No longer does Big D bolt for the burbs after hours. The city’s center has earned urban bragging rights with the hot spot Uptown district and nearby loft-filled Downtown. Jump on the area’s newly expanded trolley and take a tour.
EAT
Uptown: West Village, the area’s latest implant, is filled with hip eateries like Ferrè (214-522-3888), favored for its upscale Italian, and the just-opened retro-glamorous brasserie Paris Vendôme (469-533-5663). Downtown: Swanky Jeroboam (214-748-7226) rules the roost with fresh French cuisine. The more casual Guthrie’s (214-760-7900) is a blast on all-you-can-eat fish-fry Fridays.

DRINK
Uptown: Kick off cocktail hour at Crù (214-526-9463), the newest wine bar in town. Or belly up to the bar at classic Beau Nash (214-871-3240), inside the chichi Hotel Crescent Court. Downtown: Nudge your night into high gear at the new sushi bar/club Euphoria (214-658-1400), then saunter to subterranean lounge Umlaut (214-742-2368) to get your dance on.

SLEEP
Uptown: The landmark Hotel Crescent Court (214-871-3200) houses several upscale restaurants and shops, while intimate Hotel St. Germain (214-871-2516) pampers with seven lavish suites. Downtown: Lodging was lacking in the heart of Dallas until the modern Magnolia (214-915-6500) made the scene. Don’t overlook the ever-elegant Adolphus (214-742-8200) and its crowning jewel, the famed French Room restaurant.

SHOP
Uptown: Partake in a favorite pastime at places like the funky Legacy Trading Co., Tommy Bahama, Lucky Brand, and Polo, all in the vibrant West Village (214-559-2740). Downtown: The flagship store of Neiman Marcus (214-741-6911) is expansive, expensive, and a must-see — even if you don’t plan on spending a dime.

PLAY
Uptown: Billed as an art house/cinematheque, Magnolia Pictures (214-520-0025) specializes in foreign and indie films. Pitch the popcorn and head for Fuel, the full-service lobby bar. Downtown: Recently welcomed into the downtown umbrella, the American Airlines Center (214-222-3687) is home to the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, and a slew of shows.