Historic Downtown Carrollton has changed A LOT over the years. I remember walking through their as a kid and seeing Sid's Rainbow Cafe, a movie theatre, a barber shop, a bike shop and an asian grocery store. The area has been completely rejuvenated with a gazebo centerpiece surrounded by more restaurants, bars and modern apartments. With so many changes happening, it's like an adventure each time you walk through. My current local favorites are Babe's Chicken, Twisted Root and Beth's Old Fashioned Ice Cream. In fact, I always make sure to save room for a scoop or two of ice cream after eating at Babe's. They've designated the first Saturday of each month as Small Shop Saturday to encourage locals to get out and support small businesses. I'm sure they will host more events has we get past this pandemic. It's definitely worth the trip if you don't have anything to do for a few hours during the weekend. read more

I love historic downtown Carrollton. I love that I can take the train there. I love walking around the old square. I love its mix of old and new, and that new places to live are being built right next door. I love the gazebo centerpiece. It's small and simple. There's not an abundance of restaurants but there are just enough with just enough selection. Sid's Rainbow Grill is my favorite and has been a highlight basically since the beginning of the square's existence. The antique mall is great and also a central must-stop-in for me. It seems to go on forever, with lots of rooms and a broad, eclectic mix of stuff. You never know what you'll find. They also added a Twisted Root across from the square - certainly a welcome addition. And there's even a candy store that takes you back to being a kid - goes with the historic vibe nicely. Worth a stop! read more

Great place. I think that it has finally come into its own and has a buzz to it and a really good feel. I was there a few years back and it felt sleepy and teh other night when I was there, it definitely had a good feel. Not crazy busy but a good amount of people walking around and in the shops and especially the restaurants. read more

I love little historic downtowns like this.The weekend we stopped here, the weather was perfect to walk around. Table and chairs around the little Gazebo that was in the middle of the whole thing. Two fountains for kids to fall in. Walk around and see what this cute little downtown has to offer. Babes and Cane Rosso is here! The Cuban Dulceria opened up a second location here. A cafe, the wonderful world of cooking restaurant! The menus looked good. Everything was practically shut down on a Sunday though. They have several cute little shops, art gallery, craft store, candy store, and much more. Fun to sit down and people watch or walk around while you snack on rootbeer and candy from Blooms! read more

Historic Old Downtown Carrollton - Restaurants Near Me - Carrollton, Texas

We wandered around the square on a warm Spring Saturday, and ate lunch at Babe's for the first time. It's an anachronous piece of architectural history, flanked by superhighway 35 infrastructure and the elevated Dart Rail tracks, and energized by an infusion of new restaurants (like Monkey King) and shiny new apartments targeting young professionals. Recommended for lunch or dinner at Babe's or Monkey King, and a spin around the square, if you find yourself in the area. read more

Lots of options to explore while walking around. Our favorites are Babes and Twisted Root - Beth Marie's ice cream is also a good one. Tons of shops and they often do a movie night or other activities on the square. read more

I like old towns and Carrollton's old town is one of y favorite. One, the shops are very cute and we always like to visit the candy store and of course Babes. Every once in a blue moon whenever we are feeling adventurous we would visit the wall climbing place. This old town caters to every liking and I like that. read more

Rain or shine, Texas Festival, food entertainment an artist craft beer. Beautiful cool day for the afternoon at the fair

Just off I-35 North lies a charming, quaint shopping square. Complete with an adorable Willy Wonka style candy shop, a unique toy store, and a unbelievably amazing vintage shop - ladies and germs: Downtown Historic Carrollton. The lovely square is paved with cobblestone and lined with local boutiques that are submerged in almost obnoxious cuteness...just cute enough. It definitely serves as a nice, easy escape from the ordinary hustle and bustle of city life. I recently had the pleasure of enjoying downtown at the Carrollton Switchyard festival. It was a glorious day that celebrated all the unique mom and pop shops while glorifying community and togetherness. Just because we live in a huge urban sprawl doesn't mean we can't come together and enjoy the simple things in life, from time to time. read more

Spent about 60 minutes here with my wife. Might have spent longer had it been lunch or dinner time. It is basically a parking lot with a small park surrounded by shops and restaurants. There were some interesting antique and women's clothing stores and a few restaurants. We went because I wanted to visit a music instrument repair shop - which was excellent. From this "guys" perspective, ff there is a specific restaurant or store you want to visit, it is worth going, but I certainly wouldn't consider it a "destination" stop, in and of itself. read more

I'm from an incredibly small town and drawn to anything "down home." I work in the area and after exhausting myself on places to kill time, I decided to check out the old downtown square. At first glance, it looks like its a parking lot with a gazebo with a few store fronts across the street, but once you start roaming around there are some great little gems. Carrollton has done a great job preserving the historic atmosphere to the area as have those proprietors with their shops. There are old fashioned soda fountains, a cafe, antique and boutique stores, and old theater-turned-church, and various quaint stores to spark your interest. I ate a one of the cafe's downtown then wandered around one of the antique shops. I think what the real winner here is the people. I encountered a lot of friendly faces and had several great mini conversations with various business owners. I will say if you are thinking its Sundance or a Granbury or Denton square, its not. Its a great spot to kill some time and relax. read more

This is a great place to spend the afternoon. Lots of lovely spots to shop and dine. There is a gazebo in the middle of the square where you can just sit and people watch. There are several fun events during the year in Old Downtown Carrollton. My favorite is Sante Fe Days where they bring in lots of Indian art from pottery to jewelry to fetishes. There is music and dancing, as well as yummy Indian food. Good times! read more

Cute old downtown district with restaurants, shops, antiques, cafes, etc. Not far from airport. Great to walk around!

We decided to stop by here on a whim. It was pretty dead and small. I did like the shops and people we met though. It had a very homey and comfortable feel. My favorite shops were the candy one and the antique one. I would like to come here again when it's more busy. I read other reviews saying they have cool festivals and activities. I would come back for those. Until then it was nice but average. read more

Exploded in the last few years-so much activity now! And the recent remodel has done wonders for local economy. Totally, totally worth the drive out.plenty to do no matter time of day, or age in your group. One of the best small town feels, close to every big city. read more

I love this little place! always having free events and things for kids! Nice little shopping and dinning area! check it out all year long!

My mom visited us in Dallas and was tired of the busy tourist attractions. I had seen the "downtown Carrolton" signs a few times off the 35, so I took a chance that this would be fun but less bustling. It is perfect. Not only did mom love it, but I've been back many times since. It's quite small, but once you're out walking around, there are a lot more small boutique shops than you realize. There's certainly enough to fill an afternoon of window shopping. Some of the shops are kitschy in nature, and others sell chic clothing and goods. It's a real mix. The owners all seem to love being there, and you just get a downhome, happy vibe from the whole experience. There's a fabric store on the corner that is so well set up it actually made me want to take quilting lessons, and I've never desired such a thing before. Inside the fabric store is the cutest little Post Office-- where you'd never have to wait in a long line to talk to a nasty postal employee. Now, I take my packages there when I'm forced to go to the Post Office. Instead of dreading it, the Post Office has become a happy little outing. It's also right beside a DART stop and a cargo train pass, both things my son loves to watch fly by. We can sit in the gazebo in the middle of town, eat an ice cream cone, and watch trains in the distance. How cute is that? read more

Carrollton Square Spa and Salon is one of the best kept secrets around. It is a quaint spa that has the feel of having your own personal spa. I enjoyed a facial and massage 2 weeks ago and both were awesome. Monique was friendly and very helpful in booking my services and has already booked another time for me to come in to be pampered. Debb started my visit with a wonderful facial. Monique scheduled my massage immediately after the facial. Naina did an excellent massage. I have had numerous massages over the years and Naina is definitely in the very small list of therapist that not only has a great technique, but also a natural gift of adjusting my massage based on my preferences and areas of concerns . My back was hurting when I got there and after my massage, was able to get on with my day pain free . I highly recommend anyone who would like a relaxing (either one service or make it a day and receive several services) experience should give Carrollton Square Spa and Salon a try. read more