We’ve all been to a restaurant where everything on the menu sounds so delicious that you can’t possibly choose just one dish – we can’t be the only ones, right?! In an ideal world, every menu should have a triple dipper option to choose several things to try, enjoy and even share – because sharing is caring and apparently, trendy, too! We’re loving seeing more and more restaurants now offering family-style shared dining experiences to share and get a taste of everything, especially with more unique cuisines or trying something new. Check out some of our favorite spots to pass the plates around!

Smoke'N Ash Platter

Smoke’N Ash BBQ

Even before it became Arlington’s first Michelin Recommended restaurant, we were recommending Smoke’N Ash BBQ to literally everyone. As the first restaurant to combine Ethiopian flavors with Texas BBQ, they’ve made their mark and been recognized locally and nationally. With a unique flavor combination, what better way to try something new (or enjoy all your favs) than a Tex-Ethiopian Platter! Order up a platter or two for the table so everyone can experience the Tex-Ethiopian BBQ meats - the Smoked Doro Wat (Chicken Stew), Rib Tip Tibs, Awaze Brisket, and Awaze Pork Ribs. Each platter comes with Texas toast, your choice of rice pilaf or injera bread (the combo of the injera bread with the BBQ is *chefs kiss*), and your choice of sides. When it comes to picking your sides, you can’t go wrong with any of them. But of course, we do have our favorites – snag their version of Potato Salad, their Brisket Green Beans, Berbere Mac n’ Cheese, and the Beefy Collard Greens.

 

Cafe Americana Plates
Cafe Americana

With a globally inspired menu of small plates, large plates, charcuterie, desserts, and more - these dishes are created to be shared. Pick and choose from a variety of dishes and flavors to order for the table. Did we mention their incredible cocktails that pair perfectly with deciding what to order? Some of our favorite dishes to order for the table include the Peruvian Chicken Skewers, Crispy Pork, the Garlic Brocollino, and Grilled Padron Peppers. Their crispy empanadas are a MUST, and you have not lived until you’ve had the paella (the Seafood Paella and Pork Paella are our favs). A non-negotiable is ordering the Coconut Cake – the giant slice covered with dark run pineapple sauce is a definite share.

 

Prince Lebanese Grill

Prince Lebanese Grill

If you’ve ever been to Prince, you know how hard it is to pick just one thing off the menu (and if you haven’t had the pleasure yet, trust us, it’s a difficult decision and you’re seriously missing out on this Arlington staple)! The solution? Grab your crew and order mazza style – just one decision to make, and Prince will take care of the rest. As Owner, Head Chef, and Busboy, Aziz Kobty says: Mazza means “to taste” and there’s plenty of dishes to taste.

From start to finish, they continue to roll out plate after plate after plate – beginning with a variety of apps like their infamous hummus, babaganoush, falafels, dolmas, and salads before moving to the main course with their vermicelli rice and meat of your choice like their chicken shawarma or gyro. Definitely a meal to share and one that you will be dreaming about for a long long time.

 

Bowl of Food From Taipo Behind the Door

Taipo Behind the Door

In the back of house of the more casual Taipo, go behind the black and gold adorned doors to enter the intimate dining experience of Taipo Behind the Door. Not only are the cocktails and food divine, but this is one of the most instagrammable spots in Arlington. From the moment you walk through the black and gold doors, the authentic Nepalese décor immediately transports you to another world. Toast the start of the night with one of their handcrafted cocktails like the Taipo Fizz, Lukla, or Himalayan Old Fashion (pro tip: when asked, get your old fashion smoked). For the table, we suggest ordering the Pan Seared and the Butter Masala Momos, a round or two of Taipos, an order of each of the sausage and tofu stick foods, and the fries – but make sure you get the Nepalese style fries! If the table is feeling extra hungry, try their take of the Chow Mein and Fried Rice. Honestly, come hungry and order one of everything.

 

Hurtado Barbecue Platter

Hurtado Barbecue

Barbecue + Tex-Mex influence = the Arlington staple that is Hurtado Barbecue. With a variety of platter sizes, you can order the perfect amount of food for your party to share – and maybe a few extras to add to the platter. Obviously, you have to order the brisket and sausage, but don’t skip out on the ribs and burnt ends! And no BBQ meal would be complete without the sides like their Hatch Chile Mac N Cheese, Mexican Street Corn, Brisket Beans, or their Tater Tot Casserole. Kick it up a notch a notch and add on a few Birria Tacos, some Mexican Cornbread, and their infamous Texas Twinkies.