Mi Dallas Weekend: Marcos Alvarado

Marcos’ Saturday

モーニング

1Breakfast at La Victoria

Family-owned Mexican bakery and café known for conchas, tres leches, and traditional breakfast plates. A perfect start with cafecito and pan dulce.

2Mural Walk on Jefferson Boulevard

See the restored Jerry’s Supermarket Mural by Jesús Alba and the “Donando Esperanza” mural celebrating community health and Latino culture. Walk the strip to enjoy Oak Cliff’s vibrant Mexican-American presence, from quinceañera shops to family-run businesses.

Mid-Day:

3Visit the Latino Cultural Center

Explore exhibitions dedicated to Latino artists, theater performances, and public art. The building itself, designed by Ricardo Legorreta, is an architectural landmark of modern Mexican design.

Afternoon:

4Stop by Colector Gallery

Colector Gallery is a contemporary space in Dallas that mainly curates and represents Latino and Latinx artists, offering a strong platform for Hispanic voices and creativity.

Evening

5Dinner at San Pedro’s

A family-run place serving authentic Honduran food in a casual setting. Owner Sandra Montes brings the flavors of her native country, with hearty dishes and popular street-style fare

What do you love about Hispanic culture in Dallas?

How present it is in everyday life. You can feel it in the food, the music, the festivals, and the way the community comes together for cultural events.

Marcos AlvaradoContemporary Painter & Sculptor

Marcos’ Sunday

モーニング

1Breakfast at Doce Mesas

Chic Mexican eatery from restaurateur Mico Rodriguez. Order chilaquiles or breakfast tacos with fresh squeezed juice.

Mid-Day

2Stop at Mercado369

A cultural marketplace featuring Latin American folk art, textiles, jewelry, and crafts. Great place to buy authentic artisan goods while learning about different Latin American regions.

3Stroll the rest of Bishop Arts District

Many Latino creatives contribute to the galleries and shops here. Stop for dessert at Emporium Pies or find a local cafecito at a Latino-run café. If you catch an open studio or live mural painting, it’s a great way to support local artists.

Afternoon:

4Historic Stop: Pike Park / Little Mexico

Walk the grounds of Pike Park, once the heart of Dallas’s historic Little Mexico neighborhood, and reflect on the Mexican-American roots of the city.

Evening

5Dinner at Casa Linda Salvadorian Cuisine

Homestyle Salvadorian cooking, pupusas, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Honorable Mention

I would highlight the Oak Cliff Government Center. Although it is not open on weekends, the building itself houses important public art created by Hispanic artists, curated by Latino Arts Project in Dallas. Inside you’ll find works by Viola Delgado, including a mosaic floor inlay and vibrant wall panels, as well as Nicolás González’s mural Facing the Future, Remembering the Past. The center reflects the commitment to showcasing local Hispanic artistry within civic spaces, making it a meaningful stop whenever it’s accessible.