The 14 Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Dallas: A Culinary Journey
Tex-Mex cuisine is a delightful blend of simple pleasures and culinary creativity. It's a plate of melted cheese, rice, beans, and chile con carne, slathered over enchiladas, with queso and salsa as sidekicks. For many Texans, it's a comforting embrace, a taste of home. But here's the twist: this list isn't about traditional Mexican dishes. We're celebrating the unique Tex-Mex experience, a fusion of flavors that has become a Dallas staple. So, grab your chips and salsa, and let's dive into the 14 best Tex-Mex joints in town.
- Avila's Mexican Restaurant: A family-run gem in the Medical District, Avila's has been serving up Tex-Mex delights since 1986. From enchiladas to chile rellenos, their recipes are straight from the Avila family's Texas and Monterrey roots. The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
- Casa Navarro: Step into a time machine at Casa Navarro in North Dallas. This spot has been a staple since the days of North Town Mall. Their bean soup and $10 lunch specials are a hit, and the menu is a treasure trove of Tex-Mex goodness.
- Calle Doce: The Sanchez family's charm shines at Calle Doce in Oak Cliff. Since 1981, they've been serving up seafood-inspired Tex-Mex delights like Camaron a la Veracruzana. Two locations, two delights.
- E-Bar Tex-Mex: Prepare for a queso overload at E-Bar. Their sour cream chicken enchiladas are a legendary treat. Just remember, no hotboxing allowed! Their loaded queso is a must-try.
- El Ranchito: A love letter to Tex-Mex, El Ranchito is a cantina with a dark romantic vibe. Old art and kitschy decor adorn the walls, and their comida nortena specialties like cabrito de horno will keep you coming back for more.
- Gonzalez Restaurant: End your hangovers with a bowl of menudo at Gonzalez in Oak Cliff. Their Tex-Mex specialties, like pork chop ranchero, are a match made in heaven. Eric Mayne's review praises the warm tortillas and fresh ingredients.
- Herrera’s Oak Cliff: A seven-page menu might seem daunting, but Herrera’s Oak Cliff makes it easy. Their No. 1A combination plate is a steal, and the margaritas wash it all down smoothly.
- La Comida: Brothers Ivan and Mario Urtecho bring fresh, hot Tex-Mex to Beckley Avenue. Enchilada Wednesdays and a pink flamingo mural make this spot a must-visit. The margaritas are strong, and the regulars are treated like family.
- Las Plamas Tex-Mex: Las Plamas in Uptown offers a unique Tex-Mex experience. Their hickory ribs are a study in economics, but the velvety queso and garlic slivers make it worth every penny. A touch higher prices, but the ambiance is swanky.
- Mariano’s Hacianda Ranch: A margarita and fajita lover's paradise, Mariano’s Hacianda Ranch has been a Dallas staple since 1971. Their frozen margaritas and fajitas are a mood board waiting to happen.
- Mia’s Tex-Mex: Mia’s Tex-Mex is a Dallas legend. Brisket tacos and a photo of Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson make this spot a must-visit. Tom Landry was a fan, too.
- Pepe’s and Mito’s: Deep Ellum's Pepe’s and Mito’s is a quick bite haven. Guy Fieri loved their caldo albondigas and tacos nortenos. Traditional dishes like pescado Veracruz keep the menu authentic.
- RJ’s Mexican Cuisine: The West End's RJ’s Mexican Cuisine elevates traditional dishes with fancy plating. Happy hour and weekday lunch specials make it a steal. Their steak dishes are a must-try.
- Tipico’s: Bachman Lake's Tipico’s is a reader's tip-off. From authentic Mexican dishes to Tex-Mex classics, their in-house chips and salsas are stellar. Mondays are a steal with beef enchiladas for just $7.95.
