or a "Big as your Face" burrito. This place gets busy fast, so try to arrive early to avoid parking problems. Prices range from $8-$12.

4. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
3520 Oak Lawn Ave. , Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 521-4700- www.pappadeaux.com
If you're looking for a great venue for great seafood, this place is it. It feels fancy when you can splurge on lobster for your date! But it won't break the bank. Menu items boasts classic fried baskets and fish & chips to Costa Rican tilapia and seared sea scallops and even fresh raw oysters. Prices range from $10-$30.

5. Bucco Di Beppo
7843 Park Lane, Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 361- 8462- www.buccadibeppo.com
This restaurant is truly for large groups wanting to share their meal family-style. Their menu boasts super large portions of fresh pasta, raviolis, and delicious pizzas. The fun atmopshere is complemented by old-world pictures and antique knick-knacks. Prices range from $8-25.

Prom Dinner For couples:

1. Fireside Pies
2820 North Henderson Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 370-3916 - www.firesidepies.com
This is one of the top spots in the Knox-Henderson area. Their handmade pizza pies are piled high with fresh toppings and gourmet cheeses piping hot from their wood fired ovens. Come early because this place fills up fast. Prices range up to $15.

2. Fogo de Chao
4300 Belt Line Rd., Addison, Texas 75001
(972) 503.7300 - www.fogodechao.com
Okay, so it might be a stretch calling this place a "budget" restaurant. There's nothing cheap about this place. But you truly get value in the entire culinary experience. It's something every couple should try at least once. It's really unforgettable, but its also easy to go a little overboard with your menu choices. From fifteen cuts of roasted meats carved at your table by "gaucho waiters", a gourmet salad bar, Brazilian side dishes, and traditional desserts, your senses won't know where to begin. Dinner is $48.50.

3. Taverna
3210 Armstrong Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 520-9933- www.tavernabylombardi.com Tucked away on a little street in the Uptown area, is Taverna, a lovely Italian restaurant with traditional flavor. The atmosphere is intimate with soft lighting and wood stone ovens seen from the kitchen. Try their carbonara gnocchi, margarhita pizza, or risotto ai frutti del mare. Prices range from $10-$20.

4. Bangkok City
4503 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75206
(214) 691-8233- www.bkkcityrestaurant.com
This is one of the best Thai restaurants in Dallas. It's unopposing exterior doesn't do justice to the romantic lighting and decorative dining area on the inside. For a sweet venue for two people who don't want the crowds, this is a perfect choice. Choose from traditional pad thai or pad se ew (flat noodles) to more adventurous choices like duck curry and pad kee mao (thick noodles in gravy). Prices range from $9-15.