I will be taking some kids to a concert at the Gypsy Tea Room Ballroom in Dallas next month. The only other time we went to Deep Ellum, we had to park under an overpass, a few blocks from our destination, and didn't feel too safe. Does anyone know ... is it safe there at night? Is there somewhere close to park? Anything open late at night besides clubs? Anything for a couple of moms to do, while waiting on the kids?

Donna

Donna:
I would not walk alone at night nor leave anything of "value" in sight in a car, but otherwise common sense and the increased police presence make the area relatively safe.
Check the DMN's www.guidelive.com w/e edition (publ Friday) for mom's activities on your date.
M

Deep Ellum is a safe area as long as you use the precautions Mikemo mentions. DPD has been adding patrols and there is a strong police presence.

Yes, you will likely have to park under the overpasses and walk since there is not a parking garage in the area. Along the eastern edge, there are some surface parking lots, but again, you'll have to walk.

There are a few stores down there (the Arrangement and a couple of others), but it is pretty much geared to the younger set. Hey, you could get a tattoo while you wait! ;-)

I'd plan on having a nice dinner while the kids are at their concert. St. Pete's Dancing Marlin is really good, and Cafe Brazil is always open, too. Baker's Ribs used to have a spot down there, too. I think I heard that East Wind moved out, though.

Have fun!

I've never had a problem in Deep Ellum -- other than feeling too old to be there! There are parking meters along the street and if you make the block a few times you can sometimes get lucky and find one. I believe there are also some paid lots. I've never parked under an overpass. Cafe Brazil is a great suggestion; it's open way late (like 4 a.m.), has a varied menu, great desserts and bottomless cups of good choices of coffee. But there are other, more upscale places, too. You could eat at one of those and hit Brazil for dessert and coffee. Deep Ellum is great for people watching. Dress hip,let your hair down and have fun!

Generally your best bets are to park at an attended lot where you'll have to pay around $5-7.
Parking under the overpasses is cheap, but unattended. I think GTR has a lot at the corner of Elm + Good Latimer (northwest corner) that is attended.
Sometimes taking a cab reduces the stress of parking on weekends. We live in EastDallas and often do this.

The area is generally different on weekday nights (less activity) than weekend nights (a ton of activity). There are a few newer clubs that attract a dangerous element. They are not located near the GTR. And DPD keeps an eye on them. Keep your street smarts up.

Mark and Larry's Stuff have two stores: one on Elm a block up from GTR and another on Main between Walton and Malcolm X. They are usually open late and have cool things to look at.

You can just walk into the tattoo parlors and watch; I do it.

Restaurants:
All Good on Main/ Walton - homecooking Austin-like place with live music some nights. This is for the older crowd, FYI.
Monica's on Main/Malcolm X - tex-mex in a very loud and lively setting. Band on Sat nights.
Green Room on Elm in the middle of it all - one of the best in Dallas. It's owned by the same group as GTR. Expensive, but the "feed-me" is a steal!!
Pepe and Mito's on Elm near Sweet Endings - tex-mex, but more mex. Really good.
Local on Elm near Rudolph's Meat Mkt - upscale and supercool. Great food.

Arrangement and EastWind have moved out.