If the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has a corner on any cuisine, it’s Tex-Mex. It’s tough to drive a mile or two without passing a place that isn’t worthy of a stop for some delicious tacos. Who makes the freshest, spiciest salsa, or offers the most tender al pastor, or provides the most pleasing array of garnishes is somewhat subjective, but this list of six restaurants is a good place to start. From casual taco joints and food trucks to fine-dining establishments, Dallas’s taco scene is worth celebrating all week long.
El Come Taco
This counter-service street taco joint showcases tacos with fillings you’re far more likely to see in Mexico City than in Dallas, Texas, like veal brains and cow head. And, it’s clear that the folks behind El Come are serious about their tacos. Each one is served on two tortillas, and filled with tender meat and fresh toppings. House-made salsa in red and green varieties can be found in squirt bottles at each table, alongside a roll of paper towels — all that you need for proper taco consumption. 2513 N. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas, elcometaco.com
Maskaras
If there’s one Dallas taqueria with street cred, it’s Maskaras. The restaurant is run by a former beauty queen and her former-model husband, both of whom hail from the Mexican state of Jalisco. With its Lucha Libre décor and tortas that will transport you to the streets of Guadalajara, the place is definitely Jaliscan. Locally, the restaurant was thrust into the limelight when Texas Monthly named its tacos ahogadas among the 10 best tacos in the state. You can’t go wrong with any of the tacos at Maskaras, but those deep-fried tacos ahogadas most certainly live up to the hype. 2423 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas, maskarasmexicangrill.com
Cuates Kitchen
This food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar, helmed by twins from the Mexican state of Veracruz, serves a long list of tacos built with homemade-masa corn tortillas. Mix-and-match well-seasoned conchinita pibil, batter-fried fish, and carnitas tacos to make an epic platter, and pair them with a margarita. Drop in on Taco Tuesdays, and enjoy a discount of $3 off your tacos from 5 to p.m. 3811 Fairmount St., Dallas, cuateskitchen.com
Nuno’s Tacos and Vegmex Grill
Why should carnivores have all the fun? At this vegan Mexican restaurant, diners can order meat-free versions of classic tacos, made with plant-based proteins conjuring barbacoa, al pastor, and even fish. Sauces include a homemade “birria” consommé for dipping that tastes just like the real thing. Nuno’s doesn’t skimp on the fixings — expect tacos loaded with vegan cheese, crunchy shredded cabbage, and fresh pico de gallo. There are booths and tables for dine-in, but Nuno’s is largely known for takeout. 8024 Spring Valley Rd. Ste. 8024, Dallas
The Mexican
At the Mexican, tacos make for a posh night out on the town. The lobster tail tacos ($48) may be the fancies tacos in Texas. The order of three come stuffed with black beans, rice, aioli, crema, and chile morita (dried and smoked jalapeño) mayo, and are tasty and extravagant. From the terracotta-pattern tile flooring and jewel-toned furniture to walls showcasing dramatic Mexican art, the restaurant raises the bar for taco night. 1401 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, themexican.com
Tacos El Metro
From the moment it opened its doors last spring, Tacos El Metro has been among the most talked-about Mexican restaurants in Dallas. Though the concept is simple — think tacos, tortas, and quesadillas — it’s helmed by Sergio Quijano and Michael Garcia, two veterans of fine dining whose expert training is on full display. They roast whole pigs for the puerco taco, make horchata from scratch, and sell fresh serrano peppers as a side. This is one of those places where you can’t order the wrong thing, but for a single recommendation, consider the ribeye carne asada taco for a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat moment. 3720 Walnut Hill Ln., Dallas, tacoselmetrodfw.com
