5/5 Stars Everything about my dinner at El Carlos Elegante was exceptional. Rather than ordering à la carte, I chose the Elegante Experience, a four-course chef-curated tasting menu that concludes with dessert for $99 per person. The menu evolves with the seasons, allowing the kitchen to showcase its freshest ingredients and current specialties, so every visit has the potential to be a little different. For the quality of the ingredients, creativity, and execution, I thought it was an outstanding value. Every course was beautifully prepared and packed with flavor. Not a single dish felt like an afterthought. The house-made masa program and wood-fired cooking really shine throughout the meal, and it's easy to see why this restaurant has earned such a strong reputation. The service was prompt, attentive, and genuinely courteous without ever feeling rushed. The atmosphere strikes a rare balance, it feels refined while still being warm, familial, and incredibly inviting. If you're ordering a cocktail, I highly recommend the El Dragón. It paired perfectly with the meal and is worth trying. I've uploaded several photos with this review be sure to flip through them to get an idea of just how beautiful the presentation is. El Carlos Elegante is one of those restaurants that reminds you a tasting menu doesn't have to be intimidating or overpriced. It simply delivers outstanding food, excellent hospitality, and an experience that feels well worth the price. I'll definitely be back. read more

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I've been here twice. Everything we ordered was very good both times. During our first visit, I had the Caesar salad, which I declared at that time "the greatest Caesar salad I've ever tried." It was glorious and bountiful--there was ample dressing, cheese, and other ingredients I'm forgetting that made it unique. Unfortunately, during our second visit, the Caesar salad was significantly different. I think they used the same dressing, but there was very little of it. There was nearly no cheese and the other ingredients were similarly sparse. It was still good, but it in no way was the greatest I'd ever tried. I hope that this was a 1-off experience, as it truly was the best. I will report back next time. Service was great both times- they were very careful about my Cilantro request (none) and even though they gladly prepared dishes without it, they also made a list of things that already had none by default. Salmon ceviche, Pork al pastor, Carne asada, and the machete were also very good. The machete is a specialty- it had the house made masa and fillings can vary. read more

I was genuinely excited to bring my friend here for her birthday after such an incredible experience back in December. That visit checked every box -- the food, service, ambiance, and overall hospitality were all exceptional. What really stood out to me then was the attention to detail. I had casually mentioned that one of my cocktails wasn't quite my taste, and Harry personally reached out afterward to say they'd gladly adjust it next time. That kind of thoughtful follow-up leaves a lasting impression and is exactly the sort of hospitality that elevates a restaurant experience. Unfortunately, this recent visit felt like a completely different restaurant. We decided to do a combination of à la carte dishes along with the Experience menu after being told this version would feature entirely off-menu items, which genuinely intrigued us since Ihad also done the Experience previously. At the start of dinner, we were asked about allergies and dietary restrictions. I clearly explained that I have a mango allergy and do not eat beef. Our server then asked whether I ate other meats, and I clarified yes -- and even specifically mentioned that if the machete dish was beef, please still include it because my friend could enjoy it and I really wanted her to try it. He confirmed it would be the sirloin version, so we happily agreed not to modify that course. So imagine our surprise when one of the first dishes arrived dressed with a mango vinaigrette. Thankfully, we barely caught him quietly mentioning "mango" as he set it down. We immediately looked at each other thinking, "Didn't we just discuss the allergy?" It was disappointing, but unfortunately also representative of the overall service throughout the evening. Our server seemed disengaged, inattentive, and often not fully listening. Empty glasses sat untouched, opportunities to order additional items were missed, and at one point we were simply handed the check without even being asked if we wanted anything else. We also ordered a bottle of sparkling wine and ended up pouring it ourselves for most of the evening because our glasses were rarely refilled. I completely understand not leaving the bottle tableside if walkway space is limited, but repeatedly needing to get up ourselves to retrieve it felt out of sync with the level of service one expects from a Michelin-recommended restaurant -- especially at this price point. Then came the machete dish. Instead of the sirloin version we specifically discussed, we received the vegetarian potato version. When the server asked how it looked, I politely explained that we were disappointed because he had specifically told us it would be the sirloin preparation. At minimum, I would have expected another protein substitution given the earlier conversation about what I could eat. I'm also still unclear whether the Experience menu was truly "off-menu" as described, since several dishes -- including the halibut -- appeared familiar. Had that been communicated differently, we likely would have skipped the Experience altogether and simply curated our own meal. At the end of the night, spending over $500 while pouring our own wine, nearly being served an allergen we explicitly disclosed, and receiving dishes different from what was promised made for a deeply disappointing experience -- especially after such a phenomenal first visit. It honestly felt sad more than anything because I know how wonderful this restaurant can be. I'm not sure what changed in the last five months, but the difference was significant. read more

I thought the machete, surf and turf, and salmon ceviche were pretty good. Wasn't a fan of the pork al pastor and honestly prefer the al pastor from cheap taco food trucks. Also wasn't a big fan of their duck. The service was pretty good and the ambiance was nice like all of Duro's other restaurants. Overall, I think the food was just okay, but definitely a unique spot for Dallas. read more

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When you walk into El Carlos Elegante, the decor makes you feel like you are in Mexico City. The location is deceiving because you don't expect such a wonderful restaurant to be in the area. Our server, Mason, could not have been more helpful. He asked about our preferences and steered us to make perfect choices. The Coco Loco cocktail is a must. We started with yummy small bites called tetelita, brisket sope, and surf and turf. We shared a huge "machete" and added beets, and refried lentils to complete the meal. read more

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First time at El Carlos Elegante! We got the $99 per person Elegante Experience. This gave the opportunity to try various different dishes we would never think to order. I believe most of the dishes we had were not on their menu. It was a great experience with wonderful staff that took care of us. Only thing I would note is that the pacing of each course was a bit off. Some courses came out back to back while others took 20 minutes after we finished the previous dish. read more

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Moody lighting. Hand-pressed masa. Wood-fired everything. El Carlos Elegante delivers modern Mexican cuisine with depth, intention, and serious flavor. From the "one hitters" that wake up your palate to the mezcal-forward cocktails and flame-kissed mains, every dish feels thoughtful and layered. Service was excellent, our server recommended a tasting menu that did not disappoint and was very knowledgeable on every item. This is the kind of spot you book for a date night... and end up planning your next visit before dessert hits the table. read more

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This was my second visit, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Having dined in Mexico City several times, I came in with high expectations, especially given the restaurant's reputation for authentic Mexico City cuisine, and it delivered across the board. The cocktails are fantastic! I ordered the mezcal margarita, which was perfectly balanced. The menu is thoughtfully organized from smaller to larger plates, making it easy to build your meal. We started with the ceviche, followed by the Caesar salad, and then the machete (filled with cheese and meat) which was incredibly satisfying. Even though we were full, we couldn't pass up the flan for dessert, and it was worth it. We ordered à la carte, but they also offer a $99 chef's tasting menu, which feels like a great value and a solid option if you want a curated experience. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, with a home-style feel, and the service was attentive throughout. I'll definitely be back. read more

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Duro truly can't miss!! I'm a fan of every single Duro Hospitality restaurant I've ever been to, and El Carlos Elegante is no exception. The El Machete is a must get and the menu is full of very good mezcal drinks. There is valet and also some street parking available in the area. They also have matchbooks if you're a collector! read more

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Great ambiance, service, and food. Would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a Mexican restaurant. More authentic Mexican than Tex Mex. Luis was a great server and helped explain the menu in detail. Helped me make the right choices as I was only a party of one Ordered the following: Legit michaelada - very good mix. A lot of spicy salt on the rim. Gave me the leftover beer bottle to top off myself Octopus - excellent. The jimaca on top really added flavor El machete - quesadilla filled with cheese, veggies, pork belly, short rib and al pastor. 100% recommend and would def be good as a group appetizer Shoshito peppers and okra - honestly my favorite dish. So much depth and complexity. Everything worked well together Received a complimentary app as I was seated. Just veggies in hot sauce but still appreciated! The whole menu was reasonably priced from my perspective. Will be back A little cold in there, so bring a jacket read more

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Dallas has a lot of restaurants where you have to make a compromise. Either you get good food in a 'hole in the wall' atmosphere, or you get a gorgeous spot with subpar food. I'm so happy that I didn't have to compromise at El Carlos Elegante! I recommend the Elegante Experience for your first visit. Each dish wowed me, but the beef cheek tacos were incredible. I'll probably sit at the bar again when I return. Katie and Devonte made my night! read more

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Came in on a whim on a Friday night around 9pm with no reservation. We were instantly taken aback by the ambiance here. My wife and I agreed it felt like we were back in Mexico City. Chris our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. He took his time walking us through the menu and explaining what made El Carlos Elegante so special. The drinks were perfect. My wife loved her Desert Flor while I thoroughly enjoyed my Modelo Micheleda. Her Surf and Turf one hitter was exceptional. I have to say my Crab Cake was just ok. It tasted a little pasty and very heavy on the bread. The Pulpo was absolutely amazing. Perfect texture and the sauce it was served almost had me licking the plate. The El Machete was incredible from its presentation, to the freshness of the corn tortilla, to the quality of the meat inside. Definitely recommend this. We really liked our Okra + Shishito course, we just wished it had more okra in it. The two things I loved about the Al Pastor was of course the sauce it was served on but the fact that I got to enjoy it like a steak. It was served sliced on a bias like flank steak. Typically Al Pastor is finely chopped and served in tacos and burritos, so this was a different eating experience for me. And of course it was delicious as well. We cannot wait to come back and try more of the menu. read more

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We did The Elegante Experience, which is their 5-course chef-curated tasting menu, and it's served family-style -- so if one person at the table orders it, everyone at the table has to do the Elegante Experience. Honestly, it was a hit across the board. The first four courses were phenomenal -- every dish was flavorful, creative, and well-executed. The portion sizes were solid too, and we all left full and satisfied. Our absolute favorites were the machete and the steak one hitter -- both were next-level and easily the standouts of the night. The only course that didn't wow us as much was the dessert (5th course) -- it was fine, just our least favorite compared to how amazing the first four courses were. On top of the food, the service was really good and our server was super friendly and attentive, which made the whole experience even better. Overall, this is such a great way to experience a variety of their menu in one sitting. Perfect for groups or for a first visit. We'll definitely be back to try their à la carte menu. read more

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Trendy, upscale Mexican spot! Wonderful drinks and vegetarian options! I'm obsessed with the interior of El Carlos! It's dimly lit and moody -- perfect for date night!! Our server was very friendly and helped walk us through the menu as vegetarians. One issue is that we ordered a dish and never received it, but I saw a few days later that we were charged for it. We ordered a variety of vegetable dishes, but my personal favorite was the Broccolini! The carrot sauce was out of this world. They also offered us a potato masa dish that's off-menu and that was incredible! Perfectly tasty and filling! Definitely a must-order! read more

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Our first dining experience at El Carlos Elegante was fantastic! I had my bff call to push our booking back because I had marathon tummy and knew I wouldn't be able to stomach dinner as early as I thought I could. They had no issue pushing us back a couple of hours which was really appreciated. We arrived and were immediately shown to our table. I loved the dining room, really vibey, felt excellent after the morning I'd had. I'd be lying if I said I knew it was Mexico City inspired or whatnot but I love me some CDMX and immediately knew I'd probably picked another great spot for us. I was going to skip an adult bevvie, but quickly decided you know what I deserve a drink! I ordered the Coco Loco and it was exquisite. The perfect cocktail for the evening, a delicate dance of coconut, lime and nutmeg. It paired beautifully with dinner and I nursed it through each course of the evening. We were pretty hungry when we arrived and made some quick decisions as everything sounded tasty. We started with two one biters, which are actually 2-3 bites if you ask me. The crab cake and brisket - both delish. My bff isn't into seafood the way I am, but the charred octopus was not going to go unordered under my watch. He actually was quite surprised and liked it. It's so yummy! A must. The Tijuana Caesar is delish and massive. Another must! Ours came out alongside the El Machete (quesadilla with pork belly and short rib) unreal, this pairing was seriously chefs kiss!!!! You have to order the El Machete. At this point we should have been done. We were stuffed, but we'd also ordered the beets and Pork Al Pastor. The beets were soooo scrumptious. I love beets, I'd asked in advance if they were gold or red and they are both. A love letter to my taste buds. I thought I'd tap out and not dare touch the pork dish because I had zero room for it, but I still dabbled because I just had to taste it. Very yummy! As much as I would have loved a dessert cocktail, it was impossible. I can't wait to return, but I'll surely need to pace my next visit. This is such a fabulous spot. Service was outstanding from start to finish. I love when different folks bring different dishes because I love seeing and hearing everyone's take on the dishes and getting to take in different personalities. It really showcases a spots staff and gives everyone a chance to shine, while greeting diners throughout the evening. Always a nice touch! I kept saying I must get back to Mexico City but just as much as I need to get back there, I need my next booking here. Solid 5 STARS from start to finish, with every single interaction with staff to each bite devoured. Quite possibly taking a spot as one of my top fav dinners in Dallas! Truly Elegante. read more

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Firstly, the entrance is a little tricky. Go around the backside of the building. The door facing the main road leads to a bar, where I suspect the dudes kindly ask, "Are you looking for the restaurant?" 5-10 times a day. Now, more importantly, the food: Think of the most stylish person you know in real life who isn't dripping money. Think of the ways they layer patterns, textures, and colors together to make coherent outfits you never would have dared piecing together. That's what every single dish at El Carlos is like. From the bite-sized brisket to the delicately decked desserts, you'll find a citrusy surprise or a sneaky sweetness that works wildly well together. The wait staff was impeccable in helping us first-timers order, with an eye on allergies. The water was constantly filled and the empty plates were unobtrusively cleared. We could not have asked for a better experience, with the exception of the lighting (and the entrance). Surely the craftsmen behind this Dallas diamond can figure out a way to maintain the "elegante" hole-in-the-wall mood without forcing its guests back to the days of reading by candlelight. Still, we want to come back and would recommend El Carlos to anyone looking for real Mexican food. read more

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We popped in here purely because it was next to the bar we were at and somehow it turned into the best restaurant surprise ever. One of those accidental wins you wish you could recreate. The ambience was romantic and dark in the best way, perfect for a cozy date night vibe. The plates are designed to be shared which made the experience feel intentional and fun. Everything we tasted was thoughtfully curated, packed with flavor, and cooked to absolute perfection. Not a single miss. The servers were genuinely sweet and attentive, and the hostess was amazing. She got us in without a reservation as long as we could leave by a certain time which worked perfectly since we were planning to keep it quick anyway. It honestly couldn't have worked out better. I believe this place was voted for Michelin consideration. read more

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Fantastic restaurant with friendly staff, good music/playlist, and amazing food. We started with the surf & turf/crab cake one hitters, which were delicious. The Caesar was great with a little spice and we asked for extra dressing because it was that good. The machete is so flavorful and the carne asada was cooked to perfection and truly melted in your mouth. It's very busy so make sure you get a reservation, it's worth it! read more

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Food was delicious! My favorite was the pork al pastor with pineapple butter. The salmon ceviche with salsa macha was also perfect. Love the vibe and decorations of the restaurant, very cool chill. Service was good; however, I was a little disappointed they didn't offer anything special when we were celebrating a birthday. read more

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The staff was friendly, the paintings of the generations of the owner created a vibe of upholding legacy and the theme of the place reflected that. The spicy margarita was custom made and tasted good - likewise for the coco loco drink. The appetizers were quite small but yummy. The order of delicious (they were all quite differently and marginally more delicious) 1) brisket - most flavor (who doesn't love a brisket?) 2) surf + turf - unexpectedly spicy but in a great way 3) crab cake - normal crab cake Desserts: Mexican chocolate - a nice heavier than mousse texture which was complimented by a crunchy chip to help dip. Imo the chip was a little too hard and should not be a dip but rather multiple pieces throughout, or the mousse should be a little lighter for the chip to dip Bunuelo - aesthetically pleasing with a cool web shape with ice cream and berry compote sandwiches inside. The berry compote was a little salty - I suggest this sprinkled on the ice cream instead of infused with the berry, or less salt in the berry The best menu item was the pork al pastor - pineapple butter worked fantastic with the Berkshire secret sauce and al pastor. read more

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Duro Hospitality never misses! Everything was excellent, from the service to the food to the vibes. Duro concepts are typically shared plates, which worked great for our party of six. Will be back! read more

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Second visit: Luis sold us on the Elegante Experience and it did NOT disappoint. Truly a fabulous experience and a flavor journey. They change the experience menu items every 3-4 months and we'll absolutely try it again. For $99 a person it is welllllll worth it!! First visit: Enjoyed an evening here with colleagues. The server was fabulous and the food was dynamite! Actually, trying to get a reservation for tonight The whole vibe inside is warm and cozy but chic and elevated! Check out the photos for all of our shareable dishes! read more

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We've had Carlos Elegante on our list for a while and finally made it happen for my mother-in-law's birthday. Definitely worth the wait. The vibe is modern authentic Mexican--elevated but still warm and inviting. It feels like a place that knows exactly what it's doing. We went with the Elegante Experience, their chef's tasting menu. It includes some of their best dishes plus a few off-menu surprises, which made it even more fun. Every course was phenomenal--creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. My only regret was not bringing a notepad to remember all the details because each dish had so many layers. For drinks, everyone tried something different and the table was happy all around. I had a Carajillo, which can be hit or miss in Dallas, but they nailed it--perfectly balanced and worth coming back for on its own. The one hitters (their bite-sized starters) started things off strong, and from there it only got better. The wagyu steak was outstanding, and the machete--basically an oversized quesadilla sliced table-side--was a crowd favorite. The steak frites stood out too, especially with our server's tip to wrap everything in a fresh tortilla for a taco. That move took it to another level. Dessert was just as impressive. I'm not a key lime person, but their take on it completely won me over--bright, smooth, and perfectly balanced. It's easy to see why Carlos Elegante is in the Michelin Guide, and honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they earn a star one day. This was our first visit to a Duro Group restaurant, and now their other spots have jumped straight to the top of our date night list. Pro tip: Go with the Elegante Experience if it's your first time--it's the best way to experience what makes this place special. Come hungry, and you'll leave happy. read more

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We came on a Friday evening and it was easy to find street parking nearby but if you want to valet, it's right in front of the restaurant. This place has vibes but it also means lighting is on the dim side and while we sat in the sort of courtyard-like area outside of the main dining area, it was still pretty loud. Service was fantastic and on par with what we were expecting. We were celebrating my birthday and it was genuinely acknowledged by our server and they were kind enough to throw in a dessert we didn't order but had been wrestling over. The manager and our server brought out the desserts with candles and also offered to take a picture for us. Our server was attentive enough without constantly interrupting and runners explained every dish and made recommendations on how it should be eaten. We only tried one drink (Tio Rosso) and it's kind of a mix between a margarita and a paloma. It wasn't my favorite and it could have been stronger. The food was great! We tried one of each of the one hitters. Our favorite was the surf + turf and the crab cake. We wouldn't have naturally ordered the garbanzo sope but were pleasantly surprised. We also tried the salmon ceviche (which definitely has a kick to it) as well as the charred octopus (the jicama is a nice touch for texture but we would have preferred the octopus to have a bit more chew to it). One of the highlights was the beets - get them, you won't regret it. We also tried el machete which was really hearty. For dessert, we tried mexican chocolate...a little too dense and not enough texture difference for our taste BUT we also tried the bunuelo which we really liked. read more

We had such a great experience last night at El Carlos Elegante. Our server gave recommendations and seemed knowledgeable about the menu however many of the dishes we were excited about were sold out. If you are sure you're going to sell out of the halibut on Saturday, why not have an amount reserved for Sundays guests? That was frustrating. We ordered a few of the one hitters, the brisket, surf and turf, and the garbanzo sopa. They were all incredible and honestly the highlight of our experience. Next we had the okra + shishitos and the squash Tetela which both had a great combination of flavors and textures but be careful for the few shishitos with a kick and the squash was a bit spicy too! For our main dish we shared the Whole Fish which was a redfish butterflied with a red and green sauce on either side. I loved the flavors of the sauces but wow there was an after kick to the green spice! For dessert we had the key lime pie which was insanely good. I might have dreams about this dish it was so good and so interesting. The guava foam was a delicious surprise! My one complaint was that our waiter didn't seem to know a ton about the drinks and wines. He did end up giving us a good recommendation for a light white wine, but the cocktails he didn't explain very well and the recommendations were less than stellar. I specifically wanted something that wasn't tequila based and he recommended one of the margaritas which is what lead me to the wine. read more

El Carlos Elegante - One hitters - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Pro-tip: Make a reservation. With recent increase in popularity due to michelin-recommendation, it will be best to make a reservation. All staff, from host, to front of house (including bartenders and manager) and to back of house, it's clear that they want you to enjoy your visit. While the neighborhood, itself, may not be theoat inviting, El Carlos does a great job transforming the ambiance into a welcoming bohemian escape. The small bites are literally single bites of a burst of flavor - try the surf and turf and the crab cake. Personally, I was intrigued by the Masa dishes since the corn is directly from Mexico and ground in house. The Duck Confit Tlacoyo with a cherry mole was delectable and I enjoyed the leftovers with some breakfast eggs two days later. Finally, while their cocktails are claimed to be exquisite, I stuck with no alcohol and enjoyed the chocolate dessert. I didn't love the cherry cookie, but the pot de creme literally melted in my mouth and I could let even the slightest bit go to waste. Enjoy! read more

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El Carlos is always one of my favorite spots in town! The dishes are always super flavorful, the textures on point, the proteins done well. Exceptional service as always read more

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Came on a friday night and got the tasting menu. When I tell you we left ROLLING out of there WITH leftovers I'm serious. The tasting menu is nice because portions are so generous but you get a bit of everything. My partner didn't eat beef so they curated the menu for her to alter the items that included steak while I was still able to enjoy it which was awesome. A few dishes on there I would personally remove but thats how all tasting menus are, a bunch if flavors that may not sit 100% with everyone. The standouts were the masa dishes and the meats, done SO well. Would recommend this place to everyone and if you can only snag a 9:30pm reservation- TAKE IT! It's worth it read more

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Michelin nominated for a reason, we realized why quickly after our 1st of 5 courses. The one hitters were amazing and quite possibly my favorite menu item. We tried the brisket and crab. The brisket was soft and tender. The crunchy house made blue corn tortilla added a great crunch on the bottom. And who doesn't like a hint of queso fresco? The salmon ceviche was a unique dish. Tender, sushi-grade salmon in a circle, with a spicy peanut butter sauce in the middle. It was delicious. The unique sauces which accompanied each dish was tasteful. No detail left untapped. The machete. Most popular item on the menu per our waiter was delicious as well. Loved the fact that we were able to eat more of that juicy brisket. I am a mole lover. And the mole that was underwear the chicken dish was right up there with the best I've had. Not sweet or spicy, but it was the multiple combination of complex spices and ingredients were evident. A side of broccolini was needed, as everyone could benefit from a little fiber during a meal like this. The carrot sauce and smothering bok choy was delicious. Everything was delicious. The ambiance was dark and vibey. It came highly recommended and lived up to the hype. read more

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After hearing many great things about El Carlos Elegante, we finally made it over there. The atmosphere inside is really nice and well thought out. It is moody and upscale but still approachable and perfect for a date night. We enjoyed the El Carlitos margarita and thought the hickory salt was an interesting but solid add. We started off with the surf and turf & crab cake one bite starters. Both were excellent but the crab cake was our favorite. We then got the salmon ceviche and chorizo molotes. Both were also very good and I found there were many interesting flavor layers within both but especially the molotes. The portions overall here are on the smaller and more expensive side but I still found it worth coming here and enjoyed the experience. read more

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First timer and I'll be coming back! If you are wanting a special date night or outing with friends, this is a great spot to come close to downtown Dallas. Flavorful food, service is great and the environment makes this place one you want to visit! read more

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Small busy restaurant with very attentive staff and great lighting/music for a date night. The one hitters were amazing, especially the surf and turf. The charred octopus was spicy, delicious and the highlight of the meal. Of the masa options, the duck confit mole was ok, on the more sweet side, and the machete was a more typical quesadilla although the pork belly inside was super fatty and delicious. read more

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Amazing experience at El Carlos Elegante, we can't wait to come back! My husband and I love The Charles and Mister Charles, so we were very excited to try this place too! A very elevated experience all-around, and we loved the beautiful interior of the restaurant as you walk in. All the food we had was delicious, fresh, and flavorful. Their limonada was very tasty, and they have a great wine selection, as well as tequilas. Our waiter, Pete, made us feel so welcomed and was so kind throughout our entire dinner, he really made the night special for us. We can't wait to bring back more family and friends to this great place! read more

El Carlos Elegante - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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The food here is so good and the service is amazing as well. I also love the interiors of this place. The lighting is ambient and very cozy which makes the setting feel more intimate. I also love the decorations that they have up. I was able to try several items because I came with a large group and none if it disappointed. We started with the crab claws which was little bit on the salty side, but it paired well with the refreshing mojo verde. We also had the tijuana caesar salad which had bits of bacon in it. For vegetables we had the beets and the broccolini. The beets were nice and soft and almost creamy even. The broccolini came with some bok choy and was surprisingly tart. The corn nuts that came with it provided nice texture and was airy, but crunchy. For entrees we had: - el machete: Super filling and a little spicy. Great finger food. - tamarind halibut: the fish was flaky and tender, and went well with the rice on the side. The sauce was not too sweet or too sour, went very well with the buttery fish. - carne asada: the meat was very tender and nicely charred. The tortillas were warm and all the inclusions were all delicious. - duck confit: the outside was crispy while the inside was meaty. It paired well with the mole and was refreshing with the oranges. Definitely a favorite of mine. For dessert: - mexican chocolate: this was a crowd favorite. The chocolate was smooth and creamy and paired nicely with the lightly crisp wafer. - key lime: an interesting take on a key lime pie with guava. It was very tart, but still smooth and creamy with a nice shortbread. read more

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Foodie Alert! I recently had the opportunity to experience El Carlos Elegant, and let me tell you it was an experience! The bold flavors, stunning ambiance, and A1 service made us feel like we were in VIP. This place is perfect with birthdays or a date night out. APPS: - OKRA + SHISHITOS - pistachio salsa macha, hoja santa. - DUCK CONFIT TLACOYO - It's rich and savory, with cherry mole, orange ENTREE: - CARNE ASADA - A charred, tender meat bursting with flavor- chayote salad, molcajete style salsa DRINKS: - LEGIT MICHELADA - TIO ROSSO - Townes Vodka with grapefruit soda and Rosemary read more

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Ate there with 2 girlfriends for a birthday dinner. It was extremely disappointing. The food was mediocre, the waiter was rude and we were told we had to leave by 8 pm because they were having a wedding which was never disclosed when we made the reservation. As we were stuck at a very dark table in the back of the restaurant, they were moving chairs out for the wedding. They must have a great pr company because they get great reviews. All three of us will never go there again. read more

Not exactly what we were expecting but still a wonderful dining experience. The service was amazing and the menu was a culinary feast of tastes, textures, and features. A true dining experience that we stumbled on while in town on business. The adage, don't judge a book by its cover, is strong here. The outside of the building is a bit off putting. We shared the three larger items we ordered. The one hitters are just that, a bite that can't be split unless you have a microscope. I am kidding, they are a little bigger than that and pack a lot flavor. read more

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I visited my sister and she took us here for a nice night out. The place looks great. Loved the vibe and music. Service was excellent. My favorite bite of the night was the brisket - it was so juicy and tender. Too bad it's so small but worthy. I also liked the salmon ceviche - a little spicy but super fresh. We got the broccolini which I loved as they were paired with figs and peanuts. The chicken mole was fantastic - super rich and decadent. I know they are famous for "el machete" however even though I liked it I think I enjoyed the rest of our food choices more. For dessert we had Mexican chocolate and I loved it, it was so dense and rich without being overwhelmingly sweet. I would definitely come back. It's a great spot for date night too. read more

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Great service and very helpful for helping what to order. Drinks were delicious so was food.

Interesting vibe with old school Latin feel- menu was creative and delicious. Service was a bit strange- friendly at first but then a little blunt and short with us as the night rolled on- All of our menu choices were beautiful- tasty flavors. Cozy and intimate- real tight seating, but kind of romantic and dreamy. They offer some sort of jicama and dip station as a palate cleanser but a little small to share. The salad was really out of this world- my favorite. Kidos to the chef and crew for creative and delicious dishes. Pricey- portions are meant to share- We were celebrating a birthday, some mix up with desserts but they rectified the situation. Good food for sure. read more

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