Finding the best cafe in Dallas means discovering Ascension Coffee, where expertly crafted specialty drinks meet chef-curated breakfast and lunch in the Design District.
This isn’t your average coffee shop serving burnt espresso and stale pastries.
Ascension earned its reputation as the best cafe in Dallas through meticulous attention to every detail, from sourcing beans directly from women farmers worldwide to training baristas in the art of the slow bar pour-over method.
The spacious Design District location offers complimentary valet parking, all-day breakfast, and a beverage program that extends beyond coffee to include curated wines and craft cocktails.
Why Ascension Dominates Dallas Coffee Culture
The food program stands toe-to-toe with the exceptional coffee, thanks to Executive Chef Jason who spent 16 years leading kitchens across seven Marriott restaurants before joining Ascension.
His chef-curated menu balances healthy California-inspired grain bowls with indulgent treats like churro French toast and espresso cruffins.
Everything gets made from scratch, including the jellies and jams, setting Ascension apart from competitors who rely on pre-made ingredients.
The Coffee Expertise Behind the Best Cafe in Dallas
The coffee expertise comes from founder Russell Hayward, a Licensed Q Arabica Grader who personally sources beans and oversees the roasting process just five minutes from the Design District location.
This commitment to quality earned recognition from D Magazine, which called Ascension an “aesthetically immaculate caffeinated pleasure palace” that delights all brands of coffee lovers.
The 12-hour Japanese-style cold brew and precision-pulled cappuccinos consistently receive rave reviews for their smooth, balanced flavors.
The Origin Story Behind the Best Cafe in Dallas
Ascension Coffee opened in 2012 after founders Russell Hayward and Jonn Baudoin endured one too many cold cappuccinos at mediocre Dallas coffee shops.
Their frustration sparked a vision: create a stress-free space where craft coffee meets genuine community.
The concept took 18 months of planning and global research, with Hayward traveling to Africa to study coffee agriculture firsthand.
Pioneering the Slow Bar Concept
The Design District location became Dallas’ first cafe to truly embrace the slow bar concept, where skilled baristas prepare each pour-over with careful attention.
This meticulous approach set Ascension apart from the grab-and-go culture dominating Dallas at the time.
Baudoin contributed restaurant experience from Driftwood and Sugar Skull, ensuring the food program matched the coffee quality from day one.
The Best Cafe in Dallas: Growth Story of Ascension Coffee
What started as one location evolved into Dallas’ largest independent coffee company by 2019.
The rapid expansion from one to nine locations within seven years proved Hayward’s vision resonated deeply with Dallas coffee drinkers craving something better.
However, the pandemic forced Ascension to reevaluate and close four locations, refocusing energy on their strongest cafes.
Leadership That Shaped Excellence
President Bill Schaffler joined the company in August 2019, bringing experience from La Madeleine and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
His leadership steered Ascension through pandemic challenges while investing in technology like online ordering apps and improved accounting systems.
The original Design District location received a $350,000 renovation, expanding by 1,500 square feet to provide more space for post-pandemic dining.
Expanding Across DFW
The company now operates six locations across the DFW metroplex, though the Design District flagship remains the heart of the operation.
Each expansion maintained the original commitment to craft coffee, chef-curated food, and spaces where community naturally thrives.
The cafe pioneered Dallas’ specialty coffee movement by introducing brewing methods like the slow bar and offering 12-hour cold brew preparations.
What Makes This the Best Cafe in Dallas
Food Highlights
- Avocado Toast: This signature dish features perfectly ripe avocado spread over thick, crusty bread with creative toppings that change seasonally. The presentation impresses with careful attention to texture and flavor balance. Multiple reviews specifically mention the avocado toast as a standout item worth ordering. The portion size satisfies without overwhelming, making it ideal for pairing with Ascension’s specialty coffee drinks. 🥑
- Churro French Toast: Thick slices get coated in cinnamon sugar and grilled to golden perfection, creating a dessert-like breakfast experience. The sweet, crispy exterior gives way to soft, custardy interior that melts in your mouth. One reviewer noted this dish “hit the spot” during their visit. The indulgent preparation transforms standard French toast into something special that brings customers back specifically for this item. 🥞
- Eggs Benedict: Classic poached eggs arrive atop your choice of bread with house-made hollandaise sauce that customers praise for its rich flavor. The perfectly runny yolks combine with creamy sauce for pure breakfast satisfaction. Several reviews mention the Benedict as their go-to order at Ascension. The kitchen executes this brunch staple with precision, though occasionally the bread underneath comes out cooler than ideal. 🍳
- Latin Chicken & Grain Bowl: This hearty option features perfectly seasoned chicken over a base of nutritious grains with vibrant sauce that balances spice and flavor. One reviewer called it “INCREDIBLY GOOD” and noted the sauce wasn’t too spicy despite initial concerns. The bowl provides a healthy, filling option for lunch that doesn’t sacrifice taste. The generous portions make this bowl excellent value for the price point. 🍲
- Smoked Salmon: Thinly sliced premium salmon gets paired with cream cheese, capers, and accompaniments that highlight the fish’s delicate flavor. The presentation elevates this breakfast protein option beyond typical bagel shop offerings. Multiple customers specifically order the smoked salmon during brunch visits. The quality of the fish shines through, justifying its popularity on the menu. 🐟
- Espresso Cruffin: This innovative pastry combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape of a muffin, then gets infused with espresso flavor. The unique creation became one of Ascension’s signature items that customers rave about. Fresh-baked daily, these pastries sell out quickly, so early arrival proves essential. The buttery, coffee-flavored treat pairs perfectly with any of Ascension’s espresso drinks. ☕
Coffee Program at the Best Cafe in Dallas
The beverage menu showcases Ascension’s expertise through options ranging from classic espresso drinks to innovative seasonal creations.
The cappuccino receives consistent praise for perfect foam texture and balanced espresso flavor.
Cortado, lattes, and Americanos all get executed with precision by knowledgeable baristas passionate about their craft.
Specialty Brewing Methods
The Japanese-style cold brew takes 12 hours to prepare, resulting in smooth, complex flavors that justify the extended process.
Spring coffee flights let customers sample multiple seasonal offerings, though some drinks like the cereal milk latte need added sugar for sweetness.
The London Fog gets mentioned repeatedly as amazing, with rich tea flavor and creamy texture that delights customers.
Creative Coffee Drinks
Matcha lattes arrive vibrant green and refreshing, though quality varies with some tasting watery or flavored with coffee syrup instead of pure matcha.
The horchata latte brings Mexican-inspired sweetness to espresso drinks, becoming a favorite among regulars who order it alongside food.
Iced drinks generally receive higher praise than hot beverages, with customers specifically recommending cold preparations over heated versions.
Atmosphere
The Design District location occupies a spacious, modern building with abundant natural light streaming through large windows that create an inviting, energized ambiance.
Holiday decorations add seasonal charm to the already aesthetically pleasing interior design.
The hipster-meets-classy vibe attracts a diverse crowd from students studying to professionals conducting meetings to friends catching up over brunch.
The moderate noise level allows conversation without overwhelming quietness, while telenovelas or music play softly in the background creating a relaxed soundtrack for your visit.
Bottom Line
Visit Ascension Coffee for the best cafe in Dallas featuring expertly crafted specialty coffee, chef-curated breakfast and lunch menus, spacious indoor and outdoor seating with complimentary valet parking, and commitment to ethical sourcing supporting women coffee farmers worldwide. 🌟
Address: Ascension Coffee – Design District
1621 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75207
📞 (214) 741-3211