A Latin-inspired weekend in Dallas

Dallas is a true mixture of nationalities and cultures from all over the globe, but because of our southern location on the U.S. map, we benefit the most from an infusion of Latin flavors and traditions as people from Mexico to South America have settled in these parts over the past several centuries.

Immerse yourself in authentic experiences and the vibrant Hispanic culture found throughout Dallas - it always delivers one delicious or delightful surprise after another. Read on for some suggestions for exploring the Latin mainstays around town.

Updated: August 2025

Day 1

1 hour

1Cafecito Time

In Latin culture, café (coffee) is an essential start to every day and a ritual that anyone can enjoy. Start your day off right at Graciela's Bakery, a family-owned business for over 30 years in the heart of East Dallas, takes pride in handcrafting fresh bread daily. Café Ciro, a Latina-owned coffee shop, offers a Pilon’Ciro Latte, espresso sweetened with brown sugar and topped with house-made coffee jelly, inspired by Latin flavors. El Portón Coffee features several coffees from producers in South America that truly care about the craft of coffee making and fair trade. Xamán Café serves an excellent cafe de olla and agua de chocolate. Berni Bean, a Latina-owned coffee shop inspired by Costa Rican roots, brings the rich tradition of Central American coffee culture to the heart of the city. And Hola Café invites guests into its chic space for Honduras-inspired offerings. ¡Que rico!

1.5 hours

2Get Cultured

Now that you're fueled up and ready to go, the Dallas Latino Cultural Center (LCC) is your next stop. The LCC, just steps away from Deep Ellum and the Dallas Arts District, combines several branches of the arts to tell a story of Hispanic heritage. The organization's purpose is to preserve, develop and promote Latino and Hispanic art and culture. You can visit the center anytime for free, but check the calendar for ticketed events.

1 hour

3Shop For Treasures

One of the best places in Dallas to find some truly fun items is ABC Party HQ in Oak Cliff. There you can pick up incredibly detailed (and sometimes topical) piñatas, as well as jewelry, home accessories, and several items dedicated to beloved cultural icons Selena and Frida Kahlo.

4Get a Sweet Treat

Less than a mile away from ABC Party HQ, Olmo Market creates decadent chocolate truffles and treats with European techniques and Mexican flavors, including dulce de leche, mole, and tequila. Add an icy cup of the traditional rice-based drink, horchata, available in a variety of flavors from pecan to strawberry.

2 hours

5Make a Journey Along the Margarita Mile

Dallas is the birthplace of the frozen margarita machine (thanks, Mariano's!), but we're also home to so many different types of ice-cold tequila drinks that you need a map to help navigate the best of the best. Well, you're in luck because Dallas is home to the Visit Dallas created the Margarita Mile where you can partake in more than 20 superb variations at your own pace in neighborhoods all over the city. So you can easily squeeze a margarita into this itinerary whenever and wherever you like.

1 hour

6Dance the Night Away

Dance the night away at Te Deseo in Uptown, where vibrant Latin vibes meet upscale nightlife. Known for its extensive tequila selection and stylish ambiance, Te Deseo offers the perfect backdrop of Dallas' skyline with a night of music.

Day 2

1.5 hours

1A Mosaic of Tastes

Whether you have a specific craving or hope to discover something altogether new to tantalize your taste buds, Dallas restaurants have you covered for all things Latin. On any given day you can enter Zaguan and be transported to Venezuela, Colombia, or Argentina in one hot minute. Havana Cafe offers a variety of Cuban favorites from mojitos to croquetas. Don’t miss Coco’s Fire and Ice with its traditional dishes, and La Calle Doce’s fresh mariscos (seafood) eats. Dive into taco heaven at Tacos La Gloria, Mami Coco, and Maskeras, each bringing their own unique spin on tacos. Finish the night with hang-crafted drinks at Almas Rotas, where Latin-inspired cocktails add the perfect end to your culinary adventure.

2 hours

2Latino Life, Latino Art

The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the best places to submerge yourself in Latino history. Located right in the middle of the Dallas Arts District, the DMA is a free museum full of an impressive collection of art from across the world. The Ancient American collection represents Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, Peru, and other countries. Take your time, walk around and uncover so many stories and traditions of so many of our neighbors to the south.

3 hours

3Late-Night Salsa

Cafe Salsera in Deep Ellum has become a must-visit for not only delicious food, but late-night dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Salsa dancing is extremely popular and you can watch everyone feeling the rhythm on the dance floor or if you're lucky, you might be able to take part in lessons to look like an expert yourself one day.

Check the schedule for Dallas’ light rail system DART and the free M-Line Trolley for convenient rides through the Downtown Dallas and surrounding areas.