Just like barbecue or a good Texas steak , Tex-Mex is one of Dallas’ must-eats and these restaurants have been consistently ranked as some of the best Dallas Tex Mex restaurants.
But what is Tex-Mex exactly? Surely, you’ve heard the term before especially if you’ve been traveling around Texas or somewhere in the Southwestern United States. Tex-Mex is the culinary fusion of American and Mexican cuisine where shredded cheese, meats (primarily pork or beef), spices like cumin, and beans feature prominently. Dishes such as chili con carne, burritos, and fajitas are, believe it or not, Tex-Mex originals, and contrary to popular belief, not part of traditional Mexican cuisine.
So don’t forget to pack those stretchable pants because after you’ve tried a burrito or a plate of sizzling fajitas from one of these restaurants, you’re likely not going to stop at just one.
Best Dallas Tex Mex Restaurants
Avila’s
For over 25 years, Avila’s Restaurant , located on Maple Avenue, has been on culinary radar for many Texans. Not only does it excel in serving authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, it also boasts a great selection of traditional Mexican fare, including the best mole in town. Their crispy tacos are also a favorite here, as is their chili relleno. Of course, no self-respecting Tex-Mex spot will even remotely gain popularity if the margaritas aren’t good so expect to drink a number of them if only to wash down the fiery salsa that you’ll likely end up putting on every item on your plate.
Herrera’s Café
Now located in Sylvan Ave, Herrera’s Café has long been one of the best Tex Mex restaurants in Dallas. The original location built in the 1930s on Maple Avenue was housed in an adobe building, was BYOB, and Herrera’s Café became the gathering spot for many families and friends. 85 years later, despite its new digs, this Tex-Mex legend continues to attract a cult-like following thanks to its awesome fajitas and infamous sour cream enchiladas. Each patron gets a complimentary bowl of borracho bean soup and unlimited bowls of their highly addicting salsa. Be careful not to over-indulge on them though because you certainly want to make room for your main course.
Luna’s Tortilla Factory
When your restaurant boasts freshly made tortillas, it’s hard to not be included in the ranks of best Dallas Tex Mex restaurants, especially since almost everything on the menu includes some form of it. The once small take-out counter has long been known for their breakfast tacos, which are filled with egg, cheese, and a choice of bacon, chorizo, potatoes, or spicy bean. Luna’s also makes excellent pork tamales, which you can also order by the dozen to stock in your freezer. Luna’s Tortilla Factory just recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and continues to serve the hungry locals and visitors staying in Dallas .
Manny’s Uptown Tex-Mex Restaurant
If you want to try to taste two of Dallas’ must-eat dishes, look no further than Manny’s Uptown Tex-Mex Restaurant , which offers the best brisket tacos in the Metroplex. Tucked in the corner of Lemmon Avenue and Oak Grove, it looks like just any other historic house in Dallas , except that it’s patio is always buzzing with people particularly when the temperature is mild. Their swirly margaritas are also a hit and a perfect accompaniment to the copious tacos you’ll end up consuming before the night is through (trust me you’ll need it if you plan to drink more than one glass). Manny’s fajitas are also a local favorite as well as their homemade queso.
Mesero
The Mesero might be new to the Tex-Mex scene in Dallas, but rest assured that its proprietors are not. Hailed from the same group that launched Mi Cocina , an upscale restaurant featuring classic Tex-Mex dishes, Mesero mirrors the same concept but with a slight injection of American fusion. There are classic tacos and combination enchilada plates on the menu that are just as good as those that you’re Mexican grandmother would have made. Those with bigger appetites can pick from a selection of main dishes that includes a 10 oz. carne asada and a chicken dish that will satisfy even the most discerning queso lover. Finally, what puts Mesero on this list of best Tex Mex restaurants in Dallas is the combination of good food and great ambiance. The original location sits on Henderson but it recently opened a second location further north on Lovers Lane.
Have you tried any of the restaurants mentioned above? Do you have a favorite Tex-Mex spot in Dallas? Let us know in the comments below.
