Girlfriend’s Guide to the Toyota Music Factory

Toyota Music Factory makes it easy for friends + food + fun. No decisions necessary – just go and get ready for the fun to happen with this Girlfriend’s Guide to the Toyota Music Factory in Irving.

It’s no shocker anyone who knows me that I’m very indecisive about where I want to eat.

Whether it’s going through a drive-thru or headed out for something a little more special than a normal Friday night, I deliberate forever about not just where to eat, but what to eat.

Think that’s annoying?

Just get me together when one of my girlfriends and we might as well start talking about it at breakfast time so we have something narrowed down by the time it’s actually dinner. However, I’ve learned that it isn’t just us – it’s also most women in general. There’s something about making all these other big choices in life that a meal just stops us in our tracks (unless it’s Starbucks, well #becausecoffee.) And while the idea of making lists, creating jars with names to randomly pick, or just going off the first thing that comes to mind seems like it would narrow down the choices, it doesn’t.

However, Irving has figured out the secret for one-stop food + fun that can make us all happy…Toyota Music Factory. With a name like that it’s obvs that it’s a music place (one of the best in my opinion for both indoor and outdoor intimate concert experiences), but there’s also a movie theatre for your viewing pleasure AND tons of restaurants (from cheese and wine to ice cream like you’ve never had), it’s all in one place in the middle of the metroplex – easy to find, easy to park, and even easier to have a memorable and decision-free evening (or afternoon!) Each spot is only steps from the other and each experience is entirely different, so even if you can’t make a decision on one place to go – do a few like a progressive dinner (where you don’t have to make anything!)

There are many options, but I have some of my top picks – ready for you to pick on just a Monday night or a big night out before (and after) the concert (true story, I even went out one night by myself to see Matchbox Twenty and had a blast – with no one but little ole me.)

Don’t Miss This: Irving Music Factory Picks

Nosh & Bottle Market
One word: charcuterie. There’s nothing quicker to my heart than a meat and cheese plate…except a beautiful glass of wine to go with. So naturally this hybrid neighborhood market/wine spot is the perfect place to start a night (or if you are loving the mood, then stay until they send you home or they pull out a chair with you.)

Top Round Roast Beef
I wasn’t ready to love this place as much as I did – as roast beef isn’t normally my dinner bell. But I was quite taken – not just by the amazing “chef driven” food, but the hospitality of Top Round Roast Beef. There was so much to learn about the philosophy too and the customer service was off the charts. And yes, while you can get a great frozen custard, you can score a beer or glass of wine!

Gloria’s Latin Cuisine

This staple is always one of my favorites, which is why so many people go to it as their destination for a little somethin’ different than just Tex-Mex…it’s a mix of Salvadorian, Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. And don’t miss the margaritas – especially since Gloria’s has happy hour ALL. DAY. LONG.

Pop Factory

Oh jeez – get ready for all your dessert dreams to come true, but even better – because they’re healthy (or at least healthier than normal when it comes to sugar.) Combinations with everything from strawberries, green tea, and much more exotic – you can get it customized, dipped, or whatever you want – on a stick.

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

If you’re looking for a night to put on the heels, this is your spot (but they don’t care if you choose flip flops either.) The menu gives you both the old and new taste of Japanese cuisine – especially the sushi rolls. With many kids choices, gluten free and veggie options this is a great go-to for the whole brood, but I suggest leaving them at home and gathering the girls for the sangria. It’s worth the drive just for that.

The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

When I heard about the concept for this facility, I was giddy. But when I finally go to go and experience the place, I was ELATED. I’d always loved outdoor music venues with lawn seating, but of course, it does stink when it rains or it’s miserably cold. The Pavilion gives you both options – and just a few minutes down the road in the middle of DFW. And since you have so many places to go before and after a show, it’s a no brainer this place is where to to go.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

You’ll never watch movies the same way after an evening at the Alamo. Yes, you have movies, but there’s the mighty good food and drinks AND the super comfortable loungers you sit in while you watch your movie and have dinner. Or you can always skip the movie – and go for drinks after the show.

Thirsty Lion

Don’t be caught off guard at the Thirsty Lion – it’s definitely not just drinks. There’s food for days as well as room for groups – small and large. But the drinks are definitely worth the time…just be careful to not start there unless you’re going to stay there…because otherwise, you won’t leave.