For all of you hungry people out there who don’t feel like paying for a whole meal, listen up. Places all over Dallas are serving up samples purely for your enjoyment. Whether you know about these places or not, they’re out there, it’s just a matter of finding them. So, get ready to add these places to your list. You won’t be sorry.
Photo by stlucianewyork.com
1. Paciugo Gelato & Caffè
Whether you are a cultured gelato connoisseur or you flat out love anything sweet, Pacuigo fulfills all of your sampling needs. You know those stores where you feel judged when you hang around the samples too much? Well, forget it here. With unlimited Pacuigo samples, you can try every flavor in the case… Free of guilt and full of gelato.
2. Eatzi’s
Feeling hungry for some Romano’s red sauce? Would you like some cheese with that? Top that off with some cookies? Or maybe a layer cake? Yup. All of the bases are covered. Somewhat hypnotized by the Italian opera music, you might find yourself walking around the store in circles eating samples until you realize you’re not hungry anymore. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll be posted up at the cookie station… The entire time.
3. Dude, Sweet Chocolate
Photo by Manny Rodriguez
Lets be honest, who’s sweeter than a chocolatier? At Dude, Sweet Chocolate, the employees know exactly what you’re there for: chocolate samples. Head to the back of the store because chocolate after chocolate you receive, you fall deeper and deeper in love. Be cautious, after you leave, you’ll be tempted to go back every single day.
4. Central Market
Photo by Central Market
Let’s just call this sample heaven. Inevitably, you’re gonna get lost. You’ve just got to face it. But it’s good. It gives you a chance to explore. If you hang around the food cases, you can sample any of their daily entrees and sides. But the real star of the show is the bakery. Right when you thought it couldn’t get better, it does. You can sample every single type of bread. So do it, stand there and treat yourself, you obviously deserve it.
5. Whole Foods
Yeah, okay, you’re healthy, but you’re also hungry and looking for some snacks on the go. A walk around Whole Foods will fulfill all of your cravings and fill you up with yummy food that’s also good for you. Down one aisle you have Beanitos with salsa and down the next you have chia pudding with raspberries. You’ve got all bases covered.
6. Yummilicious/iHeart Yogurt
Photo by Molly Sandlin
Who hasn’t mooched off of self-serve yogurt samples? It’s too hard to resist. There’s nothing stopping you from trying all of the flavors first before committing to a bowl. If you want a guilt free sampling experience, head over to iHeart Yogurt, where sample cups are out in the open, just asking to be used. Then we’ve got Yummilicious over here, where you have to ask for sample cups. Don’t let that stop you though, you can still manage to try all of their flavors with one cup. Trust me, I’ve learned from experience.
7. Dallas Farmers Market
Photo by John Tornow
Open on weekends, the Dallas Farmers Market has some of the freshest samples out there. Each stand hands out free fruit, vegetables, honey, tamales, you name it. If you’re looking for something new and fun to do on the weekends, head downtown and see everything the Farmers Market has to offer. You won’t regret it.
8. Trader Joe’s
Photo by Jane Ko
Just when you thought Trader Joe’s couldn’t get any more home-y, you discover their sample “kitchen”. They serve up the greatest, hot bits of food that you could stand and eat for hours. No wonder they have an employee posted up behind the kitchen at all times, there samples would all be gone in no time.
9. Sprinkles Ice Cream
Yes, if you haven’t heard, Sprinkles Ice Cream samples are a thing. But don’t get too carried away. There’s a limit. Sadly, you can only try 2 of their delicious, sweet flavors. So, choose wisely my friends. The decision is up to you. But, honestly, is it even possible for you to make a bad choice?
10. The Occasional Starbucks
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There’s always that one day where you walk into Starbucks and see those little sample cups, and you can’t help but smile. Just that small sip of frappuccino, or that tiny bite of pumpkin scone will make your tastebuds sing. Take advantage of the little moments, y’all.
Happy sampling, friends.
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