Best of Dallas: 10 Best Mexican Restaurants

[caption id="attachment_390" align="alignnone" width="850"] Enchilada rojas from Mesero. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rnrn What are the 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Dallas? rnrnDallas is full of great restaurants of all kinds. From a great steak, to barbecue, and even food trucks, the city of Dallas offers a wide variety of options to make even the biggest foodies happy. But the biggest weapon in the Dallas food arsenal may be the abundance and quality of its Mexican food restaurants.rnrnMexican food is one of the most diverse and delicious options when you are looking for a night out on the town. Enchilada's, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, carne asada -- the list of delicious foods offered by these restaurants goes on and on. Not to mention the margarita options, but we'll save that for another best of list. But with so many to choose from, how can anyone ever decide which Mexican restaurants to try?rnrnThat's where this article comes in. Over the last few weeks, we have painstakingly gone to just about every Mexican food spot in the city, eating as many different things as we can get our hands on. A lot were great, and a lot weren't, but we finally came up with a list that we think will give our readers here on LocalPOV.com a pretty good idea of where they should start. So without further ado, let's get started with a local classic.rnrn[nextpost teaser="10. Desperados" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_384" align="alignnone" width="850"] Tex-Mex enchiladas from Desperados. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 10. Desperados rn4818 Greenville AvernDallas, Texas 75206; one other Dallas locationrnrn Desperadosrestaurant.com rnrnAt its original location on Greenville ave near SMU, Desperados opened it's doors in 1976. It has since opened up another location on West Campbell Road in Garland, but it's the Greenville location that holds all of the history. The inside of Desperados holds the classic tex-mex style and design, while the service and pricing are some of the best Dallas has to offer. It is primarily known for its margarita Wednesdays, outdoor patio and great atmosphere.rnrnHowever, the dishes served at this restaurant are some of the most underrated in the city. Every time I go to a Mexican restaurant, the first thing I measure is the chips and salsa. Desperados does both of those staples very well. The salsa is full of flavor but not too spicy and the chips are always freshly cooked and warm to the touch. The fajitas come hot and charred to perfection, with solid sides.rnrnThe most delicious thing this Dallas staple has to offer is the always simple cheese enchiladas. With no shortage of cheese and a delicious chile con carne sauce, these enchiladas are hard to pass up, and make Desperados one of the must try's for any Dallas resident.rnrn[nextpost teaser="9. Meso Maya" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_385" align="alignnone" width="850"] Carne tacos from Meso Maya. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 9. Meso Maya rn1611 McKinney AvenuernDallas, Texas 75202; two other Dallas locationsrnrn mesomaya.com rnrnWith three locations throughout the metroplex, Meso Maya popped onto the scene in 2012 with its McKinney Ave Downtown Dallas location, and subsequently opened up two other locations in Lakewood and on Preston and Forest. The Downtown Dallas location is where it's at. Located in a newly renovated building next to El Fenix and near the American Airlines Center and the Perot Museum, the aesthetics of this location are some of the most beautiful in the City.rnrnThe drinks are phenomenal, with a solid, but not too pricey margarita selection, and a diverse and delicious cocktail selection. The brunch menu is a short one, but every item on the list that we tried was just a delicious as the last. The appetizers are nothing to shake your head at either; the tostaditas being a personal favorite of mine.rnrnThe entree menu for lunch and dinner are both diverse and unique, with a solid selection for any Tex-Mex fan. It may be the mole poblano enchiladas that take home the cake, with adobo chicken breast, caramelized onions, cilantro, roasted poblanos, monterrey jack cheese, blue corn tortillas, and mole poblano sauce that make the heart sing.rnrn[nextpost teaser="8. Herrera's" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_386" align="alignnone" width="850"] Beef enchilada and beef burrito from Herrera's. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 8. Herrera's rn3311 Sylvan AvernDallas, Texas 75212rnrn herrerasrestaurant.com rnrnHerrera’s has moved around a lot, but it’s not because of the food. Located at 3311 Sylvan Ave near Trinity Grove, this one has been around for quite some time. A simple place with a classic menu, Herrera’s is everything you’re looking for from a Tex-Mex restaurant. It’s not about fancy margaritas or over the top entrées like some of the other restaurants around town. Just good old-fashioned Tex-Mex.rnrnHerrera’s signature is their free bean soup that comes to every patron before each meal. It is spicy, but delicious, and sets up each meal perfectly.rnrnPerhaps the best thing about this place is the combo platters, which are quite diverse in their own right. For no more than $10, you can order a combo that is more than enough to feed just about anybody. Our personal favorite was the 2A, which consists of one cheese enchilada, a tamale and a beef taco with rice and beans.rnrnIf you’re looking for simple, true Tex-Mex, Herrera’s might be your spot.rnrn[nextpost teaser="7. Mia's" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_387" align="alignnone" width="850"] A chimichanga stuffed with brisket from Mia's. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 7. Mia's rn4322 Lemmon AvernDallas, Texas 75219rnrn miastexmex.com rnrnLocated on Lemmon Ave just outside the Park Cities, Mia’s has been a Dallas staple for 35 years. Mia’s boasts one of the best and most classic Tex-Mex atmospheres that Dallas has to offer. The waiting staff is great, and their service is even better. Really our only complaint about Mia’s is that it gets so crowded due to its populartity.rnrnClassic Tex-Mex queso and other dishes are abundant here. From fajitas to enchiladas and brisket tacos, everything we had here was on point. In particular, the sour cream chicken enchiladas were absolutely to die for. But it’s a unique sauce that makes Mia’s one of our favorite spots -- Sunset Sauce -- a variably spicy sauce that goes great with multiple dishes. Throw it on their famous brisket enchiladas and you’ve got a home run.rnrnPut all of these things together and you have one of the most solid options for a Tex-Mex dining experience in the metroplex today.rnrn[nextpost teaser="6. Mesa" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_388" align="alignnone" width="850"] Camarones enchipotlados from Mesa. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 6. Mesa rn118 West Jefferson BlvdrnDallas, Texas 75208; one other locationrnrn mesadallas.com rnrnLocated in Oak Cliff with another location in Grapevine, Mesa Latin Kitchen and Lounge is one of the more unique choices on our list. Complete with an authentic atmosphere and a beautiful layout, this one is everything it’s cracked up to be. The owners hail from Alvarado, Veracruz, which is where the style of this restaurant was inspired from.rnrnThough the seafood twist may not be for everyone, it brings a fresh take on a crowded market in the Dallas area. The drink menu is one of the best on this list and comes complete with a solid selection of wine, nice beer selection and a superb tequila and mezcal collection. Moreover, the margaritas are some of the best in town and come in all sorts of different varieties.rnrnThe food is also every bit as good as advertised, with our favorite being the mole mama cata (which also come as enchiladas), and the ropa vieja. Both were supremely prepared and delicious to the last bite. If you’re still a Mexican food newbie, the enchiladas are great as well.rnrn[nextpost teaser="5. Manny's Uptown" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_389" align="alignnone" width="850"] Sunset brisket enchiladas from Manny's Uptown. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 5. Manny's Uptown rn3521 Oak GrovernDallas, Texas 75204rnrn mannysuptowntexmex.com rnrnManny’s Uptown is located on Oak Grove in Uptown Dallas, and has been a favorite of the area for quite some time. The prices are fair, and the restaurant itself has a great vibe.rnrnThe swirl margarita is one of the best in the city, as is the pica pica sauce. The chips and salsa are solid as well, but Manny’s queso is what it’s all about. It’s a mix of queso, ground beef, sour cream and guacamole, and oh man is it delicious. One bowl of this stuff will keep you coming back for morernrnWhere Manny’s really comes through is with its brisket. Whether it be tacos or enchiladas, their brisket is mouth watering and delicious till the last bite. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be happy with your choice. Lastly, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, their sopapillas and their churros are great.rnrnTrust me, once you leave Manny’s you’ll thank us.rnrn[nextpost teaser="4. Mesero" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_390" align="alignnone" width="850"] Enchilada rojas from Mesero. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 4. Mesero rn5330 West Lovers Lane, Suite 112BrnDallas, Texas 75209; three other Dallas locationsrnrn meserorestaurants.com rnrnOpening its original location, Mr. Mesero, just a few years ago on McKinney, and then expanding into multiple other locations as Mesero, this wildly popular restaurant has taken Dallas by storm. It was opened by the man whose family started the MCrowd Restaurants (Micocina, Taco Diner, and the Mercury), Mico Rodriguez, when he decided to branch out on his own. And he’s done quite well for himself since then.rnrnMesero is unique in that it’s not actually Tex-Mex, but Mexican-American fusion. To start, the appetizers are great. Both the Queso Tejano and Queso Mesero are equally delicious and some of the best queso you’ll find in the Metroplex. Their nachos and quesadillas are just as hard to put down as anything else on the menu.rnrnThe menu is just as distinct as it is delicious. What if I told you that you could go into a Mexican restaurant and order a chili dog or a cheeseburger, and it would be one of the best you’ve had in town?rnrnThat’s what Mesero does.rnrnLooking for a more traditional experience? Mesero can offer that as well. From their brisket tacos, to their multiple types of delicious enchiladas, to their more classic Mexican dishes like their Puerco Pasilla (a pork dish in a delicious chile sauce), you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.rnrnLastly, Mico has taken the Mabo Taxi (made famous by the Micocina) and perfected it into the El Santo. But be careful, one too many of these and you won't remember your dinner. Likewise, the rest of the drink menu is just as delicious and refreshing, with a range of other margaritas and cocktails that will leave you happy and toasty when you leave.rnrnMesero is one of the best Mexican experiences to be had in town, bar none. But don’t take my word for it, please go and check it out for yourself if you haven’t already. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.rnrn[nextpost teaser="3. Rafa's Cafe Mexicano" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_391" align="alignnone" width="850"] Carnolas from Rafa's Cafe Mexicano. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 3. Rafa's Cafe Mexicano rn5617 West Lovers LanernDallas, Texas 75209rnrn rafascafe.com rnrnRafa’s is conveniently located at 5617 West Lovers Lane in Dallas, just outside of University Park. Rafa and his family have been serving the community around his restaurant for more than 20 years now, and it is more popular now than it has ever been.rnrnThere are a lot of things that make Rafa’s special, but none more so than the service of the wait staff, bartenders and hosts. They go above and beyond each and every night to make sure that you have the best experience possible. In fact, out of all of the restaurants on this list, Rafa’s has far and away the best service of the lot, and it’s really not even close.rnrnAnother unique thing about Rafa’s is the versatility of the atmosphere. The restaurant is split into two sections, one is the more family friendly area, and the other is the bar, which is the preferred seating area of most patrons. The atmosphere of the bar at Rafa’s is one of our favorite in town. It just gives you that classic Tex-Mex vibe and experience that so many restaurants have lost sight of these days.rnrnThe food at Rafa’s is quite possibly the best pure Tex-Mex in the city of Dallas. The chips and salsa are great, though the salsa may be a bit too spicy for some, and the bean and cheese nachos are the best in town bar none. Everything on the menu that we’ve tried has been spot on. From the off menu Steak Picante, to the chipotle tacos, Alambres de Pollo, and the Cancun Plate, you can’t go wrong in this place.rnrn[nextpost teaser="2. Avila's" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_392" align="alignnone" width="850"] Fish tacos from Avilas. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 2. Avila's rn4714 Maple AvenuernDallas, Texas 75219rnrn avilasrestaurant.com rnrnLocated on Maple Ave between Kings Road and Clara Street, Avila’s is perhaps, pound for pound, the most underrated restaurant in the city of Dallas. I’ve lived in Dallas for 29 years, and have tried just about every Mexican spot in town, but it wasn’t until a little over a year ago that I was given the privilege of trying it, and boy was I blown away.rnrnAvila’s is just a quaint little spot in a modest building with sparse parking, and the staff is small. But somehow, despite the modest accommodations, the restaurant flows wonderfully, and you feel as though you are always being tended to.rnrnThe food is out of this world as well. In particular, the enchiladas are absolutely to die for, and may be the best enchiladas in all of Dallas. We recommend creating your own enchilada plate, just so you can try all of the various types that they prepare. Combine that with the homey feel of a real family restaurant, and it’s no wonder that Avila’s is this high on our list.rnrn[nextpost teaser="1. Javier's Gourmet Mexicano" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_393" align="alignnone" width="850"] A well-charred steak from Javier's. Photo Credit: Yelp[/caption]rn 1. Javier's rn4912 Cole AvernDallas, Texas 75205rnrn Javiers.net rnrnOriginally opening in 1977, Javier’s and its continental Mexico City style cuisine is our pick for the top Mexican food in Dallas for multiple reasons. If you can land a reservation here, you won’t have a better Mexican dining experience in the city of Dallas.rnrnOutside of the food, one of the big draws of Javier’s is the Cigar Bar that is connected on the far side of the restaurant. Here, you can enjoy great drinks and a wonderful lounge atmosphere, all while enjoying a nice cigar. The drink selection is wonderful, as they have everything from nice wine to margaritas for you to enjoy on both sides of the restaurant.rnrn[related-category]rnrnLikewise, the food is phenomenal, and while it doesn’t come without a price, it is worth every penny you spend. For starters the chips and salsa come with butter, and are absolutely sublime. The tortilla soup and the nachos are both great choices to begin your night.rnrnOne of our favorites is the Pollo Ahumado, which is a mesquite grilled chicken dish, served with a special hot sauce and guacamole on the side. The red snapper, which served with grilled vegetables and drowned in a garlic butter sauce, is also quite good if you’re in the market for a fish plate.rnrnThe piece de resistance of Javier’s is the Filete Cantinflas, which is a steak, smothered in a chile mulato sauce, and STUFFED WITH CHEESE. Yes, you just read that correctly. This steak is so tender and so finely prepared, that you can cut it with a fork. It might just be the best Mexican dish in the entire city of Dallas.rnrnPound for pound, Javier’s hands down the best Mexican Restaurant, and one of the top restaurants overall that the city of Dallas has to offer. It’s atmosphere, drinks, and the sensational food set it apart from the competition.rnrn Please comment below and let us know think of our list. Did we miss any? Tell us! We’re always looking for new great restaurants to check out.

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10 Best Mexican Food Restaurants in Dallas

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