Hidden Gems of Frisco

Frisco is a fun place for all. From family-friendly activities to professional sports to restaurants that showcase the best flavors of Texas and beyond, the draws of Frisco are endless. While some of the star attractions are obvious — for example, the Dallas Cowboys World headquarters at The Star in Frisco — some of the best experiences take just a little more digging to discover. That’s why we have this list of hidden gems around Frisco, so you can find even more authentic Texas experiences you won’t see anywhere else.

Bottled In Bond

Bottled In Bond opened in Frisco in 2017. Its name is a nod to the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 (in short, a set of regulations to ensure the authenticity of American-made distilled beverages). While the inspiration for this restaurant serving craft cocktails and American whiskey dates back over 125 years, it’s anything but boring and old-fashioned! In the summer of 2021, Bottled in Bond added a cocktail lounge called “The Parlour”.

For the ultimate Parlour experience, stop by for a nightcap on Friday and Saturday. It’s open until 2am with a menu of delectable bar bites available exclusively from 10pm-1:30am. Try a whiskey and bacon pairing, with a rotating flight of whiskies to go with candied bacon. Or indulge in chicken n’ waffles, corny dogs, and other snacks to satisfy late-night cravings. This expansion is a 21+ environment, open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Rare Books Bar

Shhhhh. You need to know a secret word or two to make the most of your visit to Rare Books Bar. When you enter, find an old phone. Pick it up, and you’ll hear the voice of the librarian on the other end. Say the name of a certain book, and you’ll soon realize this is actually a speakeasy. Once you discover the password on Facebook or Instagram (it changes weekly), find yourself in the 1920s with a menu of classic libations, including whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila, and coffee cocktails. It also has rare and fine bourbons, Irish whiskey, and Scotch lists long enough to fill a novel or two. There’s also a full menu of comforting classics and a dessert menu featuring cake by the slice, made in-house daily. Now all that’s missing from this hidden gem is you and the stories you’ll share over delicate drinks and fantastic food.

Limestone Quarry

Look no further than Frisco for great outdoor activities, no matter the season. We have a complete list of the Best Unknown Parks in Frisco, with a handful of hidden gems and lots of room to explore the way you like. 

One of the best-kept secrets in Frisco is the Limestone Quarry Park. It’s got all you want from a park: swings, slides, trees, and covered pavilions! The real secret is to go past the play area and down an unmarked path that leads to a Frisco oasis. This Instagram-worthy destination includes a small creek, waterfall, and swimming hole. Make sure you have proper footwear since limestone can be tough on your feet!

Museum Pass

While it’s no surprise that a place like Frisco has many interactive and interesting museums, we must pass along this helpful tip: Get a museum pass! Not only does a pass provide access to every museum in Frisco, you also save money and don’t have to wait in lines to purchase tickets at each museum. For $25, you save 25% and can visit the National Videogame Museum, Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Frisco Discovery Center, Frisco Heritage Museum, and The Museum of the American Railroad/TrainTopia. And there’s no need to rush your visit, your museum pass is valid for one visit to each location over an entire year. 

Trying to narrow down which museum? We recommend stopping by the National Videogame Museum, featuring 100,000 pieces of videogame memorabilia that will stoke nostalgia for some, and spark curiosity for younger guests. 

Heirloom Haul

After a morning of exploring the shops at The Star in Frisco, stop by Heirloom Haul for a classic afternoon tea experience. This local business is nestled inside Flea Style, a retail emporium full of hidden gems including handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items from more than 80 local makers and collectors. Once you find a new treasure, settle down in the cozy dining room that features a retro camper van. This modern take on a classic tea room presents a menu with fresh salad, made-from-scratch sandwiches, and house soups. We recommend trying tea service featuring hot tea, iced tea, finger sandwiches, deviled eggs, and dessert — all served on a classic afternoon tea stand. There’s also a kids’ tea service menu available. 

Topgolf Swing Suite

Hot day? Cool day? Windy? None of these factors stop golf at the Topgolf Swing Suite. This hidden gem inside the Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa is more than just a golf simulator. It’s a place for everyone, from avid golfers to those new to the sport, to practice their game or just hang out. Food and drink are available from Beans & Barrel, the hotel’s restaurant featuring a locally-inspired menu. And if you don’t like golf, there are plenty of virtual games, including baseball and hockey simulators. Ideal for parties for all ages, Topgolf has right and left-handed clubs for men, women, and children. 

Frisco Mercantile

You just never know what you’ll find when you visit Frisco Mercantile. With more than 100 merchant shops and boutiques, there’s something new to discover with each visit. Antiques, furniture, jewelry, memorabilia, home decor — the list goes on and on. It has the feel of a flea market, the charm of a farmers’ market, and is open seven days a week. For an authentic Frisco shopping experience, add Frisco Mercantile to your itinerary. 

eight | 11 place

Found inside on of Frisco’s historic houses, eight | 11 place is a must-try restaurant in Frisco. This neighborhood restaurant is owned by Josh and Marianne Nassef. Their eight | 11 Place journey began after Josh retired from the Air Force and went to culinary school. As the big red “Beer and Wine” sign out front suggests, eight | 11 place is a great spot to sit down in the evening for a cold beer, glass of wine, or craft cocktail before ordering an artisan-style pizza, panini, or shareable snack. It’s also open at lunchtime, Tuesday through Friday, with panini and pizza lunch specials daily.

National Soccer Hall of Fame

Soccer season lasts all year in Frisco, even when FC Dallas is in the offseason. The National Soccer Hall of Fame is located at the south end of Toyota Stadium and is open every Wednesday through Sunday. Our hot tip: stop by on a Wednesday and enjoy a discounted admission price of $5. Learn more about the American soccer players inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame and check out immersive and interactive exhibits. After you share a little information about yourself, experience exhibits that are custom built just for you. Build your own national team, make a scarf, design an MLS kit, and more. It’s the perfect way to build excitement ahead of the 2026 World Cup coming to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex!

Ready to Explore Frisco?

Now that we’ve given you the inside scoop on some of our favorite hidden gems around Frisco, it’s time for you to plan your visit! Sign up for our newsletter and get ready to discover the best Frisco has to offer.