EATS

I think that Mr. Drape, a former DMN colleague, is right on with his observations. (And did y'all notice that another DMN alum, Allison V. Smith, did the Herrera's photos for the NYT story?)

I love Cuquita's on Henderson Avenue, where I usually have a chicken gordita with sliced avocado on the side, plus arroz y frijoles that taste as good as my grandmother's did. I really like their corn tortillas, too. We often go to Martinez Restaurant on Gross Road in Mesquite. No liquor is served there, but the tortillas are great, and my fave dishes are the bean chalupas and the chicken enchiladas with tomatillo sauce. For our Tex-Mex breakfasts, we usually go to El Taquito on Grand Avenue. Like Cuquita's, El Taquito's patrons tend to be 95 percent Latino -- which I always figure is a sign that the food is gonna be good!

One of the reasons we moved to Dallas from miserable New England was because of Pappasitos...while it is a little "chainy", the tortillas with butter goo are still awesome. I love Chuy's on Knox, Mi Cocina can be a bit of a beating but Brisket Tacos are great, and I think Tin Star makes some awesome breakfast tacos and a nice frittata as well. Also, they have great pancakes and you don't have to wait for a table.

Kids, kids, for me it is all about Ojeda's Mexican Restaurant on Maple Ave. You can't beat their cheesy, spicy enchiladas and cold margaritas (so strong there's a two-per-person limit, thank you). The service is also fab. It's like these folks watch for you in the parking lot and then hand you a basket of hot chips and fresh salsa as you walk in the door. And hey, if it was good enough for president Clinton ... Check it out: 4617 Maple Ave. near-ish Oak Lawn, 214-528-8383.

Ojedas on Maple beats all hands down. Uncle Julio'is a distant second

Nuevo Leon in Farmers Branch has excellent Tex-Mex. Their standard Mexico city fare is hard to find in Dallas and is all just excellent. This place is one of a kind.

My favorite for over 12 years has been Avila's on Maple Avenue. The food is always so fresh. In the salsa you can distinctly taste each of the ingredients because they are so fresh. The Brisket Tacos are truly mouthwatering; their queso is exactly the right consistency and the chips are house made.

Nuevo Leon is Mex-Mex ... at least that's what their sign used to say. Hererra's on Denton Drive is the place to go for Mexican food. Even though many of the recipes died with Mama many years ago, the food is still real good comfort food and the servers are attentive.

For an authentic old-school Tex-Mex experience, nothing beats Escondido on Butler.

Melis Taqueria in Fort Worth (on Vickery, about 3 blocks east of Hulen) has breakfast burritos that are the best I've found anywhere. (I get the bacon, with beans and cheese). It's a walk-up sort of place, not even approaching fancy, but if you're in the area at breakfast time, check it out.

NOTHING beats Ojeda's!

I'm still plowing through the scores of Tex-Mex options in these parts (and let it be said that there's lots of mediocrity), but I stand by my recommendation of Escondido's combination dinner No. 1. I'm also currently fascinated by El Ranchito in Oak Cliff ... sweetbread fajitas, anyone?

coming From Arizona where you can experince the best Sonoran Mexican food. I find that Uncle Julio's makes a delicious red chili (aka Chili Colorado) from red chili pods for their enchiladas which are my fav there. their fire roasted red tomato sauce is delicious and hot just enough to enjoy all the flovors that make the sauce. And the tomatillo sauce is delish too.
Herrera's on Maple Drive Makes a delicious Caldo de Res. Too bad they only make once a week. Gloria's in Oak Cliff makes a wonderful Siete Mares soup that I love with lime juice and hot salsa that I add myself. Now if a can only find a resturant/pandaria/tortilleria that makes white/red menudo that I can take home.

Gravy?!?!?!?! what the...!?!?!? Mr. Walsh must originally be a Yankee.

Does he mean Sour Cream enchiladas maybe?

I say Mia's defianetly on Lemmon Ave. or possibly Raphas on Lovers.

[I've heard it called that -- "chili gravy" or some such term. It's that thin meaty sauce on the enchiladas. But it's not as thick as gravy. CB]

I agree w/ Cuquitas at 2326 Henderson (the fresh tortillas that melt in your mouth will make you want to come back). Taqueria Pedritos (4910 Capitol Ave - not far from Cuquitas at corner of Capitol and Fitzhugh) is as authentic as you can get to real Mexican Tacos (just meat, cilantro, onions and salsa, but of course they have other stuff). La Hechisera at the corner of Maple and Inwood has the best tortas (sort of Mexican sandwiches), quesadillas, huaraches (like a huge open face gordita). Tejano Restaurant at 110 W. Davis has great fajitas. Sorry it's so lengthy, but I know I like having the address to map everything :)

Ojedas
Mia's
El Jordan (Oak Cliff)

For the best all around evening we go to Desperados Mexican Restaurant. There is one in Dallas off Greenville and one in Richardson off Campbell and Jupiter. Authentic Tex-Mex, great drinks and amazing service. Their specialty items are some of the best.

Count me in for Herrera's. 99 times out of 100 I will get a Jimmy's special with a half order of Crazy Nachos (the original and still the best!)

#1 Ojeda's on Maple
#2 Mia's on Lemmon
#3 Rafa's on Lovers
#4 Avila's on Maple
#5 Herrera's on Maple

FYI - Cuquita's is not Tex-Mex.

Before I learned to love New Mexican style food , I LOVE good ole Tex-Mex - grew up on it! While I love all the restaurants mentioned, the minute my SW flight lands in Dallas I go straight to El Fenix on Northwest Hwy!! Now..that's comfort food!!

I'm from dallas originally. I think it has some of the worst tex mex in the state. Houston, Austin, and SA all crush the competition in Dallas. When I'm back there, there isn't a single tex mex restaurant thats "must eat" for me.

All of the above mentioned restaurants are good.....but if you want some of the best fajita tacos in TX...Go to Paisanos on Lombardy! I live in Denver now and can't wait to go there each time we go back to visit!

#1-Herrera's on Denton for a Primo's: a chicken and beef taco topped with guacamole, a beef enchilada and a massive stew meat burrito covered with an excellent gravy.
#2-Mia's-the mother of Brisket Tacos!
#3-Ojeda's - Don't miss the chicken breast covered in a white cheese/white gravy.
#4-Cuquita's-Excellent tortillas, gorditas, short ribs in a green sauce and pureco de res. Unlike most places, menudo is sold throughout the week. Late night hours is a definite plus.

I pine for the old but sadly gone "Spanish Village" on Cedar Springs.

Rafa's on Lovers is the best I've had in Dallas. We tried Ojeda's and thought it was terrible. The hot sauce was the only thing that made the meal bearable. The Puffy Tacos at Rafa's are the best anywhere.

I know my response in "boring," but we've enjoyed El Fenix for 40 years. The best was the old buffet on Forest....still like the traditional restaurant though. Dallas Tortilla Factory has great tamales, which we have also enjoyed for more years than I can remember. Happy eating!

Pepe & Mitos in Deep Ellum.

Cuquita's BEST LIVER AND ONIONS IN A DRIPPING DARK SAUCE WITH GRILLED ONIONS TOMATOS AND PEPPERS. UUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

1) Rafa's-Lovers
2) Ojeda's-Maple
3) Herreras-Maple/Denton Dr
4)El Ranchito-Oak Cliff
5) Tupinamba-Inwood
***Any El Fenix on weds evening

Cantina Laredo,

Asada lunch...wonderful....

While the places mentioned in the other comments are all great, how is it no one has mentioned Matt's Rancho Martinez in Lakewood yet!!!??? It doesn't get much better then a cup of Bob Armstrong dip and the Sour Cream Enchilada plate

What's with the guy calling queso "gravy". That cancels his opinion.

All to input here so far has been aobut large chain restaurants.

I assure you if you go to Luna de Noche in Plano or Garland you will be blown away. Far and away the best Tex Mex. Everything they have is wondeful.

For the "gravy" guy, tell him to try Hubbards in Garland or Rowlett. They have gravy!

There are many great Tex-Mex joints in this town, but nothing tops Pepe & Mito's in Deep Ellum. The food in always amazing, and the tortillas are of the homemade, melt-in-your-mouth variety. After that, La Parrillada on Gaston, Cuquita's on Henderson, and Avila's on Maple make up the tightly-bunched 'best of the rest'. Did somebody actually mention Pappasito's here???

I'm with Eloise, I love El Fenix on Northwest Highway. And, on Wednesday's, the cheese enchilada plate is $4.99 - can't beat it!

Cuquitas is also a fave as are Herrera's and Matt's Rancho Martinez in Lakewood. I used to like Mi Cocina and I live only blocks away, but they are too expensive these days. $8 for a marg and $8.50 for a thin "burrito", a ground beef taco and rice and beans is ridiculous.

Mia's on Lemmon Ave is the best. I'm a native Dallasite and have tried them all. Herrera's is great and so is Ojeda's, but Mia's 3 enchilada lunch special is the best in town period.

I can't believe no one's listed Luna de Noche on 75 and Walnut Hill (i think-i don't live in Dallas anymore). Their tacos are great, and the salsa is awesome...it's green and full of cilantro and just great. i haven't lived in Dallas for years, so it may not be there anymore, but heck, go eat there if you can.

I like Mia's as well. :0

I prefer the less chain-y places. El Jordan in the Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff has developed a huge breakfast following. Try going there after 9AM, it's standing room only. Gonzalez on Jefferson has the best, beat all, no doubt about it, better than my grandmother's tortillas. Their chicken soup is outstanding and if you have kids who prefer french fries, those are a meal all by themselves. Their carne guisada is the nectar of the gods. For arroz I've not found any place better than Rincon Tapatio also on Jefferson. I'll buy a large order of arroz and some tortillas and overload on carbs for lunch.

Casa Miguel's in downtown Rockwall. Awesome cheese enchiladas and tamales. Everything is freshly made, the owners stop by to see how the food is. No alcohol. Self-serve on chips and drinks. Small and quaint, family owned and operated, open Monday-Friday until 8 p.m.

By far the best Tex Mex food I've eaten after living in the Dallas area for almost 28 years is Anamia's in Coppell. They now have locations in Southlake and Flower Mound. Trust me, it's worth the drive. Every dish on every visit is delicious.

Ojedas and Avilas are certainly tops and are great for a fast lunch. The food and service are consistently good. The brisket tacos at Avilas are the best around. Another favorite is Mariano's. I loved the old location on Greenville, but the new one at Skillman and Abrams is still fantastic. Their fajitas are the best in town!

There is nothing better than Brisket Tacos at Mia's...nothing. Be sure and wear short sleeves because the Brisket juice is going to drip down your arms!!! Mia's also sets the salsa standard. The fact that its heat is inconsistent is evidence of the freshness of the ingredients. We love you Mama!

My favorite is Cafe Posadas in Mesquite. Pepe & Mitos is good too.

Dallas Tex-Mex leaves a lot to be desiried. It's almost watered-down for all the Okies.

Avila's on Maple is the best! Avila's makes homemade salsa, chips, and the best Tex-Mex as well as other great dishes!!

Carmen's on West Singleton is great surprise, not cool for most folks but darn good. Great menu, Family owned and operated.

The late El Taxco at St. Paul and McKinney, good home style Tex Mex.

Tupi and Matt's in Lakewood are on my list as well.

For those who do not want a chain, and if you can go north of 635 without a nose bleed, Aparicio's in McKinney is where you need to go. It's family owned & operated. They have Tex-Mex as well as traditional Mexican fare. It's reasonably priced, high quality food.

People, have you no shame? Primo's on McKinney.

Ojeda's, Herrera's, and Mia's are all great places, but Taco Cabana for fast, fresh Tex Mex is a winner! I get the chicken flauta dinner or the soft (corn tortillas) chicken taco dinner. Both of these are under $5.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Campuzano's in Cedar Hill. It wouldn't be a Friday night without Fajitas at Campuzano's. They also used to have the best patio anywhere in Dallas and the Margaritas are still pretty good.

I'll second the suggestion of Aparicio's in McKinney. Another good place to check out in McKinney is Petra on Eldorado with the best flautas I've ever eaten.

I would have to say Gonzalez Restuarant (Oak Cliff) They have the best tortillas, and Herrera's comes in second.

Jalapeno's on NW corner shopping strip at Main & Greenville in Allen is my vote for the best!!

La Margarita in Irving, on Belt Line Road. Hands down the best Mexican food and the only place we go to for it. It is Mex-Mod food, so not only so tasty, but beautiful dishes and an assortment of choices. Drinks are awesome too!

For me it is all about the salsa - it needs to be fresh and contain grilled chili's. Avila's salsa is wonderful and so is the salsa at any of the La Hacienda Ranch's. Both are distintive, fresh, and homemade and are served with warm, salty chips. Ole!!

My favorite Tex-Mex is El Fenix. I always get the Taxco plate, yum!!!

I'm originally from California, where the most popular Mexican food resembles Tex-Mex, with occasionally a little California style thrown in for good measure. The burrito is God there, which means that my sentimental favorite is Freebird's World Burrito, which started in California anyway.

As for regular, sit-down places, my votes are Don Pepe's Rancho, near the southwestern corner of Coit and Arapaho. Great prices, great flavor (try their enchiladas and fajitas), and fast service.

Cuquita's at Coit and Spring Valley is equally good. Its dishes seem to consist of fresher ingredients and may be more authentically Mexican than Tex-Mex. The price is right, and the service is outstanding.

I second the Petra in McKinney. It is fantastic! They serve a white queso with chorizo that is out of this world. Don't even get me started on their tenderloin tacos on hand made corn tortillas! Dang it!!!! Now I'm starving!!!!

Pepe's & Mito's in Deep Ellum! I love their chipotle sauce on the steak, chicken, fish, enchilada's... anything!

Maybe there's better, but Cozymel's in Plano is good.

Don't go to Petra. If you want great food, then go to where the Mexicans go. Try Cookies in McKinney. It is simple, no frills, delicious food. Try the torta de carnitas or gorditas de chicharron. It's a hole in the wall behind the Shell station on Hwy 5. You will not find any tex-mex on the menu and you'll be lucky if you find someone who speaks English. But it's a lot better than the above mentioned places.

Don't forget about Casa Milagro at Plano and Campbell in Richardson opened with former Luna and MCrowd ties. Great fajitas and the chili con carne is devilishly good. Verde chicken enchiladas are incredible.

Any mexican food here in Dallas is really not that great. I say if they don't have Cabrito then it's not that good, but you really can't find any Cabrito (Roasted Kid-Goat) here in Dallas, which is a specialty of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon (Mexico). I usually side with any restaraunt that serves comida Norteña, which to me is the closest to what is known as Tex-Mex. So I like Casa Navarro, El Ranchito (okay), Taqueria Las Regias. Your normal large chain restaurants are too far off the path of good mexican food to me. You can never go wrong with good tacos, the way they are supposed to be eaten with just your meat, cilantro, cebolla, limon and your choice of salsa. Does anybody know where I can find good Tacos al Pastor?

Miguel' Cantina!!!!
Miguel's Cantina in Downtown Dallas!!!

Far and away the best Tex-Mex food in Dallas as all the lunch in downtown Dallas already knows. If the lunch crowd line is any indication, if you haven't eaten there you are missing life! Tacos, Chiles Rellenos, Fajitas, and all kinds of Enchiladas. Enjoy.

Los Rancheros in East Dallas off of Ferguson & Gus Thomason is the best Tex Mex and on Wednesday nights there is great Kareoke and the margaritas come in a giant fish bowl like in San Antonio!! Fantasic food and service!

#1 Primo's on McKinney Ave and it gets a lot of hot babes (or really strong margaritas) in the evening and the menu has lots of choices.

#2 Mi Cocina in HPV, a little snobbish but the prices are still down to earth and the food is great.

#3 El Tejano on Davis in Oak Cliff, reminds of the old El Chico's style food back when I was little kid.

#4 El Fenix, the Dallas Original in Little Mexico off Woodall Rogers or on Colorado in Oak Cliff, it's the real thing.

#5 Herrera's on Maple, and a good breakfast too!

Everything else pretty much misses the mark and they are becoming either too "LATIN" and not really tex-mex or are some fusion mess with Asian influences or worst yet it's some healthy lite version of tex-mex...yuk.

Monterrey - Lowest Greenville. Ask for the salsa verde as it doesn't come standard.

El Fenix downtown will always be the best! I still remember the Tortilla Lady!

Make the drive to Joe T. Garcia's [in Fort Worth]! It's worth the drive and the wait!

No love for Beto's? Pretty good food, reasonably priced too. But I am not sure there is a Beto's in Dallas proper, so it my not count.

I think Tejano on Davis between Zang and Beckley has the best Tex Mex of anywhere. I have tried spinach enchiladas a lot of places and none equals Tejano's. Same goes for the sour cream chicken enchiladas.

You guys wouldn't know Tex-Mex if it bit you in the butt!

Try the dives in the mexican parts of town - all these high falutin' places you talk about are sad with flavorless food - or if courage fails you, try Danal's in south Irving.

Mia's - Brisket Tacos
Uncle Julio's (Toll & Keller Springs) - Best Beef Fajitas
Chiloso (Rockwall) - Grilled Avocado
Mi Cocina (Lake Highlands) - green rice that comes with the brisket tacos, please let me know if you know what they put in it

#1 Nuevo Leon - Farmers Branch!!! Very good food. Try the "Ladrillo" and the Macho Taco. White cheese queso is to die for. #2 Papasitos - Cheese ench. w/bacon wrapped Shrimp is a killer combination! #3 Menas in Carrollton

I tried to replicate that green rice at Mi Cocina for my husband and ended up with a pretty close copy -- I tried to make a kind of cilantro pesto just using cilantro and olive oil and then tossed it with the hot rice. Pretty tasty.

Joe T's??? I wouldn't choose that place for a last meal. It's gringo style tex-mex catering to the TCU crowd who wouldn't know good food if it came up and smacked them. Joe T's is about being seen. But their bakery is great and highly recommend.

A lot of people apparently don't know what qualifies as Tex Mex! And I agree with those who list multiple choices. As one who had his first Tex Mex at the long ago defunct El Taxco on McKinney at St. Paul (est. 1947), I choose a Tex Mex restaurant based several factors including; my mood, a particular menu item I usually order, atmosphere, convenience, present company etc.

*Mario & Albertos (upscale atmosphere, have a date, the Chiquita combination)
*Escondido’s (boarder atmosphere, best for lunch, complete & total disregard of my cardiologist & No. 1 combination)
*Casa Navarro (convenience, complete & total disregard of my cardiologist, and Navarro Especial or the Taxco)
*El Ranchito (authenticity, have a date, fiesta atmosphere, the variety of menu choices)
*Hererra’s (Dallas institution, Jimmy’s Special, THE SALSA!)
*Avila’s (change of pace, blackboard items, that mystery unique flavor peculiar to most of their food)
*Rios Fine Tex Mex (convenience, upscale atmosphere, have a date, blackboard items)
La Calle Doce (mariscos)
*Luna de Noche Forest Ln. (convenience, excellent service & food)
*Rafa’s (a night at the Inwood Theatre, puffed tacos)
*Via Real (overall experience, have a date, gourmet Tex Mex)

AND:

If you’re more concerned about your ears than your arteries don’t go to Chuy’s, Uncle Julio’s, On the Boarder, or Cantina Laredo.

For the best Tex Mex at a non Tex Mex restaurant try The Original Market Diner.

How can a list go this long without Tupinamba's?

El Ranchito is a great suggestion.

Does anyone remember a place at Preston and Belt Line from the late 1970s / early 1980s named Aleman's

I'll cast my vote for Pepe and Mitos in Deep Ellum. It's got just enough of a hole-in-the-wall feel, and their No. 1 lunch special (2 enchiladas, rice and beans) is the best value in town at about $6. If Tex-Mex joints are judged on enchiladas and their chips and salsa, Pepe and Mitos is a winner in both catagories.

Aparicio's in Plano, Luna De Noche in Richardson and Desparados in Garland are excellent.

Amigo's Restaurant Comida Casera in Richardson is by far my favorite... Out of this world Carne Asada and the prices are outstanding. If they charged double what they do now it would be worth it! When they first opened around 94 or 95, I remember there was barely anyone there.. now it's packed daily and for a place that has never advertised that's awesome!

Another vote for Casa Milagro in Richardson. It has a nice patio when the weather is nice.

raul's corral industrial blvd.

1. Mattito's always reliable
2. Manny's Uptown new fav
3. Mia's so crowded but grand

Three Cheese Enchiladas with onions

this probably doesn't technically count because it is in Irving but the best mexican food around is Rudy's on Rochelle and Beltline. We eat there at least once a week and have for the last 13 years! It is no frills but very tasty food and the salsa is the best around. You know it is fresh everyday because the heat is never the same. Service is top notch as well, the servers remember what everyone in my party is drinking the first visit. I bring a lunch crowd with me every week and there isn't anywhere we would go. The chili relleno is superb and tortilla soup is some of the best I have ever eaten! Try it sometime!

My favorite and the best ever is in Irving. "DANALS" at pioneer and oconnor road . I now live in east texas but still go there every week. the salsa is so wonderful served warm. tortillas made fresh there all day long. served right off the grill. i really love their nachos. chicken enchiladas are awesome. as well as the tacos.

Matt's in Lakewood is my personal favorite. Cheese Enchiladas are great!

Ojeda's on Maple! We started eating there when it was a tiny little hole in the wall place a few blocks south. It seated so few, that we had to wait out in the parking lot for tables. Their enchiladas are always excellent, their service incredible and I love the fact that at lunch you will see anyone from CEOs to surgeons to construction workers all chowing down happily.

OJEDA'S!! We moved out of state and my mouth waters for the Tampico Dinner (puffed taco and enchilada). Joe T's, family style dinner is a distant second.

1. Casita Domingues- behind half price books on Northwest Highway...Special Mexican Dinner-classic tex-mex; excellent, you won't be disappointed

2. Tupinamba's- my mouth is watering just thinking about it

3. Anamia's in Flower Mound- never misses a beat!

Haven't seen this one mentioned: Mariano's Hacienda on Skillman in Dallas. It used to be on Greenville Avenue but moved to its new location a couple of years ago. Same great food as the old restaurant. Even see Mr. Mariano there every couple of weeks.

This is obviously a popular topic. Without a doubt our favorite Mexican restaurant in the world is Joe T's in Ft. Worth. Sometimes the wait is 2 hours but it's worth it when the gardens are open. Besides, you can drink pitchers of margaritas while you wait so it's not all bad. It's the closest you can get to being in a tropical paradise around here. The margaritas are the best, the food and ambiance are great, the prices reasonable, and the service is wonderful. We go as often as we can. By the way, the newer Desperados is in Garland, not Richardson, as is the original Luna de Noche.

There's a little place in Carrolton on Belt Line at Josey called Tipico's. Easy to overlook, but you're missing out if you've never been there. They've always kept us coming back for more.

This Greek and German like:
1. Cristina's in Plano
2. Mercado Juarez
3. Los Lupes

Oak Cliff is the place to find authentic mexican food. Try Cesars Tacos, several Oak Cliff locations, two off of Davis St. Don't let the appearance of the place fool you on the taste!

Obviously, I need to try Ojeda's and Herrera's. They seem to be getting the most votes. Our Dallas fav is Manny's Uptown. They have great brisket tacos and the spinach enchiladas are super! The only local good tex-mex in Mckinney is Apracios! Petra is odd.

I agree with Juan, the tacos at El Paisano are greatness. I also moved out of state and can't wait to go back. For tex mex, there is nothing better than Ojedas, Herrera's on Denton Cutoff, and Gonzalez in Pleasant Grove off of Bruton.

I respect that most people do not prefer the chains, and for the most part I agree, but I have to praise Blue Goose. I was raised on San Antonio Tex-Mex, and while that is still the best anywhere, in Dallas I love the Blue Goose. Their freshly made tortillas and cheese enchiladas keep me coming back again and again and again.

I gotta agree with those that mentioned Gonzales in Oak Cliff (there's another location in Pleasant Grove on Bruton Rd). Their flour tortillas are out of this world-thick and pancake like, their salsa is always fresh and warm and has just the right amount of heat. I highly recommend their crispy taco dinner-I've never had another taco shell like it and I crave them! Simply amazing, you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu!
I also really like Ojeda's on Maple-best place in town for lunch, no matter how packed they are you always get quick, efficient service, and that salsa will cure what ails you!

El Fenix!! good, hot, non foo foo Texmex! Nobody makes a CHEESE ENCHILADA that beats El Fenix.

followed by..

TACOS at Buena Vista formerly Benavides on Ft. Worth Ave.
FAJITAS at Mariano's (best for birthday parties)
and Blue Goose on Greenville Ave. (best for people watchin')

trendy, foo foo TEXMEX is just downright UNTEXAN.

TACOS AL PASTOR!

There are a handful of places you can get them in the metroplex, but the place that comes closest to real Al Pastor is Urban Taco. It's a shame because the place is small, snobby and VERY overpriced. I think they charge $3.25 a taco -- compared to the $.25 or .30 you would pay for the real deal in Mexico. But, it's the absolute closest thing you will get without taking a vacation! I love them, so I guess I'll keep paying!

I agree, cheese or beef enchiladas are the Tex-Mex symbol. I prefer chicken with sour cream.

We frequent La Parillada on Gaston and Matt's Rancho Martinez in downtown Lakewood.

Mia's is great but can never find a parking spot.

Chuy's on McKinney - I can't go there without wishing I was on Barton Springs Rd in Austin.

My favoite dish is the chicken stuffed pablano at Mariano's. It's baked, not battered and fried!

Does anyone remember and/or know what happened to my favorite, Los Vaqueros? When I first moved to Dallas in the late 1960s, I remembered it being on Ross Avenue and then I think it moved out to Highland Park Village until Henry S. Miller tossed it out because someone else was willing to pay a much higher rent for the space. It was one of Pete Dominguez's restaurants. His Casa Dominguez (I think it was called), located in what is now the Uptown area, was destroyed (along with priceless and irreplaceable memorabilia) in a fire. Man, I miss those places--they defined Tex-Mex!

If you use the full parking lot indicator . . . Pancho and Lefty's in Rowlett (66 at Kirby in the old Dairy Queen) rarely has an empty parking space lunch or supper..... try the cheese enchiladas with some extra onions...... mmmm mmmm bueno!

My favorites:

Aparicio's, Plano
El Grande Burrito, Allen
Herrera's on Maple, Dallas
Jalapeno's, Allen (the seafood dishes are really good!)
Casita Dominguez on Blackburn, Dallas (grew up eating there)

If the Mexicans in town eat there, it's definitely a place to go eat.

Be grateful for so many choices! I've been in Florida for five years now and have yet to find good Tex-Mex! Plenty of Mex-Mex and Cuban but no Tex-Mex. I was sad to see my favorite growing up in Dallas is gone - it was Raphael's on Greenville Avenue. We went weekly for years.

One of the originals is still one of the best. Desperados on Greenville and their newer one in Garland.

A Mamá y Papá little bit of Tex-Mex paradise in Garland off Broadway called El Pedregal. Homemade salsa and chips. Undeniably superb Caldo de Rez, a huge portion of lean beef and fresh vegetable soup served Fri-Sun with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and chopped onions and chiles - most diners take home a substantial portion for lunch the next day. Chile rellenos made fresh, served with Mexican cheese enchiladas and ranchero beans embellished with ham, peppers, and tomatoes. And homemade corn tortillas that melt in your mouth. Huge menu, authentic Mexican as well as Tex-Mex. My only reservation about posting this is that it's already hard enough to get a table on Friday nights.

Herrera's Cafe on Maple of course!! The hot sauce is soooooo good and the bean soup is the best in Texas. Enchildas are greatt but you should try the fajitas!! Nothing else compares!

Mercado Juarez (Northside)

El Rancho Grande (Northside)

You don't have to go to Dallas for good Tex-Mex! Just save your tastebuds- don't go to Joe T's.

I have to agree with Bill about El Ranchito. Great spot. Also a big fan of Rafa's, but no one beats the fish tacos at Sol's Taco Lounge.

For peace and quiet and EXCELLENT sour cream chicken enchiladas, you can't beat Mario & Albertos at Preston & LBJ!
Jane

La Adelita's on Military in the Grove. They have the best cheese enchiladas anywhere!!!!

There is no question.. The best of the best is Joe T Garcia's !!!

MIA'S: "THE BEST"
Miss you.
In my heart you remain.

Love,
Charlie Mir

1. Cristina's in Lewisville (all around)
2. Mercado Juarez on Northwest Hwy(favorite dish--shredded beef chimi', and THE best salsa!)
3. Via Real in Las Colinas best for upscale atmosphere AND great food.

I will throw my hat in the ring for Herrera's on Maple. (the old gas station) I also like Los Lupes on Industrial in Dallas. In Denton, there are 5 very good Mexican restraunt/taquerias within a couple of blocks of the downtown square. The best is La Mexicana where very little English is spoken.

Why do people insist on listing Mexican restaurants in a Tex-Mex poll? The rule is no chile con carne (not tex-mex). The best in the Dallas area are

1. Casita Dominguez
2. Avilas
3. Herreras
4. Matts
5. Ojedas
6. Mias
7. Gracialas

The best tex-mex in Texas is found at Maudies in Austin. Try the Hernandez enchaldias.

Mi Cocina is consistently the best Tex Mex, as far as I am concerned. Mia's and Ojeda's are also great, but Mi Cocina just takes it to a higher level. As far as servers go, Patti at On the Border on Knox is the best by far. She has been there for years and is a delight!

I second El Grande Burrito in Allen at Highway 5 and Bethany. It's a true hole-in-the-wall...but it has some of the best meat choices I've ever seen. It's a family-run place and they are so accomodating. But the carne asada there is to die for...as well as the picadillo...

mexican food in dallas died when el taxco went away!!!

You can't forget Funky Town - Joe T. Garcia's in the Stockyards is my favorite (ok, so they only have two things on the menu. But those two things are goooood. And the margaritas!).

Blue Goose! After living in Dallas for 15 years and then moving to the mid-west, trust me when I say, Blue Goose is the best, but the fact that you have more than Taco Bell from which to choose is a blessing! :)

It's the #5 at Ojeda's. Herrera's was much better in the tiny original place. The beef taco at Ojeda's is so delicate, you can hardly pick it up. #5 is a beef taco (I order another one a la carte),beef enchilada (with a nice brown, beefy sauce), and a soft cheese taco. I fly back from LA just to have three or four meals at Ojeda's. No machaca, no fajitas, none of that soft fish taco insanity, just the traditional for me!

If anyone knows about good Tex-mex food its me. I was born in Mexico but grew up in Dallas. Here are my top Tex-Mex joints:
1.) La Parrillada- home made tortillas de arina and very good sauce. Try the Chicken Enchiladas! the rice is always home made..but their specialty is the Fajitas. They also have the best Frozen Margaritas and Micheladas.
2.) Marianos- their Brisket Tacos are da bomb! great hot sauce as well.
3.) Ojedas
4.) Cuquitas
5.) desperados

depends what you like the most...if it's enchiladas or fajitas.

Me? I personally like Pappasita's the best, like tacos al carbon, and think Chuy's and Ojeda's are vastly overrated!

Don't waste your time on Joe T. Garcia's. If you like greasy Tex-mex, then okay. It's awful. Do, however, make the drive to Fort Worth for Fuzzy's Taco Shop, Caro's (both in the TCU area) or El Rancho Grande (near the stockyards).

OK, El Fenix is the real deal. Many think they are simply a chain, but the truth is, they have added to their one store and are a family owned place. Have the Cheese Enchiladas, possibly substituting in one chicken sour cream. Mix the sauces with a double order of rice, and you have something special. Also, I dare anyone to find better Chile con Queso!! I would kill for the recipe.

Two non-chain restuarants, that I enjoy are away from the mainstream. Both are in Cedar Hill. One is Azteca. Great fajitas, enchiladas and homemade salsa.
The other is Trios Grill. Best chili rellenos I've ever had. Also excellent fajitas.

Desperados is VERY good, HOWEVER, they restaurant in Garland is managed by the cheapest man I have ever met, so if you want a reasonable sized anything, you will have to pay extra...and they WILL charge you the $.25 for a side of sour cream, $$$ for a measly scoop of guacamole, etc. I used to work there, and it embarrassed me to have to charge people for these things. It's great food, but there's better for the money, as the prices have risen astronomically since it opened in 94. Upside, great top shelf margaritas at only $6 a pop.

Amigos Restaurant on East Beltline Road in Richardson. We can't eat Mexican food anywhere else in the world! The food is great and reasonably priced, it has a family, neighborhood atmosphere, and everyone who works there is so happy to be there!!!!!! 10 stars!!

Living away from home....we head to El Fenix as soon as we hit town!!! Would kill for an enchladia plate right now!!

Esparza's in Bedford off Harwood has THE BEST FROZEN MANGO/STRAWBERRY MARGARITAS. Limit 2 margaritas w/out food..now that tells you something.Their food & chips are good too, chips are not too greasy like some others.

Mi Casa in The Colony, is one of the best restaurants that has Mexican food up in the Frisco, Plano, Lewisville area. I am very picky of Mexican food coming from El Paso, and pretty much growing up eating Mexican food.

1. Ojeda's on Maple Ave
2. El Fenix - Downtown

Blue Goose Cantina on Greenville Avenue.

Los Trojas in Forney Texas off of Hwy 80 is Real Good.

The best locally are Taqueria Azteca in Irving, Danals in Irving, Taqueria San Luis in Fort Worth, and Uncle Julio's.

It depends on what I'm in the mood for:

El Fenix (Puebla Plate-cause I can't make up my mind on the enchiladas). You can actually taste the onions in the Cheese enchiladas and the S/C Chicken Enchiladas are smothered in S/C sauce and Cheese. Best chips-hands down! (note: service in Mesquite is lacking.)
Mariano's on Skillman for Best fajitas.
Luna de Noche (Garland)for brisket tacos and Salsa.
Tino's at Collin Creek for Salsa and Cheese Relleno's.

The BEST carne asada, bar none, can be found at Uncle Julio's. It's the best I've ever had anywhere. And it's the only thing I ever order when I eat there.

Should I ever require a "last supper", it will be Uncle Julio's carne asada. YUM!

Ojedas is head and shoulders above the competition. Herrera's is fantastic too though. I can't go more than two weeks without an Ojedas enchilada or puffed taco fix. The fact that the salsa is in syrup pourers on the table gives extra points.

Los Rancheros in Dallas, more specifically Casa View on Gus Thomasson between Ferguson & Garland Rd is excellent. My parents eat their weekly now that I've moved out on my own, hehe.

Their personal favorite is the Jalisco, but I much approve of the gorditas. A must try!

I ain't telling. A flood of gringos has ruined too many Tex-Mex restaurants.

I must take exception to claim that Dallas has bad Tex-Mex... that's usually claimed by UT-exs who spent their undergraduate years eating shredded iceberg lettuce at Matt's El Rancho in Austin.

I'd rank the big city Tex-Mex restaurant scene as San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Ft Worth, and then Austin. Still too much shredded lettuce, combined with a lot of faux Central American influences (not Tex-Mex) in Austin.

A more interesting subject might be the demise of Tex-Mex, as the more authentic Norte-Mexicano style cooking becomes persuasive in Texas.

Nothing Beats Ojedas on Maple.. the margaritas are potent and the carne asada is delicious..
My next favorite is Esparzas in Grapevine.. they have the best swirl margaritas and fajita enchiladas!

1. Ojedas -please come to Firewheel or back to Plano!!!

2. Blue Goose

Too all of you snobs who disdain Dallas Tex-Mex - try harder. I've eaten Tex-Mex all over the state and there's good and bad everywhere in Texas - including Dallas.

The place that I like to eat at the most is El Norte, in Plano. It's got some majorly addictive salsa, and the quesadillas are incomparable. My wife eats a strict-vegetarian diet, and they are awesome about accomodating her needs. They whip up a pile of veggie (peppers, onions, squash, zuchini, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc.) fajitas sauteed in oil with an ancho sauce that's just perfect. Unfortunately, their relleno dish leaves something to be desired, in my opinion, but otherwise I have enjoyed everything else on their menu at one time or another.

Their decor is blend of garish and kitschy - in a way that works for the place, and the service has, for me, always been dependable.

My boyfriend took me to the Desperados on Greenville just about a month ago for the first time. I had never been. It's really great and I would go again.

I must say, the pure & simple cooking, including the Wednesday special hand battered chile relleno is hard to beat at the little counter kitchen in the Shell station on Harry Hines just South of Royal.
El Rega or something?
To Tex - Just Mex!

I think Mexican seafood soup is worth a story on it's own! I've tried many a bowl.

My 2 favorite mexican restaraunts in Dallas are:

Mexicali Restaurant
11277 E Northwest Hwy # 148
Dallas, TX 75238
(214) 341-9405

La Condesa
4024 Maple Ave
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 599-9244

Matt's in Lakewood! Tried it for first time a few weeks back on recommendation from many friends..and MIA's on LEMMON!!!!

I know you said the best in Dallas but I have to say my favorite Tex-Mex in the whole "DFW area" is Joe T. Garcias in the stockyards The enchiladas and 'ritas on the back patio are worth the drive from Richardson!!!

The family friendly and really good food at Holy Frijoles on Arapaho in Richardson brings us back every week! The shrimp enchiladas and the guacamole are scrumptious!

Without a doubt -- Luna de Noche in Garland off Jupiter Road and Lookout is my favorite Tex-Mex. Their green salsa is to die for -- best beef fajitas I've ever tasted. Yum.

Papayas in Plano. Been eating Tex-Mex in DFW for over 20 years and Papayas is the best! Family owned, great prices, tremendous food and a great atmosphere!

I moved here from San Antonio and dearly miss the restaurants there. I could recommend many in San Antonio. In the greater Dallas area, I haven't found too many... living up here in el norte (Plano).
I do love Luna de Noche (one on 75 in Plano closed though). Aparicio's was better when it was called the Plano Tortilla Factory. And a Plano local chain of 2 called Tino's and Tino's Two are good. Dallas favorites have included Chuy's, El Ranchito, Matt's and Uncle Julio's. I agree that Joe T. Garcia's is a waste of money & time.

Local boy Mariano (Woodrow '63) invented the frozen margarita and his machine went into The Smithsonian. I like the Jesse Lopez and Saltillo Plates and Enchiladas Suizas.

Matt's in Lakewood (Mayberry with Money) is THE family place. Best: chile relleno and Bob Armstrong Dip.

Can't beat Ojeda's on Maple and El Fenix Downtown (Wed. Enchilada special). Blue Goose and Primo's - people watching as good as the food.

We wish Lakewood had not been deemed 'too upscale' for our El Chico (which was the oldest location). The company renamed it something called "Cantina Laredo" and doubled the prices. Thank goodness Paul still works there (50 years!).

Best tamales on the planet: La Popular on Columbia. I love to take them to parties up north and people rave, asking where I got them. I always say, "You would be to freaked out to go there!"

Yes I am a UT grad, and do think Dallas Texmex pales in comparison to every other city in TX. The best place in Dallas would be average at best in Austin, and below avg in Houston or SA. And don't tell me its because I ate shredded lettuce at Matt's in Austin, that place isn't even in the top 10 in the city. But one of the top in Dallas. What does that say?

I have two standards:
1)Luna de Noche - The Prime Ribeye Fajitas are great, and they have the best salsa in town.
2)Desperados - The Crab Empanadas are awesome, and the Margaritas are some of the best around.

My diet mainly consists of various Mexican delights from the Arlington and Fort Worth areas. Esperanzas in Fort Worth near the stock yards, on Main (I think) is DELICIOUS! Very authentic, with a meat market and a bakery. They have various juices, my FAV being canteloupe, but often watermelon and others too, as well as Horchata (or rice milk or water...very good!) They have the authentic foods such as menudo, cabritos, and my personal FAV for a weekend brunch DELICIOUS migas! Also, La Isla in Arlington is good...in my opinion. They specialize in Mexican seafood cuisine, and even have mariachis on the weekend evenings, but all their food is great and the service isn't bad either. Both places I've mentioned are family owned...to me, as far as Mexican cuisine is concerned, I prefer strongly the family owned places. I have a cpl. of other favs, but the service truly lacks at those places, so even though the food is good, the frustration of poor service seems to over shadow such! Oh, and Pepe & Mitos in Dallas...LOVED IT, and just wish I could get there more...I'd be there ALL the time! Happy dining!

Las Ranitas on Main St. in Old East Dallas,
or Pepe's and Mito's on Elm.

We consistently go to El Taquito on East Grand. I almost always order one of the lunch specials off the back of the menu. The sour cream chicken enchiladas are wonderful. I also like the #3--the three tostadas. The hot sauce is sometimes nuclear, but always fresh.

Another favorite is Tejano on Davis. Their hot sauce is wonderful, everything I've eaten there was yummy and they have cute little green glowing margaritas.

-any La Hacienda
-any Abeulo's
-La Joya on MacArthur in Irving
-Los Amigo's on Harry Hines

1.) Tacos and elotes from the Fina gas station on Industrial (seriously, the best tacos I have ever eaten)
2.) The Iron Cactus on Main - they have the most amazing combination of salsas
3.) Tejano in Oak Cliff for the fajitas
4.) Blue Goose on Lower Greenville - cheese enchiladas w/chile con carne

Well the facts and opinions are all in and the winner is the Tupy Tacos at Tupinamba on Inwood.

Moderator you may close this thread.

#1. Ojeda's
#2. Herrera's
#3. Avila's
#4. Matt's
#5. La Calle Doce
#6. Mario & Alberta's
#7. Casita Dominquez
#8. Luna de Noche

Someone mentioned wishing Ojeda's was in Plano, there is a location on Coit now in Plano.

Pappacito's is the best. They have the best salsa, thin tortilla chips, and the best chicken fajitas anywhere!

I can't believe no one has mentioned El Chico. Their Juarez plate is my favorite of anywhere. I've tried many of the Mexican restaurants in Irving, where I live, and they are all good but they can't beat E.C.

Mariano's Hacienda at the corner at Skillman and Abrams in Dallas. We've been eating at Mariano's for several years including when it was in the Old Town Shopping center on Greenville Ave. Their Chicken Monterrey has always been my favorite.

Sol's Taco Lounge in Deep Ellum. Fajitas for two can't be beat, (beef, chicken or mixed). The fajitas come with borracho beans, rice and the meat is served on a skillet over a sterno to keep it sizzling!

Mexican Inn.. Best Chips and Hot Sauce anywhere

I have eaten at El Fenix since 1969. I love the original restaurant on McKinney. I have never found anything better.

Yes Ojeda's is dope. They are my #1

Now the best fajita's and I know all you hipsters are going to disagree is pappasito's. Everything else there sucks including now their service. however, when I am in the mood for good fajits's that is where i go.

Joe T's has the best patio, but their food basically sucks. Their margarita's suck too, but damn they get you loaded.

I like a lot of the choices made already.

I'd like to add "L Trevinos" in Rockwall.

And I am also not afraid to say "Panchos!!!!"

Count me in the Herrera camp. Been eating Jimmy's Specials on Maple Ave for over 30 years.

Herrera's on Denton Drive can't be beat. Best sauce, chips, margarita's in all of Dallas. Ask for Renee, best service in the city.

I can t believe no one has mentioned manny's uptown, its the best tex-mex and the setting gives you the feel of grandma's house and food, a must try everyone is treated like family in this tradition filled tex mex paradise.

I can't believe no one mentioned Don Paublo's in Lewisville on 35. I ususally order the Chicken and Beef Enchalidas with Chile Con Carne Sauce, Charro Beans and Rice. The chips are good too!

Tex_Mex is like breakfast--everyone is very particular about where and what they eat! My last meal would be something from several different restaurants!

Head over to Los Ranchero's in old Casa View on Thursday nite. Domingo sings the oldies, kinda like the Mexican Elvis. The food is good, Margaritas killers, and prices are great. Go by 7 'cause Domingo stops at 9.

El Fuego in Richardson has handmade corn tortillas and an all you can eat option on Saturdays. They usually have some moderately unusual options to choose from for (taco) fillings. It's worth taking a look at. Scott has a short writeup with pics at dallasfood dot org if you're interested.

La Adelita's on Military Pkwy. in the Grove is the absolute best! Their cheese enchiladas are to die for! The hot sauce is killer.

Ojeda's on Maple (period)

Cuquita's is the only Mexican / Tex-Mex restaurant that I ever crave. The food is in the style of Nuevo Leon, which as a Valley native, is exactly what I remember growing up. The machacado with eggs is the best breakfast in town.

Bill, I agree with your review of El Ranchito. I take out of town guests there and it is always a big hit.

One correction: the mollejas are terrific (my dad's favorite), but they are not "fajitas". Fajitas are a very specific cut of beef. While many people refer to anything in a flour tortilla as a fajita, it's not accurate.

Please, people, TEX-MEX. Luna de Noche has excellent food, but it's way too upscale to be Tex-Mex. I agree that the original hole-in-the-wall Herrera's was the ultimate, along with the Escondido on Butler, for good old ooey gooey Tex-Mex. El Jordan has been a fave for several years now. Ojeda's is okay, but I never really understood the cult. Cuquita's is real Mexican, NOT Tex-Mex. Bill, try the pozole and the pork guiso. I have never had a bad meal at the Blue Goose on Greenville, despite it not being family-owned, which is the usual qualifier. It's always fresh and and delicious, and the service is great. By contrast, I had a truly mediocre experience the one time I went to the BG in Addison. Original locations are always the best.
If you're in Fort Worth, please don't waste your time and money at Joe T.'s, speaking of mediocre. You'll get a great meal at El Rancho Grande.
I haven't been to Avila's yet, and will do so immediately on your recommendation. So little time, so much Tex-Mex . . .

Oh, and for the post that asked about tacos al pastor (not really Tex-Mex), Tacos El Si Hay on Davis, just West of Bishop rocks! It's a little stand and there is no where to eat there, but the crowds will tell you all you need to know. If you are patient, get some of the corn from the vendor on the side of the building while you are waiting for your tacos.

Anamia's in Coppell is the best Tex-Mex I've ever had. Their Pollo ConHongas, Enchilada Tejas and Talapia Tacos are my 3 favorites. The table-side guacamole is also great.

"Spanish Village" on Cedar Springs... those were the days.

Here, here! I would give anything to find a place now in Dallas that could replicate the old Spanish Village Mexican pizza and their beef enchiladas!

Email me if such a place exists: bfry:enclaverealty.com

We love El Jordan - the best breakfast tacos and chili rellenos - not fried, just absolutely delicious. For fajitas, its Uncle Julio's hands down.

I have eaten at many of these fine establishments and have reviewed a few on my own Food Czar blog, but all the votes for Tupinamba remind me that their Tupy Tacos are some of the best anywhere! Great lunch deals, too!!!

#1 Mia's. NO better chile rellenos in the city.

It has to be El Norte in Plano! Great food and service in a cozy atmosphere. We just love it!

If you have never had the combo burrito at Herrera's on Maple, then you are missing out. Guiso, beans and rice in a nice thick and chewy flour tortilla. Bill is right about finding what each place does best and stick with it. Ojeda's for cheese and onion enchiladas. Great.

We have been eating Mexican Food at Plano's Cozymel's Mexican Grill for several years now, and it is our favorite. We especially like the Sunday Brunch. It is probably the best kept secret in the Metroplex. This location is the best of the two in this area (in our opinion). Their flour tortillas are consistantly amazing, but more important is the overall quality of their meals. The food is never greasy, and is delicious. I love their spinach enchiladas. Especially with poblano cream sauce. Their salmon dishes are also great. The Sunday brunch is also an all you can eat affair, with all of the traditional Mexican dishes, salmon, fruit, eggs cooked to perfection, and other breakfast dishes. And they even throw in a Mimosa drink, and many yummy deserts. Our three year old daughter loves this place, and it is very children friendly.
Plano's Cozymel's Mexican Grill has our vote for the best Mexican Restauant

It all comes down to cheese enchiladas and hot sauce for me.

1. Matt's
2. Herrara's
3. El Taquito
4. Mexicalli

Desperado's in Garland. Great food, fun people all in a super atomsphere. It is a combination of Tex Mex and Cheer's in one spot.

Desperados is the bext tex-mex in dallas. The food and the service are the best all around

Desperados has the best soft cheese tacos in dallas. And the best rice and beans too!! Their cuatro leches is unbelievable!!!

I just moved here and have tried all of the above restaurants. I have to say that Desperados Mexican Restaurant has the best Tex-Mex, ritas, guacamole, etc. The service is the best in town.

Desperados is #1 with us. Even when living in other states we looked forward to a Desperados meal on our visit. Now that we are back in the Garland area we enjoy Desperados at least once a week. Consistent excellent food and smiling, attentive staff make this our favorite restaurant!

Gonzalez on Jefferson is my all time favorite.
Escondido's and Herrera's are also killer places.

I judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by their chips & salsa, so my vote goes to El Norte in Plano! THE best chips & salsa around!

Desparados on Grennville has THE best Tex-Mex in Dallas. Its not a "go to be seen" atmosphere like others...but a graet down to earth fresh, delicious fare of what makes Mexican here in Texas so popular. Nothin fancy, just dependable great food, excellant service and laid back atmosphere.

To the people that said El Fenix, seriously, get a life. That is the worst food ever. You might as well have listed Pancho's if you are going to list El Fenix. No joke. That is about as bad as Mexican Inn.

Nothing beats El Norte in Plano. Their chips, salsa, and cheese enchiladas are fantastic, a good measure of excellent Tex-Mex. This family run restaurant has satisfied our cravings since moving to Texas 15 years ago. They have great "traditional" items and some interesting dishes that just rock!