Tex-Mex in Dallas

7700 W. Northwest Highway Park Cities

214-378-8686

American, Breakfast, Brunch, Mexican, Southwestern, Tex-Mex, Sponsor, Menu

The meal to have at this area favorite is the Mexican breakfast buffet. Families in their post-church Sunday best line up for the omelet bar, and Tex-Mex offerings such as the chicken and mushroom enchiladas with chipotle cream sauce and waffles. The rest of the menu, with as many ingredients locally sourced as possible, is marked by higher-end Mexican and Tex-Mex specialties such as slow-roasted natural chicken with caramelized honey-ancho glaze and the blue-corn-crusted mahi mahi with roasted poblano aioli. Of course, tacos make an appearance, but we're talking beef tenderloin tacos here. The décor follows suit with clean and colorful appointments. Reservations are most definitely recommended.

3 articles

Lone Star Cafe and Club

11277 E. NW Highway, Ste. 124 Northeast Dallas

214-341-3538

American, Tex-Mex, Music Venues, Sponsor, Menu

Abuelo's

1041 W. Interstate 20 Arlington

817-468-2622

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended

Since 1989, Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy has been shuttling back and forth with Mexican and Tex-Mex diplomacy. Both cuisines are available on the menu -- and in generous portions. However, it's the Mexican food that is favored by the kitchen. The house specialties include Stuffed Chicken Medallions (fried chicken breast stuffed with chorizo, Poblano chilies and cheese) and Pescado Guerrero (wood-grilled, mahi-mahi with shrimp, scallops, mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers and sliced avocado in a white-wine sauce). The combo platters, named after cities like Nogales and Laredo, are where the Tex-Mex shines with all its border-crossing festiveness. The Juarez comes with a crispy beef taco, a tamale, sour cream chicken enchilada and a cheese enchilada. Enjoy any of the aforementioned dishes with a signature drink, like the sangria-margarita hybrid.

Avila's Mexican Restaurant

4714 Maple Ave. Uptown/Oak Lawn

214-520-2700

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended, Best Of

The Avila family continues to serve classic Tex-Mex dishes to legions of rabid fans. They've been doing so since 1985 with tweaked family recipes of enchiladas, muchas enchiladas and chile relleno, which is a house specialty. Among the other signature dishes are the Anna Maria Plate (one soft cheese taco, one cheese enchilada and one beef taco), the chimichanga and a short list of combos, like the aforementioned Anna Maria.

19 articles

Blue Goose Cantina

14920 Midway Rd. Addison

972-726-8771

Tex-Mex, Restaurants, Recommended, Menu

Fajitas, tamales, enchiladas – the trifecta of Tex-Mex cookery – are the specialties at Blue Goose, matched only by the much-lauded (and guzzled) margaritas. From the original Greenville Avenue location to the locations scattered around the Dallas area, the Tex-Mex restaurant's slogan holds true everywhere. It's "Where Every Day is a Fiesta," with its all-the-colors-of-the-rainbow paint scheme and neon lighting. The signature Goose Eggs app is a plate of jalapeños stuffed with chicken and cheese with the house Durango sauce on the side. Along with the aforementioned Tex-Mex standards are signature items like the Chimichanga a la Blue Goose, Pollo a la Chipotle and twin chiles rellenos. A table with all that food on it is definitely for a party.

3 articles

Blue Goose Cantina

2905 Greenville Ave. East Dallas & Lakewood

214-823-8339

Tex-Mex, Recommended, Menu

Fajitas, tamales, enchiladas – the trifecta of Tex-Mex cookery – are the specialties at Blue Goose, matched only by the much-lauded (and guzzled) margaritas. From the original Greenville Avenue location to the locations scattered around the Dallas area, the Tex-Mex restaurant's slogan holds true everywhere. It's "Where Every Day is a Fiesta," with its all-the-colors-of-the-rainbow paint scheme and neon lighting. The signature Goose Eggs app is a plate of jalapeños stuffed with chicken and cheese with the house Durango sauce on the side. Along with the aforementioned Tex-Mex standards are signature items like the Chimichanga a la Blue Goose, Pollo a la Chipotle and twin chiles rellenos. A table with all that food on it is definitely for a party.

15 articles

Blue Goose Cantina

4757 W. Park Blvd. Plano

972-596-8882

Tex-Mex, Recommended

Fajitas, tamales, enchiladas – the trifecta of Tex-Mex cookery – are the specialties at Blue Goose, matched only by the much-lauded (and guzzled) margaritas. From the original Greenville Avenue location to the locations scattered around the Dallas area, the Tex-Mex restaurant's slogan holds true everywhere. It's "Where Every Day is a Fiesta," with its all-the-colors-of-the-rainbow paint scheme and neon lighting. The signature Goose Eggs app is a plate of jalapeños stuffed with chicken and cheese with the house Durango sauce on the side. Along with the aforementioned Tex-Mex standards are signature items like the Chimichanga a la Blue Goose, Pollo a la Chipotle and twin chiles rellenos. A table with all that food on it is definitely for a party.

4 articles

Blue Mesa Grill

14866 Montfort Dr. Addison

972-934-0165

Brunch, Mexican, Southwestern, Tex-Mex, Recommended

The meal to have at this area favorite is the Mexican breakfast buffet. Families in their post-church Sunday best line up for the omelet bar, and Tex-Mex offerings like the chicken and mushroom enchiladas with chipotle cream sauce and waffles. The rest of the menu, with as many ingredients locally sourced as possible, is marked by higher-end Mexican and Tex-Mex specialties like slow-roasted natural chicken with caramelized honey-ancho glaze and the blue-corn-crusted mahi mahi with roasted poblano aioli. Of course, tacos make an appearance, but we're talking beef tenderloin tacos here. The décor follows suit with clean and colorful appointments. Reservations are most definitely recommended.

6 articles

Blue Mesa Grill

1600 S. University Dr., #609 Fort Worth

817-332-6372

Brunch, Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended, Menu

The meal to have at this area favorite is the Mexican breakfast buffet. Families in their post-church Sunday best line up for the omelet bar, and Tex-Mex offerings such as the chicken and mushroom enchiladas with chipotle cream sauce and waffles. The rest of the menu, with as many ingredients locally sourced as possible, is marked by higher-end Mexican and Tex-Mex specialties such as slow-roasted natural chicken with caramelized honey-ancho glaze and the blue-corn-crusted mahi mahi with roasted poblano aioli. Of course, tacos make an appearance, but we're talking beef tenderloin tacos here. The décor follows suit with clean and colorful appointments. Reservations are most definitely recommended.

4 articles

Blue Mesa Grill

8200 Dallas Parkway Plano

214-387-4407

Mexican, Southwestern, Tex-Mex, Recommended, Best Of

The meal to have at this area favorite is the Mexican breakfast buffet. Families in their post-church Sunday best line up for the omelet bar, and Tex-Mex offerings such as the chicken and mushroom enchiladas with chipotle cream sauce and waffles. The rest of the menu, with as many ingredients locally sourced as possible, is marked by higher-end Mexican and Tex-Mex specialties such as slow-roasted natural chicken with caramelized honey-ancho glaze and the blue-corn-crusted mahi mahi with roasted poblano aioli. Of course, tacos make an appearance, but we're talking beef tenderloin tacos here. The décor follows suit with clean and colorful appointments. Reservations are most definitely recommended.

6 articles

Burnt BBQ & Tacos

2929 Custer Rd. Plano

469-786-0078

Barbecue, Tex-Mex

This concept is owned by the same group that manages Dock Local. They started this spot during the pandemic as a barbecue to-go spot. When they consistently sold out, they decided to go full bore and open a restaurant. Their ground coffee rubbed smoked brisket has a deep flavor and goes beautifully on their tacos or as a standard barbecue meal. Check out their barbecue platter that comes with a quarter pound of four meats along with two sides. The mac and cheese is fresh and creamy. For a unique dish, try their Navajo Fry Bread, a light dough fried crisp topped with pinto beans and a pile of meat cheddar-jack cheese, lettuce, fire-roasted pico, cilantro, avocado lime crema and lime.

2 articles

Cafe Herrera

665 S. Lamar St. #140 Downtown/Deep Ellum

Tex-Mex

1 article

Cantina Laredo

4546 Belt Line Rd. Addison

972-458-0962

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended, Best Of

All of the plaques on the wall bespeak busier, better days: citations in the Observer's annual Best of Dallas issue for best chips and salsa, inclusion in D magazine's list of top restaurants. Problem is, most of the laurels date from the early and mid-1990s. Why is that? Competition, we figure, from splashier Mexican joints that don't stack up nearly as well in the kitchen. Cantino Laredo remains one of our all-time favorites, not only for the outstanding chips and salsa, but for the shredded beef enchiladas, uniformly tasty chicken dishes (especially Pollo Laredo, a grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed artichoke hearts, peppers, mushrooms and onion in a chipotle-wine sauce) and the best local version of carnitas (slow-cooked pork roast) we've tried. Now back to that salsa. The tomatillo version, served warm, is full of smoky flavor imparted by the mix of tomatillos and chipotle peppers. Cantina Laredo also serves up a second salsa: a cool, tomato-based brew that's just as good, though not as distinctive. Taken together and accompanied by thin, non-greasy chips, they still rate as the city's best chips and salsa.

1 article

Cantina Laredo

6025 Royal Lane, Ste. 250 North Dallas

214-692-2990

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Every bit as good as the original Addison location, possibly better, and in much more stylish surroundings. As always, we enjoyed the flawless tomatillo and tomato salsas, outstanding shredded beef enchiladas and succulent carnitas, served with a deliciously rich wine chipotle sauce. But Cantina Laredo also demonstrated a deft touch with fresh fish, and dessert features one of the better flans you'll find in Dallas, this one tinged with orange peel. Friendly, professional service completes the picture of one of Dallas' finest Mexican restaurants.

2 articles

$Image: Carmona's Tex-Mex Cantina$

Carmona's Tex-Mex Cantina

311 Tanger Dr., Terrell East Texas

972-563-9511

Tex-Mex, Restaurants, Best Of, Menu

If for some reason you find yourself wandering through the wilds of Terrell (shopping at the outlet mall, perhaps?) be sure to stop in to Carmona’s Tex Mex and get your picture taken with the handsome sombrero-clad statue holding down one of the entrances. As long as you’re there, you may as well refuel with some chips and salsa and a frozen margarita, or perhaps a greasy combo platter clad in the requisite shades of brown and orange -- think enchiladas with chili con carne, refried beans and Spanish rice. Tortillas are always hot off the press, soft and fluffy. You’ll probably want to eat at least five, because carb-loading prior to a marathon outlet mall trip is practically a necessity.

1 article

Carolina's Mexican Cuisine

3950 Rosemeade Parkway Carrollton/Farmers Branch

469-568-0988

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended

Owner Carolina Galvin (formerly Rodriguez) learned the trade as part of the M Crowd, Mi Cocina's parent company. This far north restaurant has a familiar vibe, not surprisingly-although Tex-Mex presentation is generally superior to the popular local chain. Some 30 beers on tap, friendly service and a fantastic patio area attempt to compensate for what is a difficult location for success.

1 article

Casa Del Bro

5444 FM 423 Frisco

469-200-5570

Ice Cream, Tex-Mex, Best Of

Rafael and Kristen Alvarez opened Casa Del Bro in Frisco in early 2020 as an extension of three things they really love: healthy food, good ice cream and family (they have five kids). And as far as we can taste, it's all come together perfectly.

The service model here is reminiscent of Chipotle, with build-your-own versions of nachos, burritos and tacos. But it’s the end of the meal that sets this place apart from the rest, along with the finger-skating park. (Yes, there’s a full-blown finger-skating park inside the restaurant.)

Fresh, home-made ice cream is just as good, if not better, than the savory fare here. Make sure to save room for dessert, or even better, just have dessert.

1 article

Casa Navarro

11742 Marsh Lane Northwest Dallas

214-357-0141

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Best Of, Menu

A homey neighborhood joint with a huge Tex-Mex and Taxco-Mex menu that's found quite a following with good reason. Along with the usual chips and salsa, starters also come with a steaming cup of delicious, beer-spiked bean soup. The Mex-Mex items are the most interesting: A huge portion of lean pork guisado was rendered extra-spicy with lots of red pepper flakes, and the snapper veracruzano was rich with mushrooms, cilantro and diced garlic, though the fish was slightly overcooked. Wash away the fire with a fruity imported Mexican soda. Casa Navarro's sopapillas have to be the biggest, most billowy specimens in Dallas. Don't miss them.

3 articles

Casa Rosa

5622 Lemmon Ave. East Dallas & Lakewood

214-484-2997

Tex-Mex

Casa Rosa originally opened in 1981 and for more than two decades lorded over Tex-Mex in the Park Cities. After several spin offs and closure, the iconic spot noted for bringing fajitas to Dallas, reopened this year along Lemmon Avenue. And thankfully it's back to its old wonderful self proving that good Tex-Mex is for the ages.

Start here with a classic house margarita that's not too sweet, or a prickly pear that is Barbie pink with a dash of tart sweetness to match. House-made chips will soon arrive at your table with a smoky salsa roja. And go ahead with a cup of chili con queso dotted with bright red and green peppers in a creamy golden cheese.

For the main, get an order of the fajitas, served in a cast iron skillet with the usual accompaniments, a mix of house-made corn and flour tortillas and a cup of frijoles negro and a plate of rice. The beef fajitas use tenderloin and are imbued with grilled flavor in every tender bite.

If you still have room, and maybe even if you don't, try the hot apple pie.

1 article

Chiloso Mexican Bistro

1152 N. Buckner Blvd. East Dallas & Lakewood

469-248-0084

Tex-Mex

This locally owned fast casual spot offers bowls, tacos and all the usual suspects, but pay close attention to the grilled avocados here. Topped with your choice of meet and in a pool of queso, this is the dish that sets this spot apart.
Chiloso also has breakfast tacos. Be sure to get a house-made margarita (available to go) made with Jimador silver and fresh season accouterments.

1 article

Chiloso Mexican Bistro

2455 Ridge Rd., Rockwall Garland & Vicinity

972-722-8226

Mexican, Tex-Mex

Chubby's Family Restaurant

11331 E. NW Highway #105 Northeast Dallas

214-348-6065

Diner, Tex-Mex, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Founded in 1987 by the two Touris brothers, immigrants from Greece, there are now four Chubby's locations in the metroplex. The restaurant's name refers to what you would probably become if you became a regular, addicted to the Southern/Texan, Tex-Mex, and Greek delights served here. The regulars are legion and enjoy the cuisines presented through a classic diner prism, from traditional hearty breakfasts like the Ribeye Steak 'N Eggs served with hash browns or grits, toast or biscuits and cream gravy, to the Tex-Mex combo platters and gyro plate that mixes lamb and beef with a side of Greek salad and pita bread. As is to be expected, there are chicken-fried steak, meatloaf and fried fish dishes served alongside other tried-and-true greasy-spoon stars.

4 articles

Chuy's

4544 McKinney Ave. Park Cities

214-559-2489

Tex-Mex, Recommended, Best Of, Readers' Choice

It's been said that nothing good comes from someone or something named Chuy. This Tex-Mex restaurant chain nips that adage in the bud. Decorated in bright colors and kitschy send-ups of all things Tex-Mex, the first Chuy's began offering popular favorites with a side of The King-Elvis Presley, that is-in 1982, when Mike Young and John Zapp opened their original location in Austin. Elvis is so revered at Chuy's that annually on January 8 the restaurant celebrates The Pelvis' birthday with a blowout. Can't make it to the party? No problem. The signature Elvis Presley Memorial Combo is available year round. Another signature dish is the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Enchiladas, made with freshly hand-rolled tortillas.

8 articles

Chuy's

3408 Central Expressway Plano

469-241-9393

Tex-Mex

It's been said that nothing good comes from someone or something named Chuy. This Tex-Mex restaurant chain nips that adage in the bud. Decorated in bright colors and kitschy send-ups of all things Tex-Mex, the first Chuy's began offering popular favorites with a side of The King—Elvis Presley, that is—in 1982, when Mike Young and John Zapp opened their original location in Austin. Elvis is so revered at Chuy's that annually on January 8 the restaurant celebrates The Pelvis' birthday with a blowout. Can't make it to the party? No problem. The signature Elvis Presley Memorial Combo is available year round. Another signature dish is the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Enchiladas, made with freshly hand-rolled tortillas.

5 articles

Cielito Mexican Flavors

301 E. Las Colinas Blvd. Irving/Las Colinas

Tex-Mex, Mexican

Cielito Mexican Flavors is based on the co-owners family recipes from Puebla, Mexico. However the food, and space, has a mix of traditional and modern qualities.

1 article

Company Cafe

2104 Greenville Ave. East Dallas & Lakewood

214-827-2233

Tex-Mex, American, Recommended

This Lower Greenville restaurant proudly waves a flag for gluten-free, seasonal and organic food. The kitchen at the brick-and-mortar location of Company Cafe produces surprising and delightful fare sure to satisfy the staunchest meat-and-potatoes lovers, who might mistakenly think a restaurant focused on organic and gluten-free food is better suited to granola-crunching hippies. Instead, the dining room is sleek and modern, with sparse maple-colored tables, polished cement floor and metal-framed chairs. It's a blend of chic and casual that's inviting to all, regardless of time or day. The restaurant's version of health food is elevated to simply fine dishes enjoyable by anyone. Take, for examples, the knockout gluten-free chicken-fried steak, the hefty migas and the mammoth burger on Texas toast. The entre is plated with a swirled hill of sweet-potato mash and speckled with sauteed green beans that glisten and snap. The gravy smothering the tender sirloin is a jalapeno-honey concoction, a gem of sauce that, whether scooped up with sweet potato, steak or beans, launches the humble Texas staple skyward. The Company Migas, a pyramid of protein (chicken or venison), bell pepper, onions and white corn tortillas presented atop a mound of black beans and garnished generously with feta, salsa and brilliant yellow eggs makes Company Cafe a fantastic choice for breakfast or brunch. Service is breezy without being aloof or negligent during breakfast, and brunch is a brisk time for the restaurant, though there's no push to turn tables, leaving you plenty of time to relish the challah French toast platter, an ideal selection for knee-biters, while sipping the Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters self-serve java and flipping through the morning's paper.

9 articles

Cuquita's

8076 Spring Valley Rd. North Dallas

214-575-3188

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Critics' Pick

This small family chain may have closed a few locations over the years, but it's not because of their food. Cuquita's serves simple Tex-Mex that may hit the cheese a little hard, but it doesn't leave you feeling like you need medical support to get home. And don't forget the handmade tortillas. They're some of the city's best.

1 article

Cuquita's Restaurant

13260 Josey Lane Carrollton/Farmers Branch

972-243-1491

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Critics' Pick

This small family chain may have closed a few locations over the years, but it's not because of their food. Cuquita's serves simple Tex-Mex that may hit the cheese a little hard, but it doesn't leave you feeling like you need medical support to get home. And don't forget the handmade tortillas. They're some of the city's best.

Cyclone Anaya's

3211 Oak Lawn St. Uptown/Oak Lawn

214-420-0030

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Menu

Sucker punches are not thrown at this branch of the 40-year-old Mexican food palace established in Houston by the eponymous former wrestler. While each location is architecturally distinct, they all shine with warmth and stylish comfort that translate to the original homemade recipes of Anaya's wife, Carolina. Chefs Jason Gould and Ramon Morales have tinkered with some of the recipes, creating hits like lobster enchiladas in chardonnay cream sauce and heaping lump crab nachos, with price points to match the cost of the ingredients. Customers in search of the quintessential Cyclone Anaya's dish should order the carne asada a la Tampiqueña. On Fridays during lunch, ask for the chef's fish of the day.

1 article

Desperados

4818 Greenville Ave. East Dallas & Lakewood

214-363-1850

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended, Best Of

Mexico native Jorge Levy opened his first Tex-Mex hall in 1976 to great applause. The applause continues. The barely altered menu has much to do with it. Among the items that have been available for more than three decades are the Desperado Tacos, twin puffy tacos filled with slices of beef or chicken fajita and garnished with pico de gallo and a thick slice of avocado. Other signature dishes include flautas, nachos and the Desperados Burritos with a spicy barbecue sauce. While the kitchen prepares decidedly Tex-Mex cuisine, don't be surprised to hear Spanish spoken between customers and servers. Good food knows no linguistic boundaries.

8 articles

Desperados

3443 W. Campbell Rd. Garland & Vicinity

972-530-8886

Mexican, Tex-Mex, Recommended

Mexico native Jorge Levy opened his first Tex-Mex hall in 1976 to great applause. The applause continues. The barely altered menu has much to do with it. Among the items that have been available for more than three decades are the Desperado Tacos, twin puffy tacos filled with slices of beef or chicken fajita and garnished with pico de gallo and a thick slice of avocado. Other signature dishes include flautas, nachos and the Desperados Burritos with a spicy barbecue sauce. While the kitchen prepares decidedly Tex-Mex cuisine, don't be surprised to hear Spanish spoken between customers and servers. Good food knows no linguistic boundaries.

3 articles

$Image: E Bar Tex-Mex$

E Bar Tex-Mex

1901 N Haskell Ave #12 East Dallas & Lakewood

214-824-3227

Tex-Mex, Readers' Choice

This neighborhood spot in East Dallas serves up classic Tex-Mex plates and strong margaritas. The loaded quesos is killer; in a like please-kill-me way. The patio is always hopping with families and generations of locals. From crispy taco plate to, classic combos, enchiladas smothered in chili con carne and sizzling fajitas, E-Bar will cure whatever ails you.

4 articles

$Image: Eddie's Tex-Mex Cocina$

Eddie's Tex-Mex Cocina

2018 Greenville Ave. East Dallas & Lakewood

214-647-1457

Tex-Mex

Eddie's Tex-Mex Cocina is a staple spot on along Greenville Avenue with a menu that features platters of sizzling fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and nachos as well as some specialties like chile rellenos and a stuffed chicken with peppers, bacon, mushrooms and spinach. They also serve breakfast all day. The bowl of loaded queso is good or an entire family and your soul. It's a laid back vibe here. Grab a seat at the bar; it's a great place to sip margaritas, catch a game and watch the passers-by on Greenville Avenue.

1 article

Tex-Mex in Dallas

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