The Best and Most Unique Food Along the Margarita Mile
Some of the best foods to try along the Mile
Please note: we're mixing it up! The Margarita Mile is becoming a seasonal self-guided tour. We're taking a break for Dallas' (very short) winter. The app will no longer be available beginning Sept. 30, 2021. We'll be back, on National Margarita Day – Feb. 22, 2022 – and it will be a party!
Looking for some of the best things to eat and drink along the Margarita Mile! We've rounded up fourteen stops with some of the tastiest dishes and drinks to try.
Mariano's
Every time I visit Mariano's I order the VIP Platter. This off-menu item is perfect for a group of four looking for a little sampling of all this wonderful restaurant has to offer. Items on the platter include cheese quesadillas, flank steak, chicken nachos, flautas, queso, guacamole and fried jalapenos.
The Rustic
Hard to beat this patio, but it can only be made better by ordering The Drunk Chick. This entrée includes a full game hen cooked on a beer can. Not only is it visually spectacular, but it also comes with jalapeño spoon bread and ancho-lime butter.
El Fenix
The frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas, but did you know the tortilla machine was also invented here? It was invented by El Fenix founder, Miguel Martinez and sold in 1919 to Herman Lay, the founder of Frito-Lay. Honor this amazing invention at this classic Tex-Mex establishment by ordering the appetizer combo - fresh-made guacamole and fire-roasted queso, with melted cheeses and roasted chipotle, poblano, jalapeño, onion, tomato and garlic.
Meso Maya
Sometimes it is best to order a margarita and skip right to dessert. I would highly recommend this at Meso Maya because the Pastel de Moras is the ultimate chef's kiss. It is a skillet-baked blueberry cake with Mexican ice cream and blueberry drizzle, and it is heavenly.
Desperados
To celebrate its 35th anniversary, the Desperados team created a secret dish, El Treintaycinco, which samples three of their top entrees: the Desperados Tacos, Steak Argentina, and Camarones Acapulco. Do yourself a favor and order this.
La Ventana
This classic taco stand has a broad selection of delicious tacos, but if you are feeling something different, order the elote, a type of Mexican street corn in a creamy sauce with flavors of chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice.
Gloria's
I have frequented this El Salvadorian restaurant for years. Many fun birthdays and memorable celebrations have happened here, and I have always ordered the caldo de siete mares (soup of the seven seas). It has since been re-named mariscada. It is the perfect steamy blend of shrimp, scallops, red snapper, mussels, lobster tail and vegetables.
Jose
This North Dallas gem has one of the most innovative chefs in the entire city. Dallas is incredibly lucky that Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman calls our city home. Tacos de Tacha is her rotating choice of special flavored masa. You don't want to miss out on this surprise.
Revolver Taco
Plenty of tasty tacos to choose from here. My personal favorite is the Langosta Taco which is lobster sautéed in butter, topped with pineapple pico, jalapeño salsa, sea beans, golden berries. Its spicy sweet combo melts in your mouth.
Jalisco Norte
Not everywhere on the Mile offers brunch, so be sure to check out this stop where you can. Jalisco Norte offers brunch on Sundays, and you should absolutely use your gift card then because they make some of the best chilaquiles in the city. Not to mention their featured margarita – the 'Rita Champ - is essentially a mimosa but better… it includes tequila!
Beto & Son
Most of these restaurants have nachos, fajitas, and enchiladas, and they are all delicious. But at Beto & Son, I would recommend trying something totally new and innovative – their Next Gen Noodle Bowls, an incredible fusion dish. You can choose between all kinds of meats, but I like the shrimp diablo best.
Fearing's
Chef Dean Fearing is Dallas culinary royalty, so it is best to have a little sample of all his offerings. That's why I would recommend the Southwest Sampler. This dish includes griddled crab cakes with chipotle crema, a barbeque short rib enchilada, chorizo queso fundido, lobster bites and avocado relish.
Las Palmas
This one is so simple. Order the nacho fries. Nachos made of French fries? Yes please.
Matt's Rancho Martinez
Go for the Bob Armstrong Dip. The story behind this dip is quite special, and it has been in this family for decades. Their menu says it best: it's a house specialty, made with premium ground beef, zesty chile con queso, guacamole and sour cream.
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