Living in a master-planned community north of Dallas has so many advantages. You get the feel of a small town with the conveniences of the big city, and you’re always coming home to a place of natural beauty that’s wrapped in the breathtaking Texas landscape. You also get all the fun of getting to know the surrounding communities and their unique local flavors. All of them offer fantastic local dining and shopping. Looking for recommendations? Here are a few of our favorite places to eat and shop in Van Alstyne, Anna, Frisco, and McKinney, TX.
VAN ALSTYNE
Mantua’s hometown is the northernmost community in our immediate region, and it’s a short, 50-minute drive to downtown Dallas. With a population of a little under 4,000, our hometown boasts plenty of small-town charm, but you’ll also find a wide variety of restaurants and opportunities for local shopping in Van Alstyne, TX. You’ll find much more than greasy spoons and hardware stores here, but don’t worry; we have those, too.
Restaurants in Van Alstyne, TX:
Jafar’s Mediterranean – When you think of North Texas, you might not immediately think of Mediterranean cuisine, but Jafar’s on Marshall Street in Van Alstyne will change that. Jafar’s offers vegan options, as well as classic Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes. Try their signature Chicken Shawarma!
The Roost – In the mood for some wings? How about a nice, cold beer? They’re both things that go great in Texas, and you can get ’em both at The Roost. If you’re feeling bold, try their hottest sauce, “Jake’s Flaming Lips.”
El Patio Escondido – It just wouldn’t be Texas without some good Tex-Mex food, and our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in Van Alstyne, TX is El Patio Escondido, where you can savor everything from old-fashioned enchiladas to delicious chimichangas.
Buck Snort BBQ – If any kind of food goes hand in hand with Texas, it’s barbecue. Stop by Buck Snort BBQ, a one-man operation run by Jim Smith, who cooks, serves, and even bakes chocolate chip cookies on the weekends!
Honeybean Coffee – Looking for a pick-me-up? Head on down to Honeybean Coffee on Marshall Street in Van Alstyne. You’ll find delicious local coffee and pastries served up with warm smiles, and you won’t want to miss out on Honeybean’s own brand of honey! It can’t be beat.
Shopping in Van Alstyne, TX:
True Value Hardware – Where would we be without our local hardware store? Whether you’re putting the finishing touches on a job around the house or just want to pick something up for a hobby project, the family-owned True Value in Van Alstyne is your place to do it.
Railcar Farmers Market – One of the joys of living so close to the countryside is fresh farm-to-table produce and other local goods. One of the best places to get ’em is the Railcar Farmers Market in Van Alstyne every Tuesday at 6pm.
Abby Lane Home Décor & Gifts – From antiques and vintage accessories to handmade jewelry and candles, Abby Lane is always a real treat to browse, filled with hand-picked gifts that are sure to please someone on your list.
The Quilt Asylum – Here in Texas, we love a good quilt, especially in the winter. If you’ve got the quilting bug or just want to buy a quilt for a loved one, there’s no better place than the Quilt Asylum in Van Alstyne, home to thousands of bolts of fabric and carefully curated designer projects.
Honeysuckle Rose Boutique – Embrace the bold and trendsetting styles at Honeysuckle Rose, which range from Dolly Parton to Madonna! You’ll find something perfect for you at this boutique on Jefferson Street in Van Alstyne.
ANNA
Located just to the south of Van Alstyne and Mantua, the city of Anna, Texas is home to around 15,000 of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet. It’s also got a few of our favorite places to eat and shop in the area, including everything from superb wine to an old-fashioned malt shop.
Restaurants in Anna, TX:
BarnHill Vineyard – Did you know that much of Texas is wine country? If you didn’t, now’s the time to find out with a visit to the BarnHill Vineyard! Besides some fabulous local wine, you can experience live music at one of the vineyard’s many events!
Spurlock’s Malt Shop – Travel back in time with a visit to Spurlock’s Malt Shop on Powell Parkway in Anna, TX. Originally built in 1959, the Malt Shop has been a local mainstay for decades, and it’s got more than just frosty drinks. You can indulge in burgers, hot dogs, and more!
Sugar, Spice and Everything Ice – No, you didn’t read that wrong. This Anna, TX favorite serves shaved ice and other delicious desserts from a food truck that sets up shop around town.
Shopping in Anna, TX:
The Brave Bohemian – Be brave and show off your personal style with a trip to Anna’s own BOHO boutique. It carries exclusive t-shirts, wild bandanas, and plenty of great outfits and accessories!
MCKINNEY
McKinney is one of the biggest little towns in our area. It’s close to Dallas, but it still has that small-town feel. You can get to know our near neighbor by checking out some incredible local eateries and shopping! Of course, McKinney has more than just local stores; you can find many of today’s top retailers at outdoor shopping centers like Craig Crossing or McKinney Marketplace!
Restaurants in McKinney, TX:
Rick’s Chophouse – When you want a steak in some elegant surroundings, you can’t go wrong with Rick’s Chophouse. Not only is the food to die for, but the restaurant is located in the Grand Hotel and Ballroom in McKinney, which hosts weddings, meetings, and more.
Harvest Seasonal Kitchen – When it comes to a delicious meal, the fresher the better. You can’t get much fresher than the farm-to-table cuisine you’ll enjoy at Harvest Seasonal Kitchen in McKinney, TX. The food all comes from local sources, including the restaurant’s own organic farm.
Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen – There may be no better place to go for happy hour than Sugarbacon, located in McKinney’s historic downtown. While you’re there, be sure to try the famous appetizer it’s named for!
CT Provisions Cocktail Parlor & Kitchen – The name may be a bit of a mouthful, but it isn’t the only mouthful you’ll enjoy at this stylish restaurant in downtown McKinney. From marvelous cocktails to oysters at market price, you’ll find something special every time you visit.
Toasted Walnut – Chef Joey at the Toasted Walnut Table & Market has a passion for creating delicious yet down-to-earth foods that are sourced from local ingredients. If you want a true taste of Texas, look no further.
Shopping in McKinney, TX:
Historic Downtown McKinney – As you may have noticed, most of our favorite restaurants in McKinney are downtown. That’s because McKinney’s historic downtown is simply the place to be. In addition to great restaurants, you’ll find lots of local opportunities to shop during your visit!
Willow House Boutique – The first Willow House opened its doors in nearby Celina, TX. Whether you’ve enjoyed the fashions and fun of that one or have yet to experience it, you’ll want to stop by the location on McKinney’s historic square to find something perfect to take home today!
Birds and Words – Put a bird on it! That’s what they did at the Birds and Words Home Boutique in McKinney. If you’re looking for the perfect touch to add to your home – whether it has birds, words, both, or neither – you’re sure to find it at this delightful shop!
Chase Hall – In Texas, we love variety. Sure, a lot of our décor may be Western in theme, but we have plenty of other options available, too, including the elegant European décor and furnishings you’ll find at Chase Hall in McKinney!
FRISCO
Only a short drive from DFW, Frisco is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with a population of more than 200,000. Frisco is closer to Mantua than downtown Dallas and offers plenty of opportunities for just about any kind of dining and shopping you can imagine. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Restaurants in Frisco, TX:
Hutchins BBQ – Did we mention that barbecue is kind of a big deal here in Texas? If you want to see why, come visit Hutchins BBQ in Frisco, open seven days a week! Try one of their famous “Texas Twinkies” – if you can eat just one!
The Heritage Table – Traditional dining at its finest is once again available at the Heritage Table in Frisco. Their “butcher boards” of cured meats, cheeses, homemade pickles, and condiments simply must be savored to be believed!
5th Street Patio Café – Enjoy some Southern favorites made the old-fashioned way at the 5th Street Patio Café in Frisco! Whether you’re hankerin’ for some chicken and waffles, blackened seabass primavera, or shrimp ‘n’ grits, they’ve got what’ll make your mouth water.
Shopping in Frisco, TX:
Stonebriar Centre – Some of today’s hottest retailers can be found in the shops at Stonebriar Centre, from Abercrombie to Zales and beyond. You can even grab a bite at the food court or catch a movie at AMC.
Allen Premium Outlets – The North Texas weather is perfect for outdoor shopping, and Allen Premium Outlets has all the stores you’d expect to find at an indoor mall, including major retailers such as H&M, Nike, Adidas, and many more.
The Shops at Starwood – The Shops at Starwood recently expanded, and you’ll find a wide variety of shopping and dining options, including Bottled in Bond, the Paper Affair, the Gent’s Place, and TruFire Kitchen & Bar. Don’t take our word for it, though; come see for yourself!
At Mantua, our residents enjoy all the many opportunities for shopping and dining in nearby towns like Frisco, McKinney, and Anna in addition to all the shopping and restaurants in Van Alstyne, TX! We’re proud of our roots here in Texas and love supporting local businesses, whether we’re picking up a coffee or a quick lunch, buying fresh produce from a farmers’ market, or doing some shopping in Van Alstyne, TX.
If you’re not already a resident of Mantua, we’d love to have you join our growing community. We offer the peace and comfort of small-town living with all the conveniences and amenities of the city. To learn more about homes at Mantua and discover a life you’ve always dreamed of, contact us today and schedule a tour! And while you’re in the neighborhood, why not visit some of the many shopping and dining options in the welcoming and friendly towns that surround our master-planned community in North Texas?
