Matt's East Plano Favorites – Fall 2025
I don't live in East Plano, but I've spent enough Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings there to have my own little ritual. It usually starts with a haircut, moves to barbecue, and ends with iced tea and a slice of apple pie. East Plano also offers time in nature at Oak Point Park or an exploratory drive past the new Collin Creek redevelopment to see what's changed since last month.
East Plano doesn't get the same attention as West Plano. It doesn't have the same price tags, the same master-planned neighborhoods, or the same parade of new construction. But it has something else—history, character, and a handful of spots that remind you why you moved to North Texas in the first place.
This isn't a comprehensive guide. It's just my list of favorites, the places I actually go when I'm in East Plano. Think of it as part lifestyle journal, part insider guide—with a few of my hot takes thrown in for good measure.
My East Plano Ritual
Rappatoni's Barbershop
1020 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074
If you've ever had a truly great barber, you know you don't switch. I was slightly miffed when my preferred barber, Christian, moved from West Plano to Rappatoni's in East Plano. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise and my monthly haircut became a regular excuse to explore Historic Downtown Plano—a walkable stretch of brick storefronts and local businesses that feels refreshingly un-corporate. Christian gives the kind of haircut that makes you look forward to needing one. He's consistent, detail-oriented, and worth the drive across town.
This is almost always my starting point when I visit East Plano. Book your appointment, show up, get a great cut, and then step outside into one of Plano's most under-appreciated neighborhoods.
Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ
1026 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074
A few doors down from the barbershop sits Lockhart Smokehouse, which I consider the best barbecue in Plano and among the best in Dallas. It's not just proximity that makes this part of the ritual—it's the fact that the brisket, the bacon-wrapped jalapeño popper, and deviled eggs are legitimately outstanding.
The line moves quickly, the meat is smoked the right way, and the atmosphere is casual enough that you don't feel like you're at a "destination" restaurant. You're just eating really good barbecue in a cool neighborhood. Haircut, then lunch. It's a perfect Saturday.
1418 Coffeehouse
1418 K Ave, Plano, TX 75074
After lunch, I usually walk over to 1418 Coffeehouse. Full disclosure: I'm not a coffee drinker. But I am a hot tea drinker, an iced tea drinker, and an enthusiastic consumer of baked goods. 1418 has all three in abundance.
The space is cozy and unpretentious—the kind of place where you can set up your laptop for a few hours or just sit with a book and a cookie. They serve Emporium Pies slices, which is reason enough to visit, and the atmosphere feels authentically East Plano: local, laid-back, and a little under the radar.
If I'm working from the road or just want to decompress after a busy week, this is where I end up.
Landmarks & Outdoor Favorites
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve
5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074
Arbor Hills gets all the attention in West Plano, but Oak Point Park is significantly larger and, in my opinion, offers a more expansive outdoor experience. At 800+ acres, it's one of the largest parks in Plano, with miles of hiking and biking trails, a lake for paddleboarding and kayaking, and plenty of space to just walk and think.
It's quieter than Arbor Hills, less crowded on weekends, and has a more natural, less manicured feel. If you're looking for a place to disconnect—or to take your Golden Retriever on a long walk—this is it.
Collin Creek Mall Redevelopment (Watch This Space)
811 N Central Expy, Plano, TX 75075
This one's still a work in progress, but it's worth watching closely. The Collin Creek redevelopment is one of the most ambitious projects in Plano's recent history—a master-planned transformation of the old mall site into a mixed-use community with residential, parks, trails, retail, and entertainment.
Retail and dining tenants are starting to open, and the bones of the project are taking shape. It's too early to say exactly if this has delivered on the initial hype, but it has the potential to reshape East Plano's identity in a major way. I drive by every few weeks just to see what's new.
If you're thinking about East Plano as an investment or a place to live, this is the wild card that could change everything.
Local Flavor & Fun Extras
In-N-Out Burger (Plano's Only One)
2740 N Central Expy, Plano, TX 75074
Here's a hot take: as a California transplant, I’ll choose In-N-Out over Whataburger every time. I know it’s blasphemous to say such a thing in Texas, but it's true. And if you're like me, you'll be happy to know that East Plano is home to Plano's only In-N-Out Burger. So if you’re not jonesin’ for BBQ and Apple Pie, then you can grab a Double-Double animal style, drive through the Collin Creek redevelopment, and feel pretty good about your Saturday afternoon.
A Neighborhood with Its Own Identity
East Plano has always existed a bit in the shadow of West Plano. It doesn't have the same concentration of new luxury builds or the same median home prices. But it has mature trees, walkable neighborhoods, local character, and a sense of place that you don't find in every corner of North Texas.
I'm planning to expand my neighborhood coverage of East Plano in the coming months—deeper dives into individual communities, school zones, and market trends. For now, this is just my short list of favorites, the places I actually visit when I'm over here.
If you've never explored East Plano beyond driving through it on Central Expressway, I'd encourage you to take a Saturday morning and try the ritual: haircut, barbecue, coffeehouse, park. You might be surprised by how much you like it.
About the Author:
Matt Haistings is a Broker Associate with Compass, helping clients navigate Plano and the surrounding North Texas communities. He specializes in local expertise, data-driven market guidance, and helping people find their place in North Texas. If you're considering buying, selling, or relocating to the area, feel free to reach out.
