As the birthplace of Tex-Mex and with a bounty of wonderful restaurants showcasing the cuisine across the state, it’s safe to say Texas is the unofficial national capital for sizzling fajita platters, saucy enchiladas, loaded nachos, and quesadillas with epic cheese pulls. It’s hard to find a pocket of the state that doesn’t serve up great Tex-Mex, and the greater Dallas area is no exception. From restaurants showcasing generational family recipes to more modern takes on the cuisine, here is where to find satisfy the fiercest Tex-Mex cravings in the Dallas Metroplex.
Las Palmas
This Uptown restaurant is uniquely Dallas, with a dimly lit dining room showcasing stone walls, burgundy booth seating, iron railings, and cowboy hat wall decor. Kick off a meal with Akaushi picadillo beef-topped pizza vaquero ($17) or classic nachos al carbón ($19), before digging into shrimp and lobster enchiladas ($25), made with tomato, guajillo, asadero and cheddar cheeses, and sour cream sauce. For happy hour, enjoy a Tajin-rimmed margarita ($10) and nacho fries ($10) under the Spanish tile-topped bar. 2708 Routh St., Dallas, laspalmasdallas.com
Pepe’s and Mito’s Cafe and Cantina
Pepe’s and Mito’s Cafe and Cantina celebrated 30 years of “Mex-Tex” in Dallas’ cultural district, Deep Ellum, last year. Since 1994, chef Pedro Rojas — the Pepe of Pepe’s and Mito’s — has added his own touches to generations-strong family recipes. The restaurant landed in the national spotlight when it was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”, showcasing Rojas’ house specialty albondiga soup and famed tacos Norteñas, made with a chipotle wine sauce. 2911 Elm St., Dallas, pepesandmitos.com
Sueño Cocktelería Mexicana
Sueño, meaning dream in Spanish, takes a modern approach to traditional Mexican cuisine in a fun and lively setting. The birria-stacked enchiladas ($19), made of tortillas layered with short rib, cheese, guajillo salsa, and topped with a fried egg are a must try. Seafood lovers should opt for the seafood chile relleno ($26), a large poblano pepper stuffed with sauteed shrimp and cheese, and topped with a spicy queso blanco. 800 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson, suenocm.com
Gonzalez Restaurant
Known for its homestyle comfort eats, Gonzalez Restaurant is a Dallas stalwart with two locations in Oak Cliff and Pleasant Grove. Find soul-warming soups like pozole and menudo, and a number of combination platters featuring tacos, chalupas, enchiladas, and more. The Gonzalez special is a crowd pleaser, with two cheese enchiladas, a loaded crispy beef taco, bean chalupa, guacamole, and rice and beans. 416 W. Jefferson Street, Dallas, gonzalezrestaurant.com
Escondido
Escondido, meaning hidden in Spanish, is tucked into the Preston Hollow neighborhood, but its bright orange awnings and floral archway make it easy to spot. The neighborhood gem is a family-friendly go to for classic Tex-Mex, stiff margs, and warm hospitality. Start with queso, and choose between El Tejano ($15) with brisket; vegetarian ($13) with spinach, portobello mushrooms, and green chile sauce; or Royale ($14) with chili con carne, black beans, and sour cream. The beef taco salad ($16) is a house favorite, but it’s the ancho butter fajitas ($26), presented with grilled jalapenos, papas bravas, and roasted garlic, that steal the show. Save room for the strawberry cuatro leches cake ($13). 5950 Royal Ln. A, Dallas, escondidodallas.com
