Mi Dallas Weekend: Pasos for Oak Cliff

As Co-Founders of Pasos for Oak Cliff, and proud voices of Dallas’ Hispanic community, Jesse and Alejandra share a weekend that blends history, culture, and local flavor. From homemade breakfasts and rotating art exhibits in Oak Cliff to artisan markets, tacos, and paletas, their itinerary captures both the legacy and the modern vibrancy of Dallas’ Hispanic neighborhoods.

48-Hour Weekend Itinerary

Jesse’s Saturday

Morning:

1Breakfast at El Padrino or Xaman Cafe

El Padrino in Oak Cliff for homemade-style breakfast, or Xaman Cafe for Central Mexico-inspired coffee and brunch.

Cultural Moment

2Oak Cliff Cultural Center

The Oak Cliff Cultural Center always has rotating exhibits, from sneaker design to film and graphic art by Latino creators. You never know what you'll find.

3Grab a paleta at Paleteria La Mexicana

Stop here for a simple and refreshing mid-day treat.

4Pike Park

I recommend visiting Pike Park, once the heart of Dallas' "Little Mexico." Reading up or looking at photos beforehand makes the walk even more meaningful.

Cultural Moment #2

5Dallas Museum of Art or the Latino Cultural Center

The Dallas Museum of Art is a cultural gem, or you can stop at the Latino Cultural Center to experience Latino artists being celebrated on their own stage.

6Dinner at La Ventana downtown

They have great tacos, drinks, and atmosphere.

7Party it up in Deep Ellum

You'll find plenty of spots playing Hispanic music and it's perfect for dancing, walking around, and just having fun.

What do you love about Hispanic culture in Dallas?

For too long, the stories of Hispanic contributions were overlooked, but tday they're finally being told, whether it's the legacy of Little Mexico, the transformation of Oak Cliff, or the ways Hispanics have fueled Dallas' growth for generations.

Jesse AcostaCo-Founder, Pasos for Oak Cliff

Jesse’s Sunday

Morning:

1Breakfast at Pupusas To Go

Grab pupusas at Pupusas To Go in for some of the best Salvadoran food in East Dallas. Pro tip: don't go too heavy on the salsa!

Cultural Visit

2National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe is beautiful, and outside you'll often find vendors selling everything from candy to handmade crafts.

3Lunch at Taqueria El Si Hay

Keep it casual with tacos from La Paisanita or El Si Hay - both are Oak Cliff staples.

4Relax For the Day

Enjoy vibes, views, and brews at Four Corners Brewery. Their beer and look are modeled after Mexican Loteria cards. This is a great spot to enjoy some drinks, good downtown views, and occassionally a vendor market.

Alejandra’s Saturday

Morning:

1Morning Coffee at Olmo Market

Their Mexican-inspired coffee drinks are amazing. I love their chocolate too!

2Sweet Stop

Vera's Bakery has become a favorite since my sister bought my birthday cake there. Their pan dulce and creative designs are always worth it!

3Shopping & Inspiration

I like browsing Tlazo Home for unique home pieces, then heading to YUYU for authentic artisan goods from Latin America. Jefferson Blvd is perfect for walking and exploring shops.

4Lunch at La Paisanita

Tacos at La Paisanita are my go-to. And don't skip the horchata.

5Afternoon Treat

Espumoso Caffè has incredible empanadas, coffee, and ice cream. A great midday pick-me-up.

6Cultural Shop

Mercado369 is where I go for artisan jewelry, art, and sometimes pop-up exhibitions.

7Round out the Evening

This is always a great option for Tex-Mex before ending the night at Valle, a newer bar with great music and cocktails.

What do you love about Hispanic culture in Dallas?

What makes it most special to me is the sense of family and community: from youth to olders, everyone shows up together at events and celebrations.

Alejandra ZendejasCo-Founder, Pasos for Oak Cliff

Alejandra’s Sunday

Morning:

1Breakfast at Mixing Bowl

This is my favorite Sunday spot. I usually get an egg and potato taco, but you can't go wrong with any combo.

2Coffee Break

Huitzitzilin Café is a Latina-owned, cozy, and newly opened. I love stopping in here.

3Snack

El Rancho supermarket as my favorite elote in Dallas. Just remember to bring cash!

4Cultural Walk

I'd bring m snack to Pike Park, where you can read the memorials and learn the history of "Little Mexico."

5Lunch/Early Afternoon

Saint Ann is beautiful spot for brunch, and I love that the building was once the first school for Hispanic children in Dallas.

6Dinner

I'd recommend El Fenix, the oldest Mexican restaurant chain in the U.S., founded right here in Dallas in 1918.

7Evening

To end the weekend, I'd head to Jefferson Blvd to see the best lowriders cruise by. It's free, family-friendly, and one of the best snapshots of Latino culture in Dallas.