Field Guides
McKinney, Texas
(Collin COUNTY)
Where modern growth meets Texas roots and small-town charm.
Highlights
Collin County is a time-lapse photography project illustrating Texas’s growth. Seventy years ago, it was a rural area dominated by cotton farming. In the 1970s, rural became suburban when Plano took off as a fashionable suburb of Dallas. Today, Collin is the sixth most populous county in the state with competing city centers in McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and Allen. A quick aside here: Frisco is in Denton and Collin Counties. As “old town” Frisco is in Collin County; we describe it here. Smaller but growing quickly are Prosper and Celina, which Collin also shares with Denton, but are covered here. On the other hand, Van Alystine is split between Collin and Grayson counties and gets coverage in Grayson County.
People have different ideas about that explosive growth, but Texas Ten likes to accentuate the positive. Collin County offers excellent restaurants, tremendous arts districts, unique shopping areas, and plenty of outdoor activities. We explore all of these, but the “don’t miss activities” include wandering the city centers on weekend evenings–the bar crawl/restaurant vibe in each is excellent; catching a concert at one of the many outdoor venues; hitting the links with almost 20 courses to choose from; visiting your inner child at the Best Little Toy Musuem in Texas; or spending the day on Lake Lavon. The Dallas Cowboys are one of Texas’s iconic brands. They are headquartered in Frisco, and you can tour their world-class facility. Rumor is that Jerry Jones is offering a large reward to anyone who finds the missing playoff victories.
If you spend a long weekend in Collin County, you will probably have a longer list of things you missed than you saw. No worries; return trips are free.
The County Courthouse
Out with the old, in with the new. The working courthouse for Collin County is a new structure, completed in 2008. Imposing, modern, efficient, and boring are the adjectives that spring to mind. The biggest “flaw” is that the courthouse is located for easy access on the southbound side of State Highway 75 on the south side of McKinney, with virtually nothing other than an enormous parking lot in the immediate area. We get it- when a county has almost tripled in population over 25 years, the existing small town infrastructure cannot handle it. Still, we love for the courthouse to anchor the square, and this one does not come close to checking that box.
Luckily, the powers that be saved the “old courthouse” in McKinney, anchoring the square of the county seat with a Performing Arts Center. We put the “old courthouse” descriptor in quotations because Collin County uses and discards courthouses with alarming frequency. They started in 1846 with a room in a general store in Buckner, which may have portended the retail paradise the area eventually became. Two years later, the county seat moved to McKinney, and the judge got his own building, a simple log cabin. An updated log cabin came next. Courthouse #4 was the first “real courthouse,” a two-story stone building in the French Second Empire style with impressive clock towers. By the 1920s, the building was too cramped, so #5 was a full-scale renovation that added a basement and removed the clock towers for three usable stories and a grand name: “The Temple of Justice.” That one served until 1979, when Collin County went full office building mode with a regrettable structure (#6 for those still counting) surrounded by other office buildings. Shortly after the current structure (#7) opened, number 6 was destroyed without a second thought given to historic preservation. So there we are today-imposing, modern, efficient, boring, and, our guess, long-lasting.
Things To See And Do
We love museums, outdoor activities, concerts, sporting events, public art, playhouses, and other things that make us feel cultured. We will get to all that, but where Collin County shines is retail therapy and refueling the body. We have sections devoted to the specific shops, restaurants, and bars, but the unique thing is that there are several different areas where you can stroll, shop, eat, and drink. We have no favorites, but a short description of each area might make your choice easier. For orientation purposes, these areas are defined by two major north/south highways: State Highway 75 to the east of the region and the Dallas North Tollway to the west of the area.
Close to State Hwy 75 to the east, there is:
Downtown McKinney is the traditional county square supercharged. The McKinney Performing Arts Center (111 E. Tennessee St., McKinney, TX 75069) sits at the center. The square and surrounding streets are packed with thoughtful boutiques, specialty stores, casual to upscale eateries, and galleries.
Downtown Plano revolves around McCall Plaza (998 E. 15th St., Plano, TX 75074) and has a similar feel to the square in McKinney. There are more local restaurants and a bit younger crowd, likely thanks to the apartments in the immediate area. Great art galleries, but a little less retail and a little more restaurant/bar in the mix. Plenty of rooftop and outdoor eating available. As a bonus, there is plenty of free parking and easy accessibility from DART, the area’s mass transit system.
Allen lacks a true historic city center, but gains in volume. For bargain hunters, there is Allen Premium Outlets, an immense bargain hunt. The Village at Allen and Watters Creek Village offers a huge variety.
Close to the North Dallas Tollway to the west, there is:
The Frisco Square (8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034) and Frisco Rail District are family-friendly. There are more attractions nearby and a quaint, heritage feel. There is still lots for the adults to do, too. As a bonus, you are very close to the events at Toyota Stadium.
The Legacy area (Shops at Legacy, Legacy West, and Legacy North) is a sprawling smorgasbord of high-end shops and restaurants. The hoi polloi of North Dallas and Collin County can be found there. We refuse to say whether shopping, eating, or people watching is the best thing about the area.
For non-shopping experiences, Collin County majors in the unexpected. If you are of a certain age, you know that Texas was once the setting for the biggest television show in the world. Dallas gave the world JR, Bobby, Pamela, Sue Ellen, Miss Ellie, Jock, and the biggest cliffhanger of all time. It is frightening to grasp, but much of the world formed its impression of Texas and Texans based on the series. Relive it all at Southfork Ranch, the home of the Ewings.
Children and the young at heart will treasure the Best Little Toy Museum in Texas. In McKinney, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning indoor/outdoor natural science experience. Depending on your interests, you will enjoy the Collin County History Museum and the Chestnut Square Historic Village in McKinney, the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano, Traintopia, and the National Video Game Museum in Frisco.
For the sports fan, the Frisco Roughriders are one of the country’s best minor league baseball outings. Toyota Stadium is home to MLS’s FC Dallas and the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The course at TPC Craig Ranch hosts the PGA’s Byron Nelson Tournament every May.
The premier outdoor spot is Lavon Lake, a 21,000-acre Corps of Engineers facility that offers fishing, boating, swimming, trails, camping, and great views. The Frisco Water Park is a municipal thrill ride and cool-down.
One of the great weekend pastimes is sipping a new version of your favorite beverage. Collin County is awash in wineries, distilleries, and breweries, which are perfect for such an outing. Some double as restaurants or bars and are also discussed in that section. We want to put all your opportunities in one spot, so look for the fermented drinks by category and city as follows.
Wineries
Baron’s Creek Vineyard Tasting Room (McKinney)
301 W. Louisiana St.
McKinney, TX 75069
(214) 856-4161
Tasting Hours:
Monday–Wednesday 2:00 pm–8:00 pm
Thursday 2:00 pm–9:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 2:00 pm–10:00 pm
Sunday Noon–6:00 pm
4R Ranch Vineyards (McKinney)
110 E. Louisian St.
McKinney, TX 75069
(469) 919-4692
Tasting Hours:
Wednesday–Thursday 2:00 pm–8:00 pm
Friday 2:00 pm–9:00 pm
Saturday Noon–9:00 pm
Sunday Noon-6:00 pm
Lone Star Winery (McKinney)
103 E. Virginia St.
McKinney, TX 75069
(972) 547-9463
Tasting Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday 2:00 pm–9:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Sunday Noon–7:00 pm
Landon Winery (McKinney)
101 N. Kentucky St.
McKinney, TX 75069
(972) 542-3030
Tasting Hours:
Sunday–Thursday Noon–9:00 pm
Friday Noon–11:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Zin Zen Wine Bistro (McKinney)
6841 Virginia Pkwy
Suite 104
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 547-4620
Tasting Hours (restaurant also):
Monday–Thursday 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–Midnight
Sunday 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Christian Belle Winery (McKinney and located with 1845 Distillery)
2070 S. Bridgefarmer Rd.
Lowry’s Crossing, TX 75069
(469) 989-3100
Tasting Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday 3:30 pm–5:30 pm
Friday 4:00 pm–7:00 pm
Saturday Noon–5:00 pm
Eden Hill Winery and Vineyards (Celina)
4910 Eden Hill Lane
Celina, TX 75009
(214) 850-4081
Tasting Hours:
Thursday–Sunday 1:00 pm–6:00 pm
Valley Vines Tasting Room (Celina)
222 W. Walnut St.
Celina, TX 75009
(972) 632-6730
Tasting Hours:
Wednesday–Thursday 2:00 pm–9:00 pm
Friday–Saturday Noon–10:00 pm
Sunday Noon–6:00 pm
San Martino Winery (Lavon in the southeast corner of the county at the Rockwall County line)
12512 St. Hwy 205 North
Rockwall, TX 75087
(469) 367-9417
Tasting Hours:
Friday 3:00 pm–7:00 pm
Saturday 1:00 pm–7:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm–6:00 pm
Cedar Hollow Winery and Vineyard (Farmersville/Allen)
540 CR 698
Farmersville, TX 75442
(214) 298-7174
Tasting Hours:
Thursday 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Friday 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Saturday Noon–10:00 pm
Sunday Noon–7:00 pm
Barnhill Vineyards (Anna)
11917 CR 509
Anna, TX 75049
(972) 560-4101
Tasting Hours:
Friday 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
Saturday Noon–5:00 pm & 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
Landon Winery (Wylie)
103 N. Ballard Ave.
Wylie, TX 75098
(972) 332-0155
Tasting Hours:
Sunday–Thursday Noon–9:00 pm
Friday Noon–11:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Distilleries
1845 Distilling (Bourbon Whisley. McKinney, same location as Christian Belle Winery)
2070 S. Bridgefarmer Rd.
Lowry’s Crossing, TX 75069
(469) 989-3100
Tasting Hours:
Friday 4:00 pm–7:00 pm
Saturday Noon–5:00 pm
Lockwood Distillery (Bourbon Whiskey, Gin, and Vodka. McKinney)
205 W. Louisiana St.
McKinney, TX 75069
(214) 548-5415
Tasting Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am–4:00 pm
Heman Marshall Tasting Room (Whiskeys, Rye, Gin, and Vodka. Wylie)
121 N. Ballard Ave.
Wylie, TX 75098
(469) 304-0069
Tasting Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Friday 2:00 pm–Midnight
Saturday Noon–Midnight
Sunday 11:00 am–6:00 pm
Fernoz Distillery (Whisky, Rye, and Rum. Prosper)
1525 US Hwy 380
Ste 500
Prosper, TX 75033
(469) 294-1336
Call for possible tasting or tour
Breweries
412 N. Oklahoma St.
Suite 106
Celina, TX 75009
(888) 703-4369
Closed Monday–Tuesday
Wednesday 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
Thursday 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Friday Noon–11:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Sunday Noon–7:00 pm
308 W. Virginia St.
McKinney, TX 75069
(469) 930-3633
Monday–Thursday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–Midnight
Sunday 11:00 am–10:00 pm
402 E. Louisiana St.
McKinney, TX 75069
(972) 597-4818
Closed Monday
Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am–10:00 pm
9 Prestige Cir.
Allen, TX 75002
(469) 942-9906
Monday 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am–10:00 pm
1001 14th St.
Suite 500
Plano, TX 75074
(469) 461-4311
Monday–Thursday 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am–9:00 pm
390 W. Broadway St.
Prosper, TX 75078
(469) 715-1800
Monday–Thursday 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am–9:00 pm
106 N. Birmingham St.
Wylie, TX 75098
(972) 905-5285
Closed Monday–Tuesday
Wednesday–Thursday 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Friday 2:00 pm–11:00 pm
Saturday Noon–11:00 pm
Sunday Noon–7:00 pm
101 S. Powell Pkwy
Anna, TX 75409
(469) 289-0062
Closed Monday
Tuesday–Thursday 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Friday–Saturday Noon–11:00 pm
Sunday Noon–8:00 pm
Unlawful Assembly at the High Bar Taproom
7800 Windrose Ave.
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 846-4255 (Legacy Hall general number)
Closed Monday & Wednesday
Tuesday 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Thursday 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Friday 4:00 pm–1:00 am
Saturday Noon–1:00 am
Sunday Noon–10:00 pm
6990 Main St.
Suite 200
Frisco, TX 75033
(214) 649-0691
Closed Monday–Wednesday
Thursday 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
Friday 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Saturday 2:00 pm–8:00 pm
Sunday 2:00 pm–7:00 pm
The Yard (owned in conjunction with Union Bear Brewing, not brewed on premises)
107 S Church St,
McKinney, TX 75069-4453
(469) 631-0035
Sunday–Thursday 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Friday–Saturday 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Texas Longhouse Meadery (Meads done in a traditional style in Wylie)
2311 East Stone St.
Wylie, TX 75098
Closed Monday–Tuesday
Wednesday–Thursday 2:00 pm–8:00 pm
Friday 2:00 pm–9:00 pm
Saturday Noon–9:00 pm
Sunday Noon–8:00 pm
Food, Drinks, And Music (Eat Local!)
If you do not gain five pounds during a Collin County weekend, you are not doing it right. Once again, we will do this by area. Downtown McKinney gets the first crack as the county seat because it has an absurd number of fine food and drink options close to each other. The food and atmosphere are as good as they get in the few square miles we explore.
Maybe the most acclaimed is Harvest at the Masonic, a Michelin-recognized restaurant that offers seasonal menus and a heavy dose of live music. Similarly award-winning is TUPPS Brewery, recipient of the best major market brewery from the 2025 Texas Travel Awards. Their bar food pairs spectacularly with their spirits. But that is the rule, not the exception, in McKinney. The same happens at The Pub, The Celt Irish Pub, The Yard, Union Bear Brewing, Urban Grill and Wine Bar, The Garage Bar & Grill, and Lockwood Distilling—an embarrassment of riches.
We suggest Rick’s Chophouse if you want to feel swaddled in tasty sensations and just plain cozy. As the name implies, it is a traditional steakhouse, but oh so much more. Rick’s is an exceptional dining experience. We also love the idea behind Local Yocal BBQ & Grill, a high-end carnivore paradise without the formality of the typical steakhouse. As great as Rick’s and Local Yocal are, the most beloved restaurant in the area is Hugs Cafe, a tremendous breakfast and lunch cafe in the food and service categories, and capably staffed by adults with intellectual and developmental difficulties. It will fill you up in more ways than one. Somewhere between Rick’s and Hugs is Sugarbacon, a date-night worthy, elevated yet casual New American establishment with craft cocktails and special events.
We would hate to compete with Hugs in the comfort food market, but there are plenty that do, and they do it well. Spoons Cafe, Square Burger, Patina Green, Foxiis, and Layered (particularly for brunch) all hit the bullseye on the simple-but-delicious target.
For Italian, it is Fontina Ristorante and Centro on the Square (more upscale) or Cadillac Pizza Pub (more pizza and party-focused). El Mejor Mexican Kitchen + Cantina handles the Mexican food necessity with help from its Latin-inspired neighbor, The Guava Tree Cuban Cafe & Cantina. Koji Sushi rounds out our list with some of the best sushi in the metroplex.
Given all the above, you might think there is no reason to venture outside downtown to eat. You would be wrong. For starters, Hutchins BBQ is right there with the elites of Texas’s most competitive food group. They win the awards and get the Texas Monthly ranking for a reason, so it is a do-not-miss. The Elwood B.F.D., just off State Hwy 121, is an upscale bar with great New American food offerings. Stix Icehouse has a great Saturday vibe all the time. When the weather is right, outdoors here is bliss.
Chepa’s Mexican Grill, Petra, San Miguel Grill, Cesar’s Mexican, and Nom Noms are all local Tex-Mex favorites. At the same time, Anamia’s, Blue Goose, and Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant are the McKinney locations for well-regarded DFW chains. Italian and Pizza are well covered by Piada, Italian Garden Restaurant, Ciccio Trattoria, Cavalli Pizzeria Napoletana, Sicily’s Pizza & Pasta, and Sali’s Italian. Zaza Thai, Majhong Chinese, and Noodle Wave meet your Asian cravings. Sultan is exceptional Mediterranean, and Zin Zen Wine Bar celebrates the grape.
Downtown Plano sees what McKinney is doing and calls. We have a personal favorite in Urban Crust Pizza, where it seems they always have perfect weather in the outdoor seating to go with perfectly blended cheese and toppings. There are comparable “urbans” at Urban Rio Cantina and Grill and Urban Seafood if you prefer Tex-Mex or seafood, respectively. The rooftop bar at Urban Rio is hopping on the weekends.
There are two notable brewpubs: Vickery Park and Voodoo Brewing Company. Bar Ranch Steak Company is the expense account/celebration go-to. Ebesu has celebrated sushi and Japanese cuisine, as does Uni Sushi. Coco Beach serves more traditional seafood with a vibe that makes you feel overdressed, if not in flip-flops. In addition to Urban Rio, you can score the Tex-Mex at La Paloma Taqueria and Mama Vicky’s Pupusas y Mas. Vicky also offers Salvordan plates. Cafe Gecko has a diverse menu, making it an ideal group place.
Let’s round it out with four unique places. Lockhart Smokehouse brings old-school, central Texas barbecue and vibes ot the big city. Jorg’s Cafe Vienna ups the “old school” idea by a couple of centuries with authentic Austrian fare and drinks. McNeal’s Taven & Eatery melds Texas authenticity with Irish roots. The result is nothing we can describe, but we can give it a huge thumbs up. Ramen Belly is the restaurant we needed in college. Try the potstickers.
Plano’s west side is all about the Legacy area, where the tab gets a bit steeper. There is Legacy Hall, an elegant indoor/outdoor food court with weekend music, and several chain operations. However, the focus remains on unique, comfortable, night-out-level experiences. There are steakhouses aplenty, featuring two outposts of Dallas legends in Bob’s Steak & Chophouse and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle, or the more relaxed Del Frisco’s Grill. For south-of-the-border carnivores, Brasao Brazilian delivers. We love Haywire, a small (5-locations) chain of Texas-centric restaurants where “simple and sophisticated intersect.” A large restaurant with a relaxed ambience, this is an excellent place to take your group. For elevated breakfast, lunch, and brunch, there are Ebb & Flow and New Main Street Eatery. The Village Burger Bar will hit home with the American classic. New American stylings for the evening are at Sambuca 360 Live and Cru Food & Wine Bar.
If it’s seafood you crave, you can go casual at Half Shells or dramatic at Truluck’s.
“A-game” Mediterranean surfaces at Taverna and Darna Mediterranean. The rest of the United Nations is also in attendance. Bulla Gastrobar serves Spanish cuisine in an elegant setting, Toulouse Cafe & Bar brings the Champs-Élysées to Texas, Samurai Thai has-you guessed it-great Thai food, and The Yellow Chili stars Indian. Finally, it would not be Texas without Mexican, so there is Mi Cocina, Mesera Legacy West, and Mexican Sugar Cocina y Cantina.
Of course, most of the restaurants have premium bars. We would be remiss if we did not mention the Legacy Social Room, the local epicenter of “see and be seen.” With good reason, the drinks are yummy, and so is the people-watching. Sports bars are the thing here with Scruffy Duffiess, Ringo’s Pub, and Bottle Rockets.
Outside of downtown and Legacy, there are still many great spots. Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar has earned enough rave reviews for its New American menu and stunning whiskey assortment to spread to multiple locations. The original, however, is in Plano and is the reason for all the commotion. Craftway Kitchen is next up, and you will be an early adopter. The Boardwalk at Granite Park is a conglomeration of restaurants with a weekend feel and a water view. The Bloom Lounge is an elegant, inventive bistro with tremendous desserts.
For a traditional Texas roadhouse with the best music around, try Love and War in Texas. The steakhouse wars continue uninterrupted. You cannot lose at Knife or Steve Fields. Mignon proves the French know what they are doing around a meat slab. It is much more romantic than that.
We will not say anything definitive about Tex-Mex/Mexican other than that there is an endless list to pick from. Some of the best are El Pueblito, Meso Maya Comida y Copas, Lily’s Cafe, Alexander’s Mex Cuisine, another Mi Cocina, and Mi Dia From Scratch. Burnt BBQ & Tacos is its own thing and well worth the trip.
Pizza is plentiful; try Taverna Rossa, Texapolitan, Zio Al’s, or Heirloom Pizza. Plano has several “neighborhood Italian” spots if you want to upscale from pizza. That list includes Bella Italia, Mangia Bistro, Covino’s, and Little Rome.
Our favorite category is casual cafes, particularly those with great breakfasts. Plano is a target-rich environment. Take your pick: Breadwinner’s Cafe & Bakery, Poor Richard’s Cafe, Eddie’s Diner, Maple Bacon, Little Gus Cafe, Scrambler Cafe, Red Truck Cafe, Benedict’s, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, Brunch Time, Crossroad’s Diner, and Preston’s Cafe. Just pick one.
Asian food is similar; it is overwhelming. These draw the best reviews. For Chinese: Wu Wei Din Chinese Cuisine, Sichuan Folk, Chef Sun’s Noodle & Dumpling, Nan Hot Pot, and See You Again. Sushi hot spots: Densetsu, Umi Umi, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, Hanakin Japanese Restaurant and Bar, and Ai Sushi Japanese Restaurant. For Thai: Saucy’s Thai & Pho, Ruang Thai Restaurant, Taste of Thai Plano. Highlight Vietnamese: Goc Vietnam Restaurant, Pho Que Huong, Pho Apple, and Bamboo House. Deep Central Asian is represented by Rokhat Grill. Kumar’s and Chai Wallah are Indian specialists. Lima Taverna gives you Peruvian. Plano is a big city that has a world food scene in addition to the best of Texas. Explore!
Frisco’s population explosion is much newer and larger than Plano and McKinney. That phenomenon reveals itself in all its glitz at The Star District, the entertainment portion of the Dallas Cowboys’ new home and fan experience. A full range of dining options is available, which we intermingle in the food categories below. Cleverly, we mark the Star District’s restaurants with a star (☆).
Frisco is a carnivore-intensive area. The tremendous local steakhouses are Randy’s Steakhouse, Dee Lincoln Prime☆, an outpost of the small Texas chain Perry’s (justly famous for their pork chop), and EG Steak. Bottled in Bond is an elegant dining experience with a diverse menu. A great place to be an adult. The Dee Lincoln experience comes in a casual size at Dee’s Table☆. Local burgers are as good as the steaks. The sample size is large. We suggest Haystack Burgers & Barley, Candela’s, Wulf Burger, Kenny’s Burger Joint, Skyrocket Burgers, King + Cardinal, and Sinbad Burger. Casual barbecue sends you to Tender Smokehouse.
General “elevated casual” (tremendous food and fun without overdressing) is at Didi’s Downtown, The Glen☆, Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen, and the Frisco Craftway Kitchen location. Similar settings, but with European food, equal La Parisienne French Bistro☆, J. Theodore (French), Derbyshire Pub, Baonecci, Dua Trattoria, Lombardi Cucina☆, Palato, Pietro’s, and Salute Italian. Pizza specialists are Crudo Woodfired Taverna, Pizzeria Testa, and Cane Rosso☆.
Of course, Tex-Mex and Mexican food are everywhere. Some of the best are Mi Cocina☆, Casa Alma, Crush Taco, La Suprema Market, Tequileros, and Tupy’s. Seafood? Yes. Anaya’s Seafood, Mudbugs Bar & Grill, and the Green Gator, to be specific.
There is a long list of comfort food aid stations. On the higher end, stop at The Common Table☆, The Community Grill, The Frisco Bar & Grill, Heirloom Haul☆, The Heritage Table, and The Nest. On the “just great food end,” there is 5th Street Patio Cafe, Barney’s Brunch House, The Nest – FriscoBiscuit, Brunch at Lili’s, Deli News, Frisco Diner, and The Depot Cafe.
World foods are surprisingly numerous. Plant-based eateries include Chopping Roots and Jeff’s Vegan. Indian cuisine represents at Rotate Bar and Kitchen (Indian fusion in an upscale setting with a great bar), Roti Grill, Red Hot Chili Pepper, and Famous Tandoori. From the general neighborhood, Nepal has a restaurant at Basecamp. Plato Greek Kouzina is self-explanatory.
There is an astounding concentration of Asian food in Frisco. For traditional Chinese, Bushi Bushi Dim Sum, Kitchen Master, 888 Cookhouse, Zhai Star, and Chef Chen are all winners. Thai has a similar group in Thai Charm, Manee Thai Cuisine & Bar, Sabaidee Lao & Thai, and Noodle Wave. Pho is the thing in the Vietnamese group, including Pho Que Huong, I Luv Pho Frisco, and The Alley Noodle Bar. Sushi and Japanese mean Wabi House☆, Umiya Sushi, Shoji Sushi & Hibachi, Edoki Sushi & Robota, Love Sushi, and Pure Poke.
Last but not least is a group near and dear to our hearts: Bars and Grills. The attraction is the bar. The food can be great, but you are there for the craft cocktails, the wine, or the interesting beers and ales. Many of these are at the Star: Concrete Cowboy☆, The Monarch Stag☆, Neighborhood Services☆, Snowbird Cocktail Lounge☆, Sidecar Social☆, and Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar☆. Elsewhere in Frisco, you can have the time of your life at Bottled in Bond-The Parlour, Eight 11 Place, Nerdvana Frisco, Rare Books Bar, Rotate Bar, and Frisco Rail Yard. If you and your mates need a raucous party atmosphere, G.O.A.T.S. Arena Sports Bar is there to provide it. A great game-watching experience.
Allen and its neighboring Fairview sit on the very busy State Highway 75. Allen is its own town, but the population far exceeds the business base, as there are many commuters. All to say, the highway defines the dining scene. Not always, but the restaurants tend to be in newer buildings, often in strip malls. The charm quotient can be a bit behind. But the food is excellent and varied. Let’s get to it.
For the red-meat crowd, Andrea’s is the local steakhouse, Big Ray’s is the barbecue spot, and JC Burger House, Wulf Burger, and Village Burger Bar offer the best burgers. Some of the same great grub can be had in a roadhouse (well, a gentile roadhouse) atmosphere at Two Rows, Kelly’s at the Village, Lucy’s Yard, G.O.A.T.S. Arena Sports Bar, Armor Brewery, and The Lion and Crown.
There is a wonderland of comfort food and diner-style offerings. Elke’s Market Cafe, Fairview Farmers, Mom’s Cafe, Allen Cafe, Sunview Cafe, Talia’s, Sofra’s Breakfast and Lunch, and Eggsquisite Cafe. The Tex-Mex scene is just as crowded. One favorite is in the family of Tex-Mex royalty, Matt’s El Rancho El Martinez, an offshoot of Matt’s El Rancho in Austin. Just as good are Neon Cactus, Chepa’s Mexican Grill, Hermano’s Mexican Restaurant, Anasofia’s Mexican Grill, Mi Cocina, and Papa Lopez. A slight twist on Tex-Mex is Salvadoran food at one of Dallas’s beloved small chains, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine.
Italian and pizza spots appeal to Allenites. Roman Cuccini, Italian Villa, Joe’s Italian Bistro, Sapzo Restaurant & Bar, and Napoli’s Italian Restaurant offer plenty of options for overall Italian dining. Pizza is the thing at Labi’s, 5th Street, Zio Al’s, New York Pizza & Pints, and Far East Pizza.
Eastern cuisine is just as prevalent. Noodle & Dumpling Time and Tia An Men Square Wok and Grill have wide-ranging menus featuring all the Chinese favorites. Spice Thai, Bite of Lao & Thai, Silver Thai, and Thai Pan take care of Thai needs. Saltlight Station handles Vietnamese beautifully. Sushi and Japanese treasures are covered at Sushi Maru, Shiawase, The Blue Fish, Nosoo Sushi & Hibachi, and Ramen Hakata. Dawon Korean rounds out the list.
For world foods, Spice Creation and Shiva’s Bar & Grill serve Indian food, while Silver Spoon Restaurant expands to Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Curuba offers Colombian food, and Jollof Haus explores West African cuisine. Le Shish and Hedary’s cover the Mediterranean waterfront.
Celina and Prosper are only five miles apart and a direct shot on what Dallasites know to be North Preston Road and what mapmakers know to be State Highway 289. Given their proximity, we consider them together.
A few standouts for starters. Lucy’s on the Square is one of Texas’s best cafe/diner operations. It strikes just the right note for carefully considering and preparing comfort food with charm as a free side. Heyday is an unexpectedly decadent cocktail bar with seriously good bar food. The Silos in Celina took a cue from Waco’s Chip and Joanna (their operations are unrelated) with a silos-based restaurant and yard space. The restaurant is elegant and the menu varied. Tender Smokehouse is high-end barbecue. Mangiamo Italian and Salute Italian do justice to the world’s favorite restaurant cuisine. High-end Mexican is the house specialty at Mi Chante Mexican Cuisine.
From there, we have an onslaught of fun and flavor. The biggest category is comfort food casual. You will be happy to fill up at any of these: The Gin, The Nook CKMC, Toasted Walnut Table, and Celina Star Cafe. The Wick is an excellent option along the same lines in Celina. Tex-Mex offerings include Papa Gallo’s Mexican Grill, Mi Luna Tex-Mex, LaLa’s Taqueria, OMG Tacos (South California Tacos), and Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant. Asian aficionados get their fix at Ginger & Spice, Simply Pho House, Celina Asian Bistro, and Rice & Noodle. The better pizza is at Kill a Pie. Additional good Italian is at Roma’s and Millie’s Italian Restaurant.
Black Hawk Brewing, a brewery, sports bar, and American food extravaganza, is brand new to Prosper and has a great rooftop deck.
On the southeast end of the county, you will find Murphy, Sachse, Wylie, and Lavon, lined up around State Hwy 78. These are bedroom communities, but are close to Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard. The Dallas and Rockwall county lines split some of the cities, but we think of them as “East Collin County.” You will find plenty of casual eateries catering to hard-working families with a wide assortment of options. This area should not be overlooked if you are having fun at the lake. We categorize the restaurants by type, regardless of which city they are in.
We love Backyard Murphy for a fun spot with casual food, games, and outdoor space. The same for Yard Dogs. If you want to be on the lake–literally on the lake—Harbor House is the spot/For cafe and grill food, any of Creekside Fine Grill, Ballard Street Cafe & Grill, Woodbridge Cafe, Foxii’s Restaurant & Bar, Hot Pancakes, The South, Eddie’s Diner, Scrambler Cafe, or Country Burger Murphy do the trick. Your pizza or casual Italian box can be checked at Villa Vinci, Napoli’s, Mogio’s Gourmet Pizza, or Yonx Pizza Bar & Co.
For barbecue, check out Bold Pit BBQ and Linke’s BBQ. For Tex-Mex, a long list: Jhonny’s Mexican Restaurant, Chiloso Mexican Bistro, Frankie’s Casa, Mijas Taqueria, Gordita’s La Rancherita, La Joya Mexican Cantina, Restaurant La Neta, Bandero’s Mexican Food, Taqueria Reinita, and El Rodeo Mexican Grill. But why not the best of both worlds? Mexican-inspired barbecue done well, like at Ferah Smokehouse and Cantina, is mouth-watering. Related Latin is the interesting El Flamboyan Puerto Rican Grill.
Perhaps the proximity to two large lakes inspired it, but seafood is an attractive option. Fish ‘n’ Tails Oyster Bar and Del Golfo Seafood scratch this particular itch. Asian stylke seafood is also abundant at Blue Fin Sushi & Bar, Gokumi Sushi, and Osaka Hibachi Sushi and Bar. Similarly, standard Asian cuisines are plentiful at Rice Garden, Sticky Rice, Ming Moon, Fine Asian, BOP JOA (Korean), and Pho Street Cafe.
Finally, there is a healthy offering of world foods. Mehfil Indian Cuisine (more upscale), Zaika Eats (Indian & Pakistani), Indian Flavors, Crystal Cafe (Zabihai Halal burgers), Little Greek Fresh Grill, Olobe’s Kitchen & Catering (African), Merkato Ethiopian, Mr. Pide (Mediterranean), and Alzarrad Syrian Eatery prove our point.
Where To Drop A Dime (Shop Local!)
Collin County and neighboring North Dallas flash an absurd amount of disposable income. Thus, the shopping is world-class for those who consider a budget more of a suggestion than a rule. The good news, however, is that there are a fair number of sensibly priced but still one-of-a-kind stores for the rest of us. The best place to stroll and shop is downtown McKinney. Every store on the square is worth at least a few minutes of your time, so it is unfair to single anyone out.
That said, we do have a few stops that speak to us. Rockin’ AB is the place to go if you need to make a child happy and/or well-dressed. Ambrosia/Patina Green is a fabulous home goods store. LY Outfitters is short for “local yokel,” but you will look anything but if you shop there. Ditto for The Urban Loft, Me and Mrs. Jones, Oriosons (for western-inspired), Cynthia Elliot (designer), and The Groovy Coop (70s funs and hip).
Neighbor Books is an independent bookstore gem. Literary types will need to be pulled out. There are several art galleries and craft or artisan stores worth trying. Susan Whigham does impressive nature scenes. McKinney Art Gallery combines offerings from 50+ local artists, and The Cove is also a tremendous collective. Vinyl collectors flock to Red Zepplin Records while cigar aficionados love En Fuego Tobaco Shop. We found unique gifts and world goods at Fair and Square Imports. Homepieces and Antique Company Mall are two of the many vintage stores in town; think of them as the start of your journey. Also downtown is a real surprise. Doug and Lynda’s has had a long run as the best ski shop in Texas.
Elsewhere in town, LX Artworks Gallery is a must for folk/pop art lovers. McKinney Hat Company is where you go to buy the cowboy hat you will wear for the rest of your life. The Guitar Sanctuary is a religious expereince for the stringed instrument lover.
In Plano, you would think “The Shops at Legacy” would be the place to shop. It is actually the place to eat, although there are a few upscale women’s boutiques (Ella Bleu, Kendra Scott) intermingled with more numerous restaurants. The world of couture sneaker culture is at Golden Goose. Nearby, The Shops at Willow Bend and Stonebriar Center each have destination stores, if you enjoy higher-end mall shopping.
One-of-a-kind shops in Plano include Dallas Vintage (a huge costume and vintage clothing shop), Another Time & Place (world shopping with a dazzling selection of light fixtures, among many other things), Bibliobar (an impeccable cozy bookstore experience), Madness Games & Comics (hopefully self-explanatory), Josey Records (vinyl and merchandise), and Elite Cigar Cafe, Cigar Warehouse, and Cigar Lounge (yes, cigars). The Wooden Spoon sells Scandinavian food and gifts in downtown Plano. Lone Star Mercantile combines 250 craft, artisan, and vintage merchants in one location.
People from all over North Texas and even farther away come to Allen to bargain shop at Allen Premium Outlets. While much of the shopping involves national or regional brands, local standouts Hindy House and Birds and Words get wide applause for home goods and decor.
Frisco is 95% a new invention with plenty of malls and national chains, but its historic downtown has several worthwhile boutiques. Try Willow House Boutique (one of four area locations), Apple Blvd. Boutique, the Blushing Bride Boutique for wedding-related items, and the Refind Closet for thrift. ZT Records is a good option for vinyl lovers. The Star has several unique shops –Luchese, Flea Style (Southern meets bohemian), Crav Co. (luxury candles)–and, of course, a Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop for the faithful.
Celina has transformed itself from a country town to an affluent enclave. Whatever you think of the transformation in general, it has invigorated the town square. Terramania for home decor, Hey Sugar Candy and Ice Cream for treats, and boutiques Annie Jack, Honeysuckle Rose, Willow House, and Apricot Lane will lift your spirits and lighten your pocketbook.
Special Places To Lay Your Head (Stay Local!)
In Collin County, you can have almost any hotel experience known to humans. As always, Texas Ten looks for the unique. You can tell we love downtown McKinney. The best launch and recovery point is the Grand Hotel, right in the middle of it all. If you prefer hip and modern, try the Denizen, close by. Also, near downtown is the Nethery Estate, an exceptional Bed and Breakfast. The Bingham Estate has a historic mansion, six cottages, and a Hollywood-style pool for the perfect girls’ weekend retreat.
If you are all about golf, the Omni PGA Frisco is heaven. The headquarters for the PGA of America features two championship-level courses, a lighted par-three, an immense, state-of-the-art practice facility, dining and shopping options for days, and a spa for recovery. The Westin Stonebriar is just as good, with two tracks and a well-regarded Tom Fazio design.
Celina also has a one-of-a-kind retreat: The Memory Lane Inn, which is specifically designed for scrapbooking and crafting. It’s pretty specific, but it’s pretty unbeatable if that is your jam.
Finally, for a true Lone Star experience, release your inner Texas tycoon and book a night at the Ewings’ South Fork Ranch in Parker.
For The Professional Traveller (Campgrounds and RV Parks)
Collin County has an unusual urban/rural split. We emphasize the campgrounds in a more rural setting. As you might guess, there is a healthy cluster of parks on or near Lake Lavon:
Hickman Luxury RV Parks (four locations on or near the lake)
Skyline RV Park and Tiny Homes
Still close to Lake Lavon in the eastern part of the county, but in less crowded areas are:
State Highway 121 in eastern Collin County is usually not heavily traveled, but it is a major thoroughfare. Close to it, you will find
Dallas Melissa RV and Tiny Home Park
State Highway 75 is heavily traveled (understatement alert). These parks will be closest to Collin County’s population centers.
McKinney North/Celina KOA Holiday
Erwin Park (City park, Closed for renovation in 2026)
The tent camping is limited in a county of over 1,0000,000 people plus visitors. Several of the RV parks listed above have cabin or tent camping options. True solitude could be found at:
Special Events
On any given weekend, you will likely find some themed celebration. The traditional holidays are well celebrated throughout the county. In particular, however, there are some unique parties.
McKinney unites dogs and Mardi Gras in Krewe of Barkus on the Sunday before Mardi Gras; hosts a spectacular art festival, Arts in Bloom, each April, brings great jams each June with the Texas Music Revolution, and does a superb impression of Bavaria with OktoberFest, held in September.
Plano refuses to be bested in the party department. The big one is the Plano Balloon Festival, which is held every September and is probably the largest east of Albuquerque. Also in September is the Plano Train Festival, one of the largest gatherings of model train enthusiasts anywhere. October brings a variety of events, our favorite being Night Out on 15th, the state’s largest picnic, as they close 15th Street down for a 300-foot-long table and community outdoor dining.
The Allen Arts Festival happens every May. The city hosts two separate music series each summer. The community gathers at Watters Creek village for Light the Night in late November, combining caroling, crafting, and cocoa.
Although Frisco became a population center more recently than Plano, McKinney, and Allen, it has the most infrastructure for hosting large events. Toyota Stadium is a 20,000-seat venue, and The Star District has ample gathering space. If you are in town, check for concerts at both spaces. Many places hold Fourth of July events, but Frisco’s is one of the best.
Fore! (Golf Courses)
An embarrassment of riches. We already mentioned the all-golf, all-the-time PGA headquarters complex in Frisco and the similar resort at the Stonebriar Westin. The jewel of the area, however, may be TPC Craig Ranch, a private facility with a Weiskopf course that hosts the Dallas PGA tour stop. While a private club, TPC Craig Ranch is part of the Invited Club network, so many people have playing privileges. Hopefully, one of them is your friend.
Other private courses include The Clubs at Stonebridge Ranch (27 holes in McKinney and also an Invited club), Eldorado Country Club (private, community-based course in McKinney), Heritage Ranch Golf Club (a 55+ community club managed by Troon Golf in Fairview), Hurricane Creek Country Club (member-owned facility in north Collin County at Anna). Gleneagles Country Club (long-time Plano standout with 36 holes. Also an Invited club); Prestonwood Country Club (another established 36-hole facility and Invited club in Plano); and Gentle Creek Country Club (community-based private club in Prosper).
If you want the high-class experience without the initiation fee and monthly dues, you are in luck. Several semi-private tracks will challenge you. They include Oak Hollow Golf Course in downtown McKinney, Westridge Golf Course on the outskirts of McKinney, The Club at Twin Creeks in Allen, The Courses at Watters Creek (in Plano, 36 holes), Ridgeview Ranch (Plano), Frisco Lakes (near a Del Webb community so caters to seniors), and The Club at Frisco Farms (Frisco in a subdivision).
The golf boom is alive in North Texas, so the municipal or fully public courses are often quite good. You can choose from Pecan Hollow in Plano or Woodbridge in Wylie.
Finally, 1876 Country Club is under development near Celina and promises to be top-notch.
3255 PGA Pkwy
Frisco, TX 75033
(469) 305-4640
1549 Legact Dr.
Frisco, TX 75034
(972) 668-8000
TPC Craig Ranch
8000 Collin McKinney Pkwy
McKinney, TX 75070
(972) 747-9005
Stonebridge Ranch Country Club
5901 Glen Oaks Dr.
McKinney, TX 75070
(972) 529-5990, (972) 540-2000
Eldorado Country Club
2604 Country Club Dr.
McKinney, TX 75070
(972) 529-2770, (972) 529-6779
465 Scenic Ranch Circle
Fairview, TX 75069
(972) 886-4700
1800 Fairway Lane
Anna, TX 75409
(972) 924-3212
5401 W. Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 867-6666
6600 Columbine Way
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 307-1620
3131 E. Prosper Tr.
Prosper, TX 75078
(972) 346-2500
Oak Hollow Golf Course
3005 N McDonald St.
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 562-0670
Westridge Golf Course
9055 Cotton Ridge Road North
McKinney, TX 75070
(972) 346-2212
The Club at Twin Creeks in Allen
501 Twin Creeks Dr.
Allen, TX 75013
(972) 390-8888
7201 Chase Oaks Blvd.
Plano, TX 75025
(214) 509-4653
2701 Ridgeview Dr.
Plano, TX 75025
(972) 390-1039
7170 Anthem Dr.
Frisco, TX 75036
(972) 292-3089
4701 Plantation Ln.
Frisco, TX 75035
(972) 335-4653
4501 W. 14th St.
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 941-7600
7400 Country Club Dr.
Wylie, TX 75038
(972) 429-5100
230 W. Pecan St.
Celina, TX 75009
(214) 458-5501
Getting To Collin County
Collin County is immediately North of Dallas. Downtown and East Plano, McKinney, and Allen all straddle State Highway 75, which runs North and South. Interstate 45 from Houston terminates into Hwy 75 in South Dallas, but the road functions as an extension of the interstate. Interstate 30 is the closest East-West interstate. To the west, Frisco and West Plano surround the Dallas North Tollway. A bit farther west, Interstate I-35 also runs North and South. All that puts Collin County approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes of driving time, Northeast of the state’s geographic center in Brady.
Flying to the area by a major carrier means either Dallas Love Field for Southwest and Delta or DFW International Airport for the others. Commute times from the airports vary with Dallas traffic and can be as close as 45 minutes or as far as an hour and a half. The Addison Airport is a favorite if you are a private flyer with a jet. It is also unlikely that you are reading this website. Smaller craft will likely use the McKinney National Airport.
History
The Caddo Indians settled the area long before the earliest arrival of Anglo settlers. As Anglo settlers came to the area in the 1830s and 1840s, the Caddos opted not to contest and withdrew. Thus, the area is somewhat unique in the absence of significant violent confrontations between Native Americans and Anglos, albeit with the same result for the original inhabitants.
From an early point, the settlers arriving from America and to a lesser extent, Europe, realized that the region’s land was almost perfect for farming. What it was not perfect for was transporting the crop to major markets. So the county was incorporated in 1846 and named for Collin McKinney, an early settler and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county seat took the county’s namesake’s last name several years later. For its first decades, however, the economy was largely subsistence farming.
Growth in the region expanded once the railways were developed in the 1850s, more readily connecting Collin to nearby counties. Farmers grew predominantly wheat and corn. Though cotton was also farmed in the area, cotton culture did not take hold primarily because of the absence of navigable rivers for transport.
Thus, slavery was uncommon in the county. Consistent with the relative absence of slavery, in 1860, Collin County voted against secession. Texas state senator and later governor James W. Throckmorton was another motivating force for the region’s Unionist sentiments. However, once Texas joined the Confederate Cause, many residents enlisted. Even Throckmorton changed course, rising to be a general in the Confederate Army.
While isolated violence between Confederate and Union sympathizers happened during the hostilities and Reconstruction, for the most part, the Civil War tread lightly on Collin County. Following reconstruction, life returned to largely subsistence farming. However, with the growth of the Houston and Texas Central Railway in the early 1870s, the area’s connections to markets throughout the region became more useful. The population grew, and previously uncultivated farmland saw crop production, dramatically increasing between 1870 and 1920. This growth led to road construction via bond financing, and residents gained easier access to the larger cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Waco. Communities boasted electricity, natural gas, and even telephone exchanges by the 1920s end.
Over the next forty years, due to the Great Depression, farm mechanization, and employment opportunities elsewhere, the population and economic development in Collin County declined. Recovery began in the 1950s with increased land values and improvements made to the county by the County Soil Conservation District with funding from the Texas Research Foundation, initially out of Southern Methodist University, to maximize the land potential of the Blackland Prairies in the region.
Land continued to be developed, opening the way to dairy farming and production. Light industry emerged in the 1980s, ushering in a boom. 25% of the workforce was employed in manufacturing, and 25% in business retail. Though population and economic diversity steadily rose, it was the 1990s that saw the most pronounced growth in Collin County, with Plano leading the charge. As Dallas expanded and roads improved, Plano became a residential option for people with Dallas jobs. Today, the transformation is complete. First a rural area, then a bedroom community, and now a stand-alone major population center with many corporations headquartered within its borders. You will find varying opinions about whether the transformation was successful, but unanimity in the fact that it has happened.
Today, Collin County is diverse and affluent. Approximately 50% of the population is Caucasian, non-Hispanic; 18% is Asian; 15% Hispanic; 10% African-American; and the remaining 7% is dispersed among a wide selection of mixed-race and other ethnicities. The international flavor comes from over 20% of Collin County residents being born outside the United States. The County’s median household income and education levels are well above state and national medians.
The politics in Collin County has a more volatile history than most Texas counties, reflecting the passage from rural to urban. The county remained in the Democratic column until 1968. The fact that Adlai Stevenson carried the county in his two races against Dwight Eisenhower is some evidence that Collin County Democrats were not entirely conservative Southern Democrats. Starting with the Nixon-Humphrey contest in 1968, however, the county voted more and more GOP, reaching an apex in 2000 when almost 80% of its votes went to George Bush. Over the last quarter century, however, the contest has become much closer, with GOP percentages now just hovering around 55%,
Some of the noteworthy residents, past and present, from Collin County are Country Western singer Charlie Walker, Olympic All-Around Gymnastics Gold Medalists Carly Patterson (2004) and Nastia Liukin (2008), cyclist Lance Armstrong, and actors Burton Gilliam and Marsai Martin.
Primary Sources: