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A plate of enchiladas are surrounded by Mexican rice and pinto beans.
Cheesy enchiladas at Escondido Tex-Mex Patio.
Kathy Tran

The 11 Essential Tex-Mex Restaurants in Dallas

Where to find the city’s best fajitas, enchiladas, queso, and more

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Cheesy enchiladas at Escondido Tex-Mex Patio.
| Kathy Tran

No matter the time of year, there’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of queso and a frosty frozen margarita. Tex-Mex is a Dallas tradition that dates back decades, where restaurants that have stood the test of time serving classic dishes alongside beloved newcomers.

Looking for the city’s finest fajitas, a cheesy enchilada plate, or some excellent crunchy tacos? Head to one of these essential Tex-Mex restaurants in Dallas.

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Escondido TexMex Patio

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Everything at this spot is great, including the massive patio, but for the love of all things Tex-Mex please order the Mexican pizza at least once. Warning: you’ll never be able to enjoy Taco Bell’s version again.

Odelay Tex-Mex

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Tacos? Check. Pan fried tacos? Check check. Frito tamale pie? Yes! Flautas and chile relleno and a gordita? All the classics are here. Plus a few options from New Mexico and a Texas-style, bacon-wrapped quail.

Desperados Mexican Restaurant

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This longstanding spot is open again and remodeled after a devastating fire. Stop in for nachos, a giant assortment of taco plates, and a more expansive dessert menu than every other spot in town combined.

El Vecino Tex Mex

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Tex-Mex comes to Lake Highlands at this neighborhood spot owned by the McBride Family. Go for a family favorite plate for a combination of enchiladas and tacos in a wide variety of sauces and types of meat. The fajitas are also a great order.

Mia's Tex-Mex Restaurant

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Open since 1981, this Oak Lawn eatery touts former presidents, Dallas Cowboys players, and celebrities among its biggest fans. It’s since moved to a new home on Lemmon Avenue, where the brisket enchiladas and chile rellenos are as perfect as they’ve always been. 

Avila's Mexican Restaurant

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This Maple Avenue staple has been slinging Tex-Mex eats for more than two decades and, in that time, has earned a devoted legion of fans. Brisket-stuffed chile rellenos, chicken mole, and combo plates like Anita’s Plate (soft taco, cheese enchilada, beef taco) await. 

E Bar Tex-Mex

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One of DFW’s favorite Tex-Mex destinations, E Bar boasts consistently enjoyable renditions of beloved dishes, ranging from breakfast options like huevos con chorizo to dinner plates loaded with tacos de carnitas, cheese enchiladas, and crispy flautas. 

Las Palmas Tex-Mex

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The spirit of Dallas and 21st-century Mexican food are what this Uptown restaurante celebrates. Taste it in the cheesy quesadillas and the Pizza Vaquero, which puts the Mexican pizza to shame. It’s happy hour here every day from 2 to 6 p.m., so order a martini served Mexican style (with tequila) and celebrate.

Joe T. Garcia's

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Classic Tex-Mex is what one of Fort Worth’s oldest restaurants built its name on. The limited menu offers chicken and beef fajitas, a family-style enchilada meal, and simple nachos. Scarf them all down in the restaurant’s gorgeous, fountain-filled courtyard and pretend you’re south of the border.

El Palote Panaderia

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Vegans and carnivores will find plenty to love at this 100% vegan Mexican eatery. Enjoy tacos, tortas, burritos, tamales, and enchiladas, all of which feature veggie-based fillings that are definitely delicious. Grab a concha or other tasty pastry from the case on your way out. 

El Ranchito

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This Oak Cliff establishment focuses on Northern Mexican cuisine, with plenty of Tex-Mex influence. Find perfectly grilled fajitas on housemade tortillas, tacos stuffed with tender cabrito braised in salsa de tomate, and delicious tortas. 

Escondido TexMex Patio

Everything at this spot is great, including the massive patio, but for the love of all things Tex-Mex please order the Mexican pizza at least once. Warning: you’ll never be able to enjoy Taco Bell’s version again.

Odelay Tex-Mex

Tacos? Check. Pan fried tacos? Check check. Frito tamale pie? Yes! Flautas and chile relleno and a gordita? All the classics are here. Plus a few options from New Mexico and a Texas-style, bacon-wrapped quail.

Desperados Mexican Restaurant

This longstanding spot is open again and remodeled after a devastating fire. Stop in for nachos, a giant assortment of taco plates, and a more expansive dessert menu than every other spot in town combined.

El Vecino Tex Mex

Tex-Mex comes to Lake Highlands at this neighborhood spot owned by the McBride Family. Go for a family favorite plate for a combination of enchiladas and tacos in a wide variety of sauces and types of meat. The fajitas are also a great order.

Mia's Tex-Mex Restaurant

Open since 1981, this Oak Lawn eatery touts former presidents, Dallas Cowboys players, and celebrities among its biggest fans. It’s since moved to a new home on Lemmon Avenue, where the brisket enchiladas and chile rellenos are as perfect as they’ve always been. 

Avila's Mexican Restaurant

This Maple Avenue staple has been slinging Tex-Mex eats for more than two decades and, in that time, has earned a devoted legion of fans. Brisket-stuffed chile rellenos, chicken mole, and combo plates like Anita’s Plate (soft taco, cheese enchilada, beef taco) await. 

E Bar Tex-Mex

One of DFW’s favorite Tex-Mex destinations, E Bar boasts consistently enjoyable renditions of beloved dishes, ranging from breakfast options like huevos con chorizo to dinner plates loaded with tacos de carnitas, cheese enchiladas, and crispy flautas. 

Las Palmas Tex-Mex

The spirit of Dallas and 21st-century Mexican food are what this Uptown restaurante celebrates. Taste it in the cheesy quesadillas and the Pizza Vaquero, which puts the Mexican pizza to shame. It’s happy hour here every day from 2 to 6 p.m., so order a martini served Mexican style (with tequila) and celebrate.

Joe T. Garcia's

Classic Tex-Mex is what one of Fort Worth’s oldest restaurants built its name on. The limited menu offers chicken and beef fajitas, a family-style enchilada meal, and simple nachos. Scarf them all down in the restaurant’s gorgeous, fountain-filled courtyard and pretend you’re south of the border.

El Palote Panaderia

Vegans and carnivores will find plenty to love at this 100% vegan Mexican eatery. Enjoy tacos, tortas, burritos, tamales, and enchiladas, all of which feature veggie-based fillings that are definitely delicious. Grab a concha or other tasty pastry from the case on your way out. 

El Ranchito

This Oak Cliff establishment focuses on Northern Mexican cuisine, with plenty of Tex-Mex influence. Find perfectly grilled fajitas on housemade tortillas, tacos stuffed with tender cabrito braised in salsa de tomate, and delicious tortas. 

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