Dallas is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, with Tex-Mex cuisine holding a special place in the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. This unique fusion of Mexican and Texan flavors has created a food culture that is both comforting and exciting, offering a diverse array of dishes that cater to various palates.
For those seeking the ultimate Tex-Mex experience, Dallas boasts an impressive selection of restaurants that serve up mouthwatering fajitas, enchiladas, nachos, and more. From long-standing family-owned establishments to trendy modern eateries, the city’s Tex-Mex landscape offers something for everyone. Whether diners are in search of traditional recipes or innovative twists on classic dishes, Dallas’ top Tex-Mex restaurants are sure to satisfy their cravings.
1) El Fenix
El Fenix stands as a Dallas institution in the Tex-Mex scene. Founded in 1918, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the city.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks to its consistent quality and loyal customer base. El Fenix offers a diverse menu featuring classic Tex-Mex dishes that have been perfected over generations.
Diners can expect generous portions of favorites like enchiladas, fajitas, and nachos. The restaurant’s signature cheese enchiladas and crispy tacos are particularly popular among regulars.
El Fenix maintains a family-friendly atmosphere, making it suitable for casual dinners and celebrations alike. The restaurant’s comfortable ambiance and attentive service contribute to its enduring appeal.
Multiple locations across Dallas ensure that El Fenix is accessible to residents and visitors throughout the city.
Contact: (214) 747-1121
Address: 1601 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75202
Website: www.elfenix.com
2) Meso Maya
Meso Maya stands out as a premier Tex-Mex destination in Dallas. The restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional Mexican cuisine with modern Tex-Mex flavors.
Chef Nico Sanchez brings his heritage and expertise to create authentic dishes. The menu features standouts like cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish with Mayan roots.
Diners can enjoy upscale versions of Tex-Mex classics, including mole-bathed chicken enchiladas. The restaurant also serves a variety of tacos, with options like adobo brisket.
Meso Maya’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods sets it apart. The spacious, two-room layout provides a lively atmosphere for patrons.
The bar offers innovative cocktails, including their signature avocado margarita. This unique drink perfectly complements the bold flavors of the food menu.
Meso Maya Comida y Copas
11909 Preston Rd #120, Dallas, TX 75230
(469) 726-4390
www.mesomaya.com
3) Joe T. Garcia’s
Joe T. Garcia’s is a legendary Tex-Mex institution in Fort Worth that has been serving hungry patrons since 1935. This beloved restaurant is known for its sprawling outdoor patio, which provides a picturesque dining experience.
The menu at Joe T. Garcia’s is refreshingly simple, typically offering just two main entree choices. This allows the kitchen to focus on perfecting these dishes rather than spreading themselves thin across a vast menu.
Visitors rave about the restaurant’s flavorful salsa and potent margaritas. These staples have helped cement Joe T. Garcia’s reputation as a must-visit destination for Tex-Mex enthusiasts.
One unique aspect of Joe T. Garcia’s is its cash-only policy. While this might seem inconvenient, it adds to the restaurant’s old-school charm and helps maintain its traditional atmosphere.
The restaurant’s popularity often leads to long wait times, especially for patio seating. However, many patrons find the wait worthwhile for the authentic Tex-Mex experience and generous portions.
Joe T. Garcia’s: 2201 N Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76164. Phone: (817) 626-4356. Website: joetgarcias.com
4) Enchilada’s Mexican Restaurant
Enchilada’s Mexican Restaurant stands out as a beloved Tex-Mex destination in Dallas. This family-owned establishment has been serving authentic flavors for over 30 years.
The restaurant’s menu features a wide array of traditional Tex-Mex dishes. Their namesake enchiladas are a crowd favorite, offering various fillings and sauces to suit different tastes.
Enchilada’s is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. The colorful decor and lively ambiance contribute to an enjoyable dining experience.
The restaurant takes pride in its commitment to using fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. This dedication to quality is evident in every dish they serve.
Enchilada’s also offers catering services, making it a popular choice for events and gatherings. Their Sunday brunch at the Greenville Avenue location is particularly popular among locals.
Contact Information:
Enchilada’s Restaurant
7050 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231
Website: www.enchiladasrestaurant.com
5) Mattito’s
Mattito’s stands out as a beloved Tex-Mex destination in Dallas. This award-winning restaurant has been delighting diners for nearly two generations with its family recipes dating back over fifty years.
The menu at Mattito’s offers a vibrant array of dishes that blend Mexican and Texan flavors. Their commitment to quality has earned them several accolades, including recognition as one of the Top Ten Tequila Bars in the United States.
Mattito’s is known for its exceptional happy hour and Sunday brunch offerings. The Dallas North location on Forest Lane is particularly popular among medical professionals and patients from the nearby Medical City Dallas Hospital.
Patrons consistently praise Mattito’s for its exemplary Mexican cuisine and lively atmosphere. The restaurant’s success has led to multiple locations throughout the Dallas area, each maintaining the high standards set by the original.
Mattito’s
Address: 3102 Oak Lawn Ave #144, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 526-8181
Website: www.mattitos.com
6) Mi Cocina
Mi Cocina stands out as a beloved Tex-Mex institution in Dallas. This upscale restaurant chain has earned a reputation for its high-quality ingredients and flavorful dishes.
Diners flock to Mi Cocina for its warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, authentic flavors shines through in every meal.
Mi Cocina’s menu features Tex-Mex classics like fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos. Their legendary margaritas, particularly the “Mambo Taxi,” have become a local favorite.
With multiple locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, Mi Cocina offers a consistently excellent dining experience. The attentive service and stylish decor contribute to its popularity among locals and visitors alike.
Mi Cocina
Multiple locations in Dallas-Fort Worth
Website: www.micocina.com
7) Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine offers a unique blend of Salvadoran and Tex-Mex flavors in Dallas. This family-owned restaurant chain has been serving authentic Latin dishes since 1986.
The menu features a diverse selection of traditional Salvadoran fare alongside Mexican and Tex-Mex specialties. Patrons can enjoy everything from pupusas to fajitas in a vibrant, colorful atmosphere.
Gloria’s is known for its award-winning margaritas and lively ambiance. The restaurant transforms into a popular nightspot on weekends, offering salsa dancing and live music.
With multiple locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Gloria’s has become a local favorite for those seeking a taste of Latin America.
Contact Details:
Address: 3223 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: 214-303-1166
Website: Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
8) Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco brings a creative twist to the Dallas Tex-Mex scene. This trendy spot offers a unique fusion of global flavors with a Tex-Mex foundation.
The menu features an extensive array of innovative tacos, each crafted with high-quality ingredients and unexpected combinations. Standout options include the spicy tikka chicken and the Cuban pig tacos.
Velvet Taco’s commitment to freshness is evident in their house-made tortillas and sauces. The restaurant also serves a popular all-day breakfast taco selection.
The casual, counter-service style makes Velvet Taco ideal for quick bites or late-night cravings. Its modern, industrial-chic decor creates a lively atmosphere for diners.
With multiple locations across Dallas, Velvet Taco has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors seeking a contemporary take on Tex-Mex cuisine.
Contact: (214) 823-8358
Address: 3012 N Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Website: www.velvettaco.com
9) The Rustic
The Rustic offers a unique Tex-Mex experience in Dallas. This spacious venue combines live music, a lively atmosphere, and hearty Tex-Mex cuisine.
The restaurant’s menu features classic dishes with a modern twist. Diners can enjoy favorites like tamales, enchiladas, and fajitas, all prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
The Rustic’s outdoor patio is a popular spot for enjoying margaritas and tacos under the Texas sky. The venue’s rustic decor and communal seating create a welcoming, laid-back ambiance.
Live music performances add to the vibrant atmosphere, making The Rustic a go-to destination for both food and entertainment. The restaurant often hosts local and touring artists, enhancing the dining experience.
The Rustic’s commitment to supporting local farmers and ranchers is evident in their farm-to-table approach. This dedication to quality and freshness shines through in every dish they serve.
Contact: (214) 730-0596
Address: 3656 Howell St, Dallas, TX 75204
Website: therustic.com
10) Taco Diner
Taco Diner brings a fresh twist to Dallas’ Tex-Mex scene. This trendy eatery offers a modern take on traditional favorites, blending urban sophistication with authentic flavors.
The menu features a variety of tacos, from classic carne asada to innovative vegetarian options. Diners can also enjoy signature dishes like the Taco Diner Salad and the Brisket Quesadillas.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Taco Diner is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant’s sleek decor and friendly service create an inviting ambiance for casual dining or special occasions.
Taco Diner prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their house-made salsas and guacamole are particular standouts, perfectly complementing the flavorful main dishes.
The restaurant also offers a full bar with an extensive selection of margaritas and craft cocktails. These pair well with the Tex-Mex fare, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Taco Diner
3699 McKinney Ave #307, Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 521-3669
www.tacodiner.com
What Is Tex-Mex Cuisine
Tex-Mex cuisine blends traditional Mexican flavors with American ingredients and cooking techniques. This culinary fusion emerged from the cultural exchange between Texas and Mexico, creating a distinct and beloved style of food.
Historical Roots
Tex-Mex cuisine originated in the late 19th century along the Texas-Mexico border. Mexican immigrants adapted their recipes to locally available ingredients, while Anglo-Texan ranchers incorporated Mexican flavors into their cooking.
The term “Tex-Mex” was coined in the 1940s, but the cuisine’s popularity soared in the 1970s. Dishes like chili con carne, nachos, and fajitas gained widespread recognition across the United States.
Tex-Mex restaurants became fixtures in Texas cities, particularly in Dallas, where they have been a staple for decades. Many establishments have passed down recipes through generations, preserving the cuisine’s authenticity and tradition.
Key Ingredients
Tex-Mex cuisine relies on a core set of ingredients that distinguish it from traditional Mexican food:
- Beef: Used extensively in dishes like fajitas and chili con carne
- Yellow cheese: Often replaces white Mexican cheeses
- Wheat flour: Used for tortillas instead of corn
- Cumin: A prominent spice in Tex-Mex seasoning blends
- Beans: Refried pinto beans are a common side dish
Other essential components include:
- Jalapeños
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Sour cream
These ingredients combine to create iconic Tex-Mex dishes such as enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos. The cuisine also features unique creations like chile con queso and chimichangas, which are less common in traditional Mexican cooking.
The Influence of Tex-Mex in Dallas
Tex-Mex cuisine has deeply shaped Dallas’s culinary identity and cultural landscape. It has become an integral part of the city’s food scene, influencing local tastes and restaurant offerings.
Cultural Impact
Tex-Mex has woven itself into the fabric of Dallas society. The cuisine’s popularity has led to an abundance of Tex-Mex restaurants throughout the city, from small family-owned establishments to upscale dining venues.
These eateries serve as gathering spots for locals and tourists alike, fostering a sense of community. Many Dallas residents consider Tex-Mex comfort food, associating it with family dinners and celebrations.
The cuisine’s influence extends beyond restaurants. Tex-Mex ingredients and flavors have found their way into home cooking, with supermarkets stocking a wide range of related products.
Local Variations
Dallas has put its own spin on classic Tex-Mex dishes. Local chefs often experiment with traditional recipes, incorporating regional ingredients and culinary techniques.
Some Dallas establishments focus on Northern Mexican cuisine with Tex-Mex influences, offering unique flavor profiles. This fusion has resulted in dishes like tacos stuffed with braised cabrito in salsa de tomate.
Fajitas, a Tex-Mex staple, receive special attention in Dallas. Many restaurants pride themselves on serving perfectly grilled fajitas on housemade tortillas, elevating this popular dish.
Dallas’s Tex-Mex scene also embraces innovation. Upscale restaurants may offer gourmet versions of classics, while others experiment with fusion concepts, blending Tex-Mex with other cuisines.