Where to Take Your Dallas Parent for Mother’s Day Based on What Kind of Mom They Are

Since there are all types of moms in Dallas, we’ve got a superlative-driven guide to find just the right spot to take mom this year, because we all know that if mom isn’t cooking, no one else is.

For the mom who’s not just a mom, she’s a cool mom

Inspired by Amy Pohler’s “cool mom” in Mean Girls, this mom just wants to feel young and alive — and is super interested in what her much younger children are into. Give her a taste of your brunch or dinner favorites, take her to the party restaurants, or get her a reservation at one of the hippest and most happening restaurants in town.

Now, 30-somethings, with a whole other generation of cool moms, should consider a spot like Nikki Greek Bistro & Lounge. For the mom who isn’t getting out to have Mediterranean food all that often but will do it for the plot, this scene-y spot with great food is a solid choice. It is nice enough to feel hip in an elegant way, but not so nice that it calls for fancy clothes or high heels. The cocktails are crafty, the menu has a lot of seafood and menu items that will appeal to the “trying to eat clean” mom, and the service will make her feel pampered.

For the mom who wants to bring all her kids

No matter their age, a lot of moms just want to spend quality time with the family. For dads organizing a brunch for the moms of kids under 12, go for a hotel. They’re generally family-friendly and fancy at the same time, while the staff are more than prepared to clean up any messes, and they often offer a discounted buffet meal for kids. Check out the brunch options at the Hotel Swexan (a buffet priced at $125 per plate and $50 for kids 12 and under), Downtown’s hip mid-century hotel the Statler (also a buffet that costs $75 per plate and $30 for kids between six and 12 — make reservations here), or the Crescent Court in Uptown (another brunch with a price point of $155 per person or $65 for children ages six to 12 — reservations are here). The latter also has one of the best spas in town, so think about booking something for her after the meal when you take the kids home. For a not even remotely fancy option, try Birdie’s Eastside, which has loads of patio room for kids to roam around on (and is offering reservations here) and a menu that is picky-eater friendly.

For moms with grown-up kids who want to make it a family affair, the trick is making a reservation at a place that has some large tables for groups. If mom loves seafood, Greenpoint Seafood and Oyster Bar has some luxuriously big booths. There is also Sadelle’s, which has plenty of brunch options and a big dining room.

For the mom who doesn’t want to make any decisions

One of the best moves to make at a restaurant is to find a tasting menu and let the chef do all the work of deciding what you’re going to eat. And yes, you should consider this your reminder that moms like being taken to dinner, too. For a splurge, go to Georgie, which has the best tasting menu in town (only served in the evenings, and the cost is $185 per person). Or do your best to land a reservation at Tatsu, an omakase that is also the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant (also only available in the evenings, and r eservations are released on the first and 15th of the month for this $195 per person experience).

Other incredible options include the El Carlos Experience at El Carlos Elegante ($99 per person) and Quarter Acre’s excellent new tasting menu ($125 per person).

For the mom who just doesn’t want to do the dishes

Some moms are easy to please, and don’t want you to blow up your bank account for Mother’s Day. McRae’s Bistro in Casa Linda is hosting a prix fixe brunch with a lot of options (see everything that’s on the menu and what the prices are). Sixty Vines offers its usual menu and loads of wine on top, but recommends making reservations because seats are going fast already. And the Instagram-friendly ramen chain Kyuramen up in Frisco will be serving up delicious bowls of broth and noodles for the holiday — getting a seat in one of those beehive booths will be a memorable moment to share.