9 editor picks in Dallas.
9 tex mex places in Dallas we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Dallas | Tex Mex across every city.
Tex-Mex was effectively codified in Dallas, and the city's oldest rooms still serve it. El Fenix on McKinney Ave, founded in 1918, is credited with formalizing the enchilada-and-chili-gravy combination plate, while Herrera's Cafe has held the same Oak Cliff spot on West Illinois Avenue since 1949. Mia's Tex-Mex in Uptown, open since 1981, gave the city its brisket taco, and Mariano's Hacienda Ranch is where Mariano Martinez invented the frozen margarita machine in 1971.
Operating since 1981, Mia's serves the brisket tacos that became a Dallas archetype. Located in Uptown. Open mon-sat 11am-9:30pm, sun 11am-9pm.
OrderBrisket tacos, the dish that earned Mia's citywide loyalty. Cheese enchiladas with chili con carne.
TipThe brisket taco was created by founder Butch Enriquez. The original recipe still runs the kitchen.
Founded 1918 by Mike Martinez, El Fenix is the oldest Tex-Mex chain in the US, credited with formalising the enchilada-chili-gravy combination plate Dallas.
OrderCheese enchiladas with chili gravy. The combination plate that opened in 1918.
TipThe McKinney Ave location is the flagship. The weekday lunch combo runs under $12 and changes daily.
An Oak Cliff Tex-Mex hole-in-the-wall on W Illinois Avenue, serving loyal customers since 1949. Open mon-thu 8am-10pm, fri-sat 8am-11pm, sun 8am-10pm.
OrderCheese enchiladas with chili gravy. The combination plate is the reason regulars drive across the city.
TipThis is a cash-friendly neighbourhood place. Parking fills early on weekends. Worth the wait.
A family-owned Lemmon Avenue institution since 1981 whose brisket taco created a Dallas archetype. Located in Uptown. Kitchen leans tex-mex.
OrderBrisket tacos. Cheese enchiladas. Mama's ribeye con hongos.
TipExpect a wait on weekend evenings. The brisket taco was created by founder Butch Enriquez in 1981; the recipe is unchanged.
Founded 1918 by Mike Martinez, this is the restaurant most historians credit with formalising the Tex-Mex combination plate in Dallas. Located in Uptown.
OrderCheese enchiladas with chili gravy. The daily combo plate.
TipThe weekday lunch combo runs under $12. The chili gravy here is the reference version for the style.
An Oak Cliff Tex-Mex hold-out in the same W Illinois Avenue spot since 1949. The enchiladas here are as honest as Tex-Mex gets: chili gravy, fresh tortillas.
OrderCheese enchiladas. Combination plate. Chips and queso on arrival.
TipCash-friendly neighbourhood spot. Closed Sunday-Tuesday. The combination plate feeds two people if you order chips to start.
Mariano Martinez invented the frozen margarita machine on May 11, 1971 at his original East Dallas restaurant. Located in Lakewood. Priced at $$.
OrderThe frozen margarita, made from the tradition of the 1971 original machine invention.
TipThe history of the margarita machine is on the wall. The original machine is now in the Smithsonian, but the recipe continues here.
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.
OrderLunch plate: two enchiladas, rice, beans; chile con queso; coffee
TipThe weekday lunch combo plate is the best deal on the menu. Parking in the side lot. Cash and card both work.
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.
OrderTwo brisket tacos; house margarita (happy hour); rice and beans
TipHappy hour runs daily from 4-7pm with discounted margaritas. Two tacos and a drink is the sweet spot for a budget Mia's visit.
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