Though once a working Stockyard (last stop before heading north up the Chisholm Trail) back in the day of actual cattle drives, today it is more for visitors to come and enjoy a walk through the past - original architecture, weekend rodeos, the Herd (as you've mentioned) and a few really high-end, high dollar purveyors of custom western wear - also some of lesser dollar for the more "usual" visitor.

As to food - the already mentioned Love Shack and Lonesome Dove; and for chicken fried steak (and other options), Star Cafe across Main Street.

The day I bought the chicken at Homestead Farms, they were very busy in the store and I picked up a frozen package of chicken as an afterthought. I was under the impression it was chicken raised on their farm, but maybe it was Frans.

It actually had color rather than being anemically pale, pieces were small and very tender by comparison to grocery store chicken. Best of all - it had flavor, reminding me of flavors from grandmother's Sunday chicken dinners. But to compare to WM chicken, I've never bought chicken there.

In the same area as Wittens is a Logans, 5-guys, Red Robin. Across 183 at Precinct Line and Hwy 26 is a Rosa's. SW of Precincnt on Hwy 26 is Red, Hot & Blue, Mooyah, and Chapps.

The nearest (definitely nicest) Burger Box is probably Bedford at SWC Hwy 157/Industrial @ Harwood. They recently remodeled into a cool and bright, retro 50's drive-in themed interior with a couple of large wall TV's. Love their crinkle fries, and as always, they have a good selection of BlueBell ice cream for shakes/sundaes. Here's a couple of coupons ..... http://www.burgerbox157.com/promos

183 is currently demolished between 157 and 820. If you get in a back up, exit to the north and pick up Harwood as an alternate E/W route.

If it's "cakey", it's probably a Deep South style cobbler, also known as a 1-1-1-1 cobbler. My grandmother made this as far back as I can remember.

1 cup (self-rising) flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk, 1 stick melted butter. 1 can fruit pie filling or similar amt fresh fruit with sugar.

Mix all ingredients (except fruit) together lightly. OK if a few lumps. Do not overmix. Pour mixture into an 8x8 or 9x9 or similar volume glass casserole. Empty fruit into center of mixture. Do NOT stir. As it bakes, the batter will rise up and over the fruit and fruit will spread some.

Bake on 350/375 for 40 min-1 hour plus - all depends on size of the baking dish. Bake until bubbly and golden on top. Serve topped with cream or ice cream.

These recipes are passed along generation to generation, so there is no a hard-core recipe.

If you want something a bit more tangible..... http://www.deepsouthdish.com/2011/07/...

Yes, there is an Uncle Julio in Grapevine - Wm D Tate @ Hwy114.

Tamales: while in G'vine, Tommy Tamale is your best bet, but they are for take "home'' and heat. I'm going to tell you he purchases them from multiple local sources, freezes them, then sells to the public. You're going to read "freezes" and say "bleh....". Not so! Google Tommy Tamale and read others' reviews. His tamales are undeniably good. Hopefully you will have access to a micro while here, but if not, he usually keeps the more popular ones "ready to eat" in a crock pot - so if you want to buy some of those and "tailgate" it, that would be an option - call ahead to place your order.

He also has various salsas, tamale toppings, jellies and chips available, but the tamales will stand on their own, plain. Steve and Jan are both great people - Steve LIKES to talk! :) http://tommytamale.com/

It sounds like you liked Uncle Julio's - there's one in Grapevine as well as other notable restaurants. Also check out a couple of well-liked taquerias (El TacoH and Burritos Locos) and Tolbert's for dinner and live music most nights. https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/Def...
http://www.tolbertsrestaurant.com/

Bishop Arts is about a 15 min. drive east and south. There are a number of well-liked and reviewed, independent restaurants in the area. While driving there from I-30, you'll likely pass Smoke - great daily breakfast and Sunday brunch as well as lunch and dinner. http://bishopartsdistrict.weebly.com/
http://smokerestaurant.com/

Fried Chicken! Babe's Chicken Dinner House (local chain) in Arlington. http://www.babeschicken.com/our-kitch...

They have a very small (about 3 tables) eatery. The boiled shrimp in the case are quite alluring, but if you're tempted to order a plate of fried shrimp, you'll be sorely disappointed when you are served frozen popcorn shrimp. :( That said, the fried oysters were small (a couple of months ago), but tasty and barely cooked, as they should be.

If you cook red beans and rice, be sure to pick up a bag of their Camellia brand beans. You'll be surprised at the creaminess of the finished bean and liquor as compared to the local grocery store brand.