Some things like cheesy enchiladas, street tacos, loaded nachos, and frosty palomas are just so delicious that they're always in season. We've rounded up our favorite Mexican flavors in Dallas for every type of occasion, so quit sitting and check out these spots for chip dipping and marg sipping!
Updated November 2021
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary cuisine is the culinary world's latest craze! Check out these spots to savor much loved Mexican flavors with a 21st-century twist.
Enjoy an adventurous menu of authentic dishes that celebrate true Mexican flavors. Try one of the top chef's in town, Chef Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman's, award-winning Carnitas de Olla, and Potato and Cheese Flautas. We recommend making a reservation but if not they're so worth the wait!
In Mexican cuisine, the mole sauce is not only critical but also extremely complicated to nail — Jalisco's signature mole sauce is made from more than 50 natural ingredients. Relish in these flavors on their Seared Scallops or Pollo con Mole for a truly mouth-watering Mexican experience.
Traditions are easy to pass down but culture is hard to replicate. In the nooks of Bishop Arts, the Xaman family invites locals to take a glimpse into their childhood by serving the same plates and brews they grew up eating every morning. Their chilaquiles are to die for and the coffee, which can be traced back to independent Mexican farmers, is so rich you'll have a hard time refusing a second cup.
From a small establishment with only 12 tables (or mesas) back in the 90s, to the contemporary coastal front runner it is today, Doce Mesas serves fresh takes on Mexican classics. Snatch a seat on their breezy outdoor patio and enjoy their famous Carolina Chicken Adobo along with one of Dallas’ favorite margaritas, and you’ll never want to leave!
Fairly new to the Mexican contemporary scene, Miriam's exudes exotic flavors to pair with zingy cocktails. The menu items range from brisket empanadas and lobster enchiladas to 16 unique margaritas — one visit here simply won't be enough, you'll definitely need to come back for more!
Herbs, homemade adobos, and hand-ground tortillas oh my..... At Meso Maya they are dedicated to paying homage to their culture with each and every plate, down to every last detail. In fact, the chocolate used in their mole sauce is made from specialty cocoa beans they grind in house, and the garlic in the sought after Camaron al Mojo de Ajo is peeled from whole cloves. This hot spot is a foodie's heaven!
TEX-MEX
Dating decades back, Tex Mex is an integral, delicious Dallas tradition! Check out these spots to find the tastiest tex-mex in town.
Known as a Dallas Institution since 1991, Mia's cozy tex-mex cantina invites locals to ‘join their family’ over their original brisket tacos, extra cheesy chimichangas, and homemade rellenos.
To taste tex-mex brunch or the Beef Tacos Nortenos that drove Guy Fieri 'loco' on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives visit Pepe's & Mito's colorful cantina in Deep Ellum!
Big fan of sizzling fajitas, flautas, and family-style dining? Ojeda’s is a family-friendly tex-mex spot where owner Mama Ojeda and her 14 children promise to serve you their favorites, like Ribeye Fajitas, exactly how you like them!
Experience a trendy take on tex-mex, at Uptown’s E-Bar, where you'll find Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas, Taco Salad, Spicy Elote, and daily drink specials.
For a menu that features your typical tex-mex favs along with hidden gems check out Avila's whose family’s specialty menu include dishes like Shrimp Avila, Guisado de Puerco, and Pollo con Calabaza - which you can’t find anywhere else!
Coco’s in Bishop Arts menu serves fun flavors with their Lobster Tacos, Sombrero Sampler, and Picadillo Tostadas. And be sure not to miss out on the Millionaire Margarita with mandarin napoleon liqueur.
TAQUERIAS
With all the taquerias in town, why limit tacos to one day? Check out these taquerias to make any day taste just as good as Taco Tuesday.
In case you haven't heard, birria tacos are the latest buzz, and at Fridas you'll find the best beef broth to dunk your tacos or tortas in for that trendy taco-bouted bite.
Calling all pork lovers — Trompo tacos is known for its bright red, juicy pork meat. But don't worry if pork isn't your passion, they also have a meatless Gringa Taco or a shredded chicken Tinga Taco!
Hole-in- the wall or hidden gem? Ask any local taco lover their favorite street taco spot and Tacos La Banqueta is the answer. Here you can't go wrong with any menu item, but the Taco Cabeza is unbeatable! They also have tons of other items such as Tortas, Quesadillas, Alambre, Gringas and more.
Need a quick bite that's still delicious? This Greenville taco gem serves some of the most delicious street tacos at the best price, be sure to order the Taco Plate to try three different taco types along with their delicious refried beans!
If you're looking for a taco spot that will appeal to every type of taste bud Del Sur Tacos has you covered; here you'll have a diverse menu to choose from starting with basics like Barbacoa, plus specialty super tacos like Chile Rellano, and Sanchez (grilled beef).
Torn between traditional and modern tacos? At El Come Taco you can enjoy the best of both worlds with traditional options like carne asada and al pastor, along with vegetarian options and beer-battered tilapia tacos.
For tacos that will transport you right to the streets of Mexico, visit Chilangos — some of the most authentically simple yet scrumptious tacos in town. Don't forget to order the al pastor taco, you'll thank us later!
A truly unique dining experience. Either order at the counter for a causal and authentic taco, or step into the reservation-only tasting room to try chef Regino Rojas' seven-course Michoacan-inspired prix fixe menu for $95.
COASTAL
Just because Dallas is landlocked doesn't mean you can't enjoy fresh seafood! Check out these coastal spots for some of the finest plates from the sea.
Mariscos la Reyna means Seafood Queen in English and the name is fitting. This spot takes the throne for having the most extensive seafood menu in Dallas since 1989. They have put their Mexican flare on every dish starting with their Fried Oysters and Caldo de Camaron to Catfish, Shellfish, and Snapper.
To try Dallas' "original seafood spot", head to this spot on lower Greenville. This cozy, casual, coastal spot is an absolute catch; here seafood lovers are sure to drool over the Ceviche Dorado, Parrillada Marisquera, Tacos Zarandeado, and Camarones en Agua Chile.
Want to take a trip to the Caribbean without the stress of a 5-hour flight? Upper Greenville's latest addition gives locals a gourmet taste of the sea with their family style Red Snapper, Smoked Marlin Tacos, and the must-try Pulpo Grill.
Initially opened as a charming, renovated house over 3 decades ago, this family restaurant continues to carry the city's coastal cuisine scene with its friendly smiles and family-favorite recipes such as the Campechana, Camarones a la Diabla, and Chile Relleno de Mariscos.
GOOD ATMOSPHERE
What goes great with good food? Even greater vibes! Check out these spots to add a fun flair to your Mexican fare!
Las Almas Rotas may translate to 'The Broken Souls' but we promise the vibes here will make your heart sing! Located in Fair Park, this hot, hip spot is the best way to start or end your night on the town. Their 5-7pm happy hour deals include both cocktails and appetizers, and some of their best bites like the Burrito Bowl and Esquites are offered all the way until midnight!
Some nights are meant for good conversations over great food, and Yellow Rosa is just the spot. Modeled after the cantinas found in San Miguel, this spot has a cozy, charming indoor patio, creative appetizers like the Mushroom Al Pastor, and a compelling cocktail list. To take your chill night up a notch, visit on Thursdays for live music and $5 frozen margaritas.
All dressed up with nowhere to go? Travel to Oak Lawn to soak in relaxingly elegant vibes that will make you feel like Dallas is thousands of miles away. Here you can expect an upscale, exotic culinary experience along with innovative Mexican-inspired cocktails. Be sure to grab a drink at their Jungle Bar before your trip is over, it's a must-see sight!
Everyone knows Deep Ellum is the life of the Dallas party and Vidorra is no exception. This vibrant Mexican rooftop restaurant makes your dining experience a celebration with their frozen patron margarita flights, shot platters, daily happy hour deals, and amazing tunes - just 5 minutes here and you'll be up on your feet!
To grab drinks "Oaxacan-style" visit the Ruins bar where Mezcal + Mexican Bites + Music are considered the perfect combination! In their limbo room, you'll get find artists of all mediums, national acts, weekend dance parties, and weekly karaoke along with an amazing appetizer menu and unique tropical cocktails. A night here is one you definitely won't forget.
For some of the best salsa in town, head down to Hardwood's Te Deseo where the chips and dips are tasty but the salsa dancing on Thursday is steamy and sure to satisfy all your spicy cravings!
Good For Groups
Food, family, and friends who are like family are all hugely important in the Mexican culture. Check out these spots for a great time with your gang!
It's your turn to plan the next family dinner and you need a place that will make everyone, even your in-laws happy... Mesero is for you. At Mesero you'll find an authentic tex-mex menu along with kids, American, drink, and brunch menus that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Worried your party is too big? Not a problem! Mesero is ready to cater or host your private event at one of its 5 locations just be sure to let them know 3-4 weeks in advance.
For a great girls or guys night out, Mi Cocina is the place to go. Share some laughs and good memories with your gang over Brisket Tacos, Sunset Enchiladas, and of course their famous Mambo Taxis. Just be sure to order a taxi after, they're stronger than they look!
The boys are back in town and you're looking for a spot where you can catch up, but you're all out of ideas. Head down to Henderson's Javier's for Smoked Chicken Nachos, a tender Carne Asada, and specialty cocktail deals. And be sure to check out the cigar lounge for Cubans and a Cognac nightcap.
Looking to impress your colleagues at the next work happy hour? Las Palmas has got you covered. With $4 draft beers, $7 craft cocktails, and $8 appetizers including Tamales, Nacho Fries, and Crispy Chicken Tacos you're sure to become your work's MVP!
