If you’re craving an adventure for your taste buds without leaving north Arlington, Huntwick is an underrated neighborhood that should be at the top of your must-visit list. Nestled near Lamar Boulevard and Fielder Road, Huntwick’s food scene is small but mighty—a delicious crossroads of global flavors, longtime local favorites, and casual hotspots where everyone feels like a regular. Whether you’re hunting for authentic street tacos, melt-in-your-mouth pastries, or the coziest cup of coffee, Huntwick has something to satisfy every craving and every budget.
The Heart of Huntwick: Delicious Diversity on Lamar Boulevard
Lamar Boulevard is the main artery of Huntwick’s food life, with a handful of standout spots clustered near Fielder Road and intersecting streets. This is your starting point for a culinary stroll.
- Prince Lebanese Grill (open since 1989, 502 W. Randol Mill Rd at Fielder): When you ask locals for their Huntwick favorite, Prince is almost always the first name dropped. This unassuming eatery has earned a cult following for its warm, family-run vibe and outrageously good shawarma, tender kebabs, and iconic hummus. Don’t miss the lamb shank plate or the house-made baklava for dessert. Plates average $10-18, making this both a date night and family-friendly destination.
- Lamar Street Tacos (near Lamar and Fielder): Locals line up at lunchtime for Huntwick’s answer to street tacos. This no-frills taqueria serves up al pastor, barbacoa, and lengua tacos dripping with mouthwatering authenticity. There are a few tiny tables, but most folks grab to-go to enjoy under Huntwick’s old oaks. Tacos start at $2, and aguas frescas are a perfect, refreshing pairing.
Coffee, Pastries, and Sweet Retreats
No foodie tour is complete without a cozy café or a sweet surprise—and Huntwick doesn’t disappoint.
- Fielder Road Café (north of Huntwick on Fielder): Just minutes north of Huntwick proper, this locally beloved breakfast-and-lunch spot is worth the extra couple of blocks. The menu is classic comfort: fluffy pancakes, inventive omelettes, and bottomless coffee in a homey, bustling atmosphere. It’s affordable (most plates $7-12) and perfect for lingering over brunch with friends.
- Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery (at Lamar and Fielder): Technically right on the Huntwick border, Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery crafts cupcakes, cookies, and wedding-worthy cakes with creative flavors and gorgeous style. Locals rave about the “Texas Sheet Cake” cupcakes and seasonal fruit pies. Prices range from $2.50 a cupcake to $25-40 for custom cakes. Pro tip: swing by early for the best selection, especially around holidays.
- Buen Dia Coffee (hidden gem on Lamar): For those searching for a quieter, indie coffee vibe, Buen Dia is a charming newcomer to the Huntwick scene. Their lattes and pour-overs are meticulously made with locally roasted beans, and the tres leches muffins are heavenly. There’s free Wi-Fi and plenty of comfy nooks to work or read—the baristas know regulars by name.
International Flavors and Under-the-Radar Eats
What makes Huntwick’s food scene so unique is the global culinary influence packed into just a few blocks. These lesser-known, locally beloved spots make every meal an exploration.
- Pho 95 Asian Fusion Café (near Lamar & Collins): Pho 95 may not have the flashiest façade, but it’s the real deal for Vietnamese classics and more—think steaming bowls of pho, crispy egg rolls, and savory vermicelli plates. Most entrees hover around $10-15. Insider tip: try the homemade Thai tea and spicy shrimp stir-fry for an off-the-menu treat.
- Tandoor Indian Restaurant (across from Huntwick Park): This family-run restaurant is a local institution, serving up North Indian specialties in a comfortable, inviting space. Their lunch buffet is legendary for less than $12, but the standout menu items are the chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, and warm, fluffy naan. The mango lassi is creamy and not overly sweet—a perfect palate-cooler.
- Yori Japanese Cuisine (at Lamar & Fielder): For outstanding sushi and Japanese comfort food, Yori is a hidden gem that fans whisper about. The spicy tuna roll, pork katsu curry, and tempura udon draw regulars from all over Arlington, but prices still hover in the affordable $12-20 range. The quiet, minimalist space feels worlds away from the bustle outside.
Food Trucks & Local Food Traditions
Huntwick isn’t just about sit-down dining. Keep an eye out along Fielder and Lamar for rotating food trucks—especially in the evenings and on weekends.
- El Vecino Taqueria Truck (often at Lamar & Meadowbrook): For authentic, made-to-order tacos and tortas, many locals prefer El Vecino’s food truck to any brick-and-mortar spot. Their late-night hours and lively atmosphere make them a staple for nearby students and busy families alike. Don’t skip the chorizo tacos or the salsas, which are made from scratch daily.
- Sunday Tamale Pickup Tradition: Ask around the neighborhood and you’ll uncover Huntwick’s favorite secret—home cooks selling tamales out of coolers at church parking lots or plazas after Sunday services. For $10 a dozen (cash only), you can score the best green chile tamales in Arlington. It’s a word-of-mouth operation—ask at a local café for the current schedule.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
For every popular hotspot, Huntwick has a quieter spot only the locals know.
- Mom’s Kitchen Café (off Bardin Rd): If you only have time for one under-the-radar experience, make it Mom’s Kitchen. It’s a classic Southern diner with a quirky twist—think chicken fried steak, homemade biscuits, and regularly changing soul food specials. Prices are easy on the wallet ($8-14 entrees) and portions are the stuff of legend.
- El Camino Bakery (cloud-like conchas and pan dulce): In a tiny strip center just south of Huntwick, El Camino draws crowds for its fresh-baked pan dulce, Mexican pastries, and steaming cups of café de olla. On weekends, the fresh bolillos practically fly off the shelves.
In Summary: Why Huntwick’s Food Scene Shines
Huntwick may be cozy, but its food scene punches far above its weight. The neighborhood brings together a dazzling range of flavors, cultures, and price points, from casual taco trucks to elegant Mediterranean dining. What really makes Huntwick special, though, are the friendly faces behind the counter—often neighborhood families who take pride in every meal they serve. Pull up a chair, strike up a conversation, and discover why locals truly love to eat—right here, in the heart of Huntwick.