If you’re hunting for your next great meal in Cedar Hill, TX, there’s a corner you simply can’t overlook: Cedarwood Place. Tucked between Uptown Boulevard and Old Clark Road, this residential neighborhood has blossomed into a low-key haven for serious foodies and casual diners alike. Whether you’re after cozy cafés, mouthwatering barbecue, international eats, or sweet treats from a local bakery, Cedarwood Place will surprise you with its variety and charm.
Tastes of Cedarwood Place: A Culinary Melting Pot
Though Cedarwood Place may look quiet at first glance, a closer look reveals flavor around every corner. The neighborhood is especially lively near Belt Line Road and East Parkerville Road, where clusters of eateries cater to every craving and budget.
Flame & Oak Barbecue House
Address: 502 E. Belt Line Rd.
You can’t talk about Texas eats without mentioning barbecue, and Flame & Oak is Cedarwood Place’s claim to smoky fame. Family-owned and always bustling on weekends, Flame & Oak draws regulars for its tender brisket, peppery sausage links, and house-made sides. Try the brisket taco plate for lunch (about $13)—the tortillas are toasted just right, and the meat falls apart in your mouth. If you’re a fan of loaded baked potatoes, theirs comes stuffed with pulled pork and cheddar ($10).
Café Perennial – Farm Fresh with a Twist
Address: 1340 Old Clark Rd.
Café Perennial is a must for breakfast fans and brunch enthusiasts. Expect long lines on Saturdays, but their menu of hearty omelets, pancakes topped with fresh berries, and the regionally famous avocado toast is well worth the wait. Their veggie scramble ($9) perfectly balances fluffy eggs with just-picked peppers and spinach from local farms, and on weekends, the cinnamon rolls ($3) fly off the shelves by noon. The café also carries gluten-free options and good espresso from a Dallas-based roaster.
La Casa Azul Taqueria: Street-Style Mexican
Address: 421 Parkerville Rd.
No foodie stroll in Cedarwood Place is complete without a stop at La Casa Azul. This tiny taqueria is beloved for its authentic street tacos—succulent carnitas, carne asada, and spicy al pastor—served on house-made corn tortillas (three tacos for $7). Don’t miss the elote (Mexican street corn) or horchata, and keep an eye out for their outdoor grill on Fridays when they roast fresh peppers and onions right by the curb. Locals swear by their salsa roja, which packs a punch!
Food Trucks & Pop-Ups: A Moveable Feast
The scene in Cedarwood Place goes mobile each week, with several food trucks lining the lot behind Aspen Grove Park (at Cedarview and Woodglen). Rotating favorites include:
- Big Tex Burgers: Grass-fed beef patties, loaded fries, and crispy onion rings—burgers start at $8.
- El Sazon de Abuela: Homey Salvadoran pupusas, tamales, and empanadas, with generous plates under $10.
- Crepe Cart Co.: Sweet and savory crepes, with fillings ranging from strawberries and Nutella to smoked turkey and cheese.
Most trucks are open from Thursday to Sunday evenings, creating an informal food festival atmosphere where families picnic under string lights.
Sweet Treats & Bakers’ Secrets
Searching for a pick-me-up or something to share? Cedarwood Place cozies up to carb-lovers with two neighborhood standouts:
Sugar Maple Bakehouse
Address: 1122 E. Belt Line Rd.
This artisanal bakery hides in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot in a quiet strip center, but locals know it’s the answer to sweet tooth cravings. Fresh scones and croissants greet you in the morning, while signature items like lemon lavender cookies and seasonal fruit tarts fill the cases. Their butter pecan coffee cake ($4 a slice) is the stuff of legend. Don’t skip the Saturday chocolate babka (order ahead—they sell out fast).
Lila’s Gelato Bar
Address: 1380 Cedarview Dr.
When Texas summer hits, Lila’s is pure bliss. This family-run gelato spot rotates through more than a dozen daily flavors, from classic dark chocolate and pistachio to inventive concoctions like mangonada and blueberry cheesecake. Kids love the unicorn swirl (cotton candy gelato with rainbow sprinkles), while adults gravitate toward cold brew affogatos. Cones start at $4, and pints are available to take home.
International Flavors & Hidden Gems
Cedarwood Place is also home to a few under-the-radar gems for adventurous eaters.
Pho 28 Vietnamese Kitchen
Address: 991 Parkerville Rd.
Stop by Pho 28 for fragrant, piping-hot bowls of pho (the beef brisket and meatball combo, $12, is the star), as well as fresh spring rolls and a crisp, citrusy papaya salad. Service is fast, portions are generous, and the Vietnamese iced coffee packs plenty of punch for the afternoon slump. It’s cozy inside—think twinkle lights and soft music—making it great for date night or group dinners.
Baba’s Mediterranean Grill
Address: 115 Cedarwood Cir.
A quiet favorite for Mediterranean classics—think shawarma plates, falafel wraps, and homemade hummus—Baba’s is family-operated and big on flavor. The lunch combo ($11) comes with gyro meat, salad, basmati rice, and a pillowy pita, while vegetarians rave about the stuffed grape leaves and tabbouleh. Don’t leave without sampling the baklava.
A Local Tradition: The Taste of Cedarwood
No review of Cedarwood Place’s food scene is complete without mentioning the annual “Taste of Cedarwood” block party. Every spring, restaurants, food trucks, and bakers set up tasting booths near Cedarview Plaza, turning the neighborhood into an open-air market. It’s a great time to chat with chefs, try limited-edition bites (like spicy cornbread from Flame & Oak or specialty tacos from La Casa Azul), and feel the heart of this tight-knit community.
Final Bite
From brisket and bánh mì to espresso and gelato, the Cedarwood Place neighborhood encapsulates the diverse food culture that makes Cedar Hill special. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, take a stroll down its busy food corridor and try something new—you might just find your next favorite bite.