Mexico City-style Street Tacos$$oak-cliffMon-Thu 07:00-15:00, Fri-Sat 07:00-16:00, Sun 07:00-14:00
Three Mexico City-style tacos and a agua fresca for under $10. The adobada and barbacoa are made from scratch and the tortillas are pressed fresh.
Order: Three taco plate (adobada, barbacoa, nopales); agua fresca
Tip: Bring exact cash. Closes when sold out, which can be as early as 1pm on weekends. One of the best taco values in Oak Cliff.
Tex-mex$$oak-cliffMon-Thu 08:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 08:00-23:00, Sun 08:00-22:00
Tex-Mex institution since 1949 with a lunch special under $12 that includes enchiladas, rice, beans, and a drink. The best-value sit-down Tex-Mex in Dallas.
Order: Lunch plate: two enchiladas, rice, beans; chile con queso; coffee
Tip: The weekday lunch combo plate is the best deal on the menu. Parking in the side lot. Cash and card both work.
Taqueria$$oak-cliffDaily 08:00-22:00
Al pastor tacos from the trompo starting at $2.30 each, making a filling four-taco meal with an agua fresca under $12. Located in Oak Cliff.
Order: 4x al pastor de trompo with pineapple; agua de jamaica
Tip: Best after noon when the spit has been spinning a while and the outer crust is caramelized. Multiple South and Northeast Dallas locations.
Mexican$$uptownMon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
The oldest Tex-Mex restaurant in Dallas, operating since 1918. Open mon-thu 11am-9pm, fri-sat 11am-10pm, sun 11am-9pm. At 1601 McKinney Ave.
Order: Combo plate: enchiladas, tamale, taco; cheese dip; sopapillas
Tip: The McKinney Ave location is the most accessible. The Tuesday special is the best value night. No reservations needed; the turnover is fast.
Vietnamese Vegan$$lake-highlandsMon 10:00-19:00, Tue closed, Wed-Sun 10:00-19:00
All-vegan Vietnamese inside Hong Kong supermarket where pho, banh mi, and com tam plates rarely top $12. Open mon 10am-7pm, tue closed, wed-sun 10am-7pm.
Order: Vegan pho; lemongrass tofu banh mi; spring rolls
Tip: Bring cash. Inside Hong Kong supermarket at Walnut and Audelia. Dishes are consistently under $12; a full meal runs $10-12.
Tex-mex$$$uptownMon-Sat 11:00-21:30, Sun 11:00-21:00
The brisket taco at Mia's costs around $6 individually, making it an affordable way to experience Dallas's most definitive Tex-Mex taco. Located in Uptown.
Order: Two brisket tacos; house margarita (happy hour); rice and beans
Tip: Happy hour runs daily from 4-7pm with discounted margaritas. Two tacos and a drink is the sweet spot for a budget Mia's visit.