Matt's West Plano Favorites – Fall 2025
I've lived in West Plano for years now, and there are certain places I just keep coming back to. Not because they're trendy or because they showed up on some "Best Of" list, but because they've quietly become part of my routine, my downtime, and honestly, my quality of life here.
If you're exploring West Plano, thinking about moving here, or you're already a neighbor looking for new spots to try, think of this as West Plano through my eyes. These are the places I actually go - the restaurants I eat at often, the trails I walk almost daily, the gyms I've tested (and paid embarrassing amounts for), and even the Starbucks patio where I write blog posts like this one.
No sponsorships. No fluff. Just the honest favorites that make living here feel a little better.
Restaurants I Actually Eat At
Pie Tap Pizza – A Go-To Lunch Spot
Address: 1900 Preston Road Suite 329, Plano, TX 75093
Link: https://pie-tap.com/locations/park-preston/
When my office was down the road, Pie Tap was my default lunch spot at least twice a week. Even though Compass moved a bit further north, I still find myself going back regularly; it’s just a great spot for client meetings, team lunches, or when I want something reliable and good.
My order is almost always the same: the lunch special with a half-pizza and a Caesar salad. I rotate between their Chicken Pizza and Pepperoni depending on my mood, but the Caesar is non-negotiable. The dough is what makes it special - house-made, slightly charred in a open oven, just the right chew. And if I'm not watching my carbs (which, let's be honest, happens), the Garlic Rosemary Bread Puffs (formally called Dough Knots) are absolutely worth it.
The vibe is elevated-casual in the best way. It's not stuffy, but it's polished enough that I feel comfortable bringing clients. The staff is great, the food is consistent, and honestly, I've probably eaten here more than anywhere else in West Plano.
Whistle Britches – Comfort Food Done Right
Address: 2405 Dallas Pkwy Suite 4, Plano, TX 75093
Link: https://plano.whistlebritcheschicken.com
Whistle Britches was one of the first restaurants to open in The District at Willow Bend, and it's still one of my favorites. I'm a simple guy when it comes to comfort food: I almost always get the chicken fingers with ranch. It comes with one of their homemade biscuits (which is legitimately amazing) and a choice of sides. I usually go with the mac and cheese or potato salad, depending on the day.
If I'm feeling more adventurous or want something on the sweet-and-salty side, their Chicken and Waffles are excellent. And here's something a lot of people don't realize: they make all their desserts in-house. Their pies are amazing - so make sure to save room for dessert!
The District itself is still finding its footing—there are some empty storefronts and it hasn't fully hit its stride yet—but I'm optimistic. Parking is easy, and Whistle Britches alone makes it worth the trip.
OMG Tacos – Just Over the Line in The Colony
Address: 5800 Windhaven Pkwy #200, The Colony, TX 75056
Link: omgtacos.com
Technically, this one's in The Colony - but it's literally a couple streets from the West Plano boundary, so I'm counting it. OMG Tacos is one of my favorite casual spots on spring and fall evenings when the weather's perfect. Great outdoor vibe, solid tacos, and that fast-casual energy that just works when you want something low-key and good. I come here often with Corky - I get to chow down on a steak burrito and then he gets to make new friends in the dog park.
It's a nice change of pace from the more upscale options around here, and the patio scene is always lively. If you're in the area and want something easy, this is it.
Where I Actually Shop for Groceries
Whole Foods Market – Legacy (My Main Stop)
Address: 2201 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75093
Link: wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/plano
I'm at Whole Foods multiple times a week. As a bachelor who doesn't plan meals to far in advance, I tend to pop in often for whatever I need that day - whether that’s a refill of fresh berries, yuppy dark chocolate, or butcher meats that I trust. Corky gets to have the organic chicken thighs (fed raw of course) which are perfectly sized for a gold retriever!
The vibe is elevated, the ready-to-eat options are solid, and it's easy to find clean ingredients when you're trying to stay on track health-wise. It's convenient, consistent, and honestly, it just fits how I shop. I don’t love that Amazon has recently reduced the store size to make room for extra fulfillment, but I’m also not going to switch to somewhere else.
H-E-B Plano – The New One (For Household Basics)
Address: 6001 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75093
Link: https://www.heb.com/heb-store/tx/plano/h-e-b-plano-790
I don't do my main grocery shopping at H-E-B, but I love having it nearby for stocking up on non-food essentials: toilet paper, Ziplocs, paper towels, household basics. And I’m enamored with the fact that I can get BBQ in a grocery store (West Plano has a dearth of BBQ options and H-E-B is pretty solid when you’re “fixin’” for some BBQ without driving across town).
People associate H-E-B with strong pricing and great everyday items, and they're right.
The new Plano location is clean, well-organized, and makes it easy to knock out those boring-but-necessary errands. It's a solid addition to the neighborhood.
Coffee (Yes, It's a Starbucks…But Hear Me Out)
Starbucks at Lakeside Market
Address: 4033 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75093
Link: https://www.starbucks.com/store-locator?map=33.0524,-96.7951,15z
Here's the thing: I like to rag on Starbucks. I prefer independent coffee shops in theory. But I also have the Starbucks app and a monthly Starbucks bill that I'm embarrassed to share.
West Plano doesn't have a ton of indie coffee options (that's more of an East Plano thing), and this new Starbucks is one of my favorites due to it’s outdoor patio and big windows that make it full of great light. The outdoor patio is spacious, quieter than you'd expect, and perfect for writing, journaling, or just sitting with an iced tea and a croissant.
Full disclosure: I love coffee shops but don't actually drink coffee. My usual order is an iced green tea with no water (extra caffeine!!) and either a baked apple croissant from their fall menu or a chocolate croissant. The vibe is low-key, the Wi-Fi is solid, and honestly, it's just a good place to think.
Not your typical Starbucks experience - and that's exactly why I keep going back to the Lakeside Market location.
Outdoor Favorite (And Honestly, One of the Best Spots in North Texas)
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Address: 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX 75093
Link: plano.gov/308/Arbor-Hills-Nature-Preserve
If there's one place that makes me love living in West Plano, it's Arbor Hills.
I'm there almost every day. Morning dog walks with Corky, afternoon solo walks when it's too hot for him, sunset strolls when the light hits just right. It's within walking distance from my home, and in the fall, it's especially beautiful: perfect Texas weather, changing colors, and just the right amount of quiet.
This isn't a manicured city park. It's actual nature—trails through trees, elevation changes, open prairie areas. Whether I need to clear my head, get some steps in, or just be outside for a bit, this is where I go.
It's one of my absolute favorite places in North Texas, period.
Fitness (Because I've Tried Them Both)
Life Time Fitness – Plano (The OG)
Address: 7100 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75024
Link: lifetime.life/locations/tx/plano.html
Life Time Plano opened in 2003 and is essentially the OG of premium fitness in North Texas. I've been a long-time member, and honestly, it's hard to beat what they offer: robust equipment, strong class offerings, an outdoor pool (both for swimming and lounging), sauna, steam room, and cold plunge.
It's family-friendly without feeling overrun, and it has that premium gym feel without being pretentious. If you want a full-service fitness experience with options beyond just lifting weights, this is it.
Equinox Plano (If You Want the Boutique Vibe)
Address: 6109 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
Link: https://www.equinox.com/clubs/texas/plano
I've also been a member at Equinox—and at one point, I was paying for both (which, in hindsight, was a little silly). Equinox is newer, more boutique, and has a very polished, grown-up vibe. Their rooftop deck classes are a highlight, and if you're someone who wants a beautiful space where you come in, crush a workout, and leave, Equinox nails that.
It's less family-centric than Life Time, which might be exactly what some people are looking for. Both are great—it just depends on your vibe and what you prioritize in a gym.
Final Thoughts
These aren't the "coolest" spots in Dallas. They're not going to show up on a flashy influencer roundup or a "hidden gems" listicle. But they're the places that have made my life in West Plano better, easier, and more enjoyable.
You may have noticed a theme here: a lot of Preston road addresses - for someone new to the Dallas area - you’ll need to know Preston Road, it’s a major artery for getting around.
If you're exploring the area—or if you're already here and looking for new spots to try—I hope this gives you a head start. And if you have your own favorites I should check out, I'm always open to recommendations.
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.
