Apr 15th 2026
There’s something incredibly meaningful about being recognized not by a panel of critics, but by the very community you serve every day. That’s exactly what makes the Dallas Morning News Best in DFW awards so special — and why we’re beyond proud to share some exciting news with our guests.
Cotton Patch Cafe Won Gold in 2026 — Three Times Over
Earlier this year, the Dallas Morning News named us a 2026 Best in DFW Gold recipient in not just one, but three categories:
- Best Chain Restaurant
- Best Comfort Food
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Three Gold wins. One incredible community. Cotton Patch Cafe couldn’t have done it without each and every guest who took the time to vote for us.
These awards aren’t decided by food editors or industry insiders — they’re decided by you. Our neighbors, families, and regulars. The parents who’ve made us a Friday night tradition. The friends who meet here after long weeks. The kids who’ve grown up ordering their favorite meals at our tables. This recognition belongs to all of you just as much as it does to us.
Winning in the comfort food category especially hits close to home. Comfort food isn’t just a menu style — it’s a promise. It’s the assurance that when you walk through our doors, you’re going to leave full, satisfied, and maybe even a little happier than when you came in. Knowing that DFW residents feel that way about their experience with us means everything.
And being recognized as one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in the area? That one makes us smile. At Cotton Patch Cafe, we believe dining out should be enjoyable for the whole family — not just the grown-ups. From the moment a family walks in, we want every member to feel welcome, comfortable, and excited about what’s on their plate.
Now It’s Time to Vote Again for 2027
Here’s where we need your help. The Dallas Morning News is currently accepting nominations for the 2027 Best in DFW awards, and we’ve been nominated in five categories this year:
-Chain Restaurant
-Comfort Food
-Kid-Friendly Restaurant
-Best Burger
-Best Desserts
Two new categories — burgers and desserts — have been added to the mix, and we couldn’t be more excited (or hungry) about it.
Nominations are open now through April 30, and public voting begins June 1. Whether you’re a longtime regular or discovered us recently, now is your chance to show some love and help bring home Gold for a second year in a row.
Nominating takes just a few minutes, and it makes a world of difference to our team. Every nomination is a vote of confidence from the community — and there’s no greater motivation for us to keep doing what we do.
Thank You, DFW
To everyone who voted for us last year: thank you. Genuinely. Awards like these remind us why we show up every single day — to serve great food in a welcoming space where families and friends can gather and make memories.
Cotton Patch Cafe isn’t done yet. Help us defend our Gold and add a few more wins to the trophy case. Nominate us before April 30 at the Dallas Morning News Best in DFW page, and then come back and cast your vote when public voting opens on June 1.
See you at the table. 🏆