Doing Dallas with "A-List" Star James!

By Dan Collins

October 17, 2011 / 6:50 PM

[caption id="attachment_30703" align="aligncenter" width="607" caption="James: Doing what he does best...Kickin' it!'"][/caption]

Waking up to a drink, lying out in the sun, and reaping the benefits of his trust-fund are a few of the ways that gay Dallas socialite, James Doyle IV, spends his valuable time. And as you can see on Logo’s new series “The A-List: Dallas,” when James isn’t being completely love-obsessed with fellow cast member Levi (as he was in last week’s premiere episode), this strapping, handsome party-boy is out on the own.

Like any good, well-connected social fella, James knows a thing or two about the Dallas scene—especially where to eat after a massive hangover. (Hello, drag-queen brunch!) And as any generous Southern gentleman would, he’s happy to share his Dallas expertise with you.

Check out James’ recommendations and secret spots in our exclusive interview below.

RESTAURANTS

What’s your favorite bar/restaurant to sit outside?

I love Mi Cocina in West Village. You can seriously sit and stare at college hotties for hours. It’s a mecca for SMU men, and the mambo taxi’s are stout. Have about 2-3 of them, and you can conquer the world.[caption id="attachment_30278" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Mi Cocina, Dallas"][/caption]

Where would you go for your “last meal”? And what would ya order?

I’m pretty sure I would go to Texas De Brazil, and eat until I couldn’t anymore, then wait, and eat more. It’s the best buffet in the world, but it’s also gonna cost you some serious time in the gym.

What’s the best restaurant that’s your own secret, that nobody else knows about?

I love this little Italian place in Plano. It’s on Parker, and it’s family owned. That’s all the info I’m giving you, but if you find it, I promise you’ll never stay away. It’s some of the best food I’ve ever had, not to mention, the waiters are HOT.

What’s the most authentic Dallas dish and where do you get it?

That’s a random question, I think the most authentic Dallas dish would be served at Iron Cactus. It’s on main street and has some of the best tex mex I’ve ever had. Everything on their menu makes me feel like I’m in Texas, and their margaritas are amazing. Can’t go wrong.

[caption id="attachment_30309" align="alignleft" width="205" caption="The DISH, Dallas"][/caption]

Your favorite fast-food/drunk-food/late-night feed?

Taco Bell unfortunately. I can do some damage.

Best place for a hangover brunch?

Dish, hands down. They have a drag brunch on Sundays sometimes. You should never miss it, it’s a wild time. Southern style. Krystal Summers, Erica Andrews, and Jenna Sky always tear it up and they make a hangover feel like heaven.

Where should you eat to spot celebs?

Anywhere the "A-List: Dallas" is eating. Just kidding, I would guess the restaurant at the Joule Hotel, it hosts many celebs throughout the year.

BARS

Which bar has the cutest/hottest guys?

I think JR’s, Roundup, and Woody’s have the hottest men. But then again, I’m into the rough masculine men.

Which is your favorite dive bar (it doesn’t have to be gay, but it’s OK if it is…)? As in, the craziest, messiest place where anything can happen?

BJ’s on Tuesday nights. It’s an amazing time, raunchy, drunken, and I’m sure you won’t remember the next morning so it makes it ok.

[caption id="attachment_30446" align="alignright" width="250" caption="W Hotel, Dallas"][/caption]

The best place for a really expensive cocktail in a majorly posh setting?

I love the living room lounge at the W Hotel. It’s a great setting, with a great patio. It’s a must during concerts and games at the AA center.

Best place to dance in Dallas?

Station 4. Just think Babylon but with a lot less sex. It’s a great place to party, dance, and live the night away.

Most authentic cowboy joint/honky-tonk, gay or otherwise?

Roundup. It speaks for itself, go there once, and you’ll be hooked on us southern boys for life.

SHOPPING

Hands down, which store do you love the most – and why?

To be honest, I love Pac Sun, Outlines on Oaklawn, and Nordstrom. They always have something I can pick up for a party, a night out, or a casual Sunday brunch.

What’s your favorite little secret store?

Buffalo Exchange always has some amazing stuff at ridiculously low prices. I usually pick up my True Religions here for under a hundred bucks, can’t beat that.

Best neighborhood for shopping?

I like the suburbs to be honest, Plano/Frisco has some amazing shopping centers and malls with any store you can imagine. It’s a great place to just get away from Dallas for a day.

SIGHTS, etc.

Describe the best date/artsy night out? Opera? Museum? Music? Or what…?

I think Deep Ellum is a really cool artsy place to visit. It holds so much history, and always has something to offer. Whether it be a live band, or a art gallery, Deep Ellum never disappoints.

[caption id="attachment_30449" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="The Joule Hotel, Dallas"][/caption]

What’s your favorite touristy sight in Dallas?

I love the 9/11 memorial over by DFW. It’s a great place for me to go and relax and just reflect on my life. It’s also a place that seems to be full or peace and love, I definitely recommend going there at night and just having quiet time with yourself. I also think the JFK sight [The Sixth Floor Museum] is very neat. It’s a tragic but beautiful place in downtown that haunts you, but at the same time, shows you history in the realest form.

What’s your favorite quiet place in Dallas?

I love to go relax and unwind at the W hotel pool, or the Joule Pool. It’s never really busy and it’s a great place to just find yourself in a great book, or find yourself face book stalking for hours.

Best place to show skin in Dallas?

The Eagle Bar. Seriously, walk in there shirtless and you won’t pay for a drink.

Best place to beat the summer heat or stay cool when it’s hot in Dallas?

The Illume pool is always a favorite for locals to show off [as soon on "A-List:Dallas" episode 2!], see the show, or relax in the cool water. I also love to sneak over to my friend Tim & Dan’s pool, also a Dallas hotspot during the summer. They have a gorgeous backyard complete with a pond and paddle boat, not to mention they throw some of the hottest pool parties in Dallas.

Who’s your favorite person in all of Dallas? (Who epitomizes Dallas to you?)

I can’t say I have a “favorite person” in Dallas. But if I had to choose someone that makes me think of Dallas, it would definitely be my best friend Krystal Summers. She came here years ago to make a life for herself and now she pretty much runs this town. She is the reason S4 is so successful in my opinion, and the reason that Dallas still shines for me. She has shown me that you can make it through anything this city tries to throw at you.

[caption id="attachment_30452" align="alignright" width="234" caption="The Grapevine, Dallas"][/caption]

AND… Who’s your favorite person (or personality) in all of gay Dallas?

I love the drag queen that stands in front of Tapelenders and plays the guitar on the weekends. Ever since I moved to Dallas she has always been singing and strumming away on the guitar for tips. I know that’s the most random answer ever, but she is a huge part of my Dallas experience, if only just passing by.

FINALLY...

What’s your favorite Dallas guilty pleasure?

Our beautiful Southern men, and of course, Grapevine Bar’s bellinis.

Where, when, how, what?

Sundays at Grapevine, It’s the ultimate end to a Sunday Funday.

Here's some links to James' favorite places:

Mi Cocina

West Village, McKinney Avenue

Dallas, Texas

Telephone- 469.533.5663

Texas De Brazil

2727 Cedar Springs Road