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    El Fenix

    3.5 (151 reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Tex-Mex
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order El Fenix Takeout or Delivery

    El Fenix Photos

    EL FENIX ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - El Fenix

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    Monica U.

    Classic Tex-Mex restaurant and local institution. Decor is kitschy in the best way, and the mariachi playlist is pure nostalgia! We were greeted with friendly waitstaff, delicious chips, and a tasty (though very mild) salsa. I also asked for a spicier salsa and loved the salsa verde provided. The chips are really amazing! I could have eaten 4 baskets, but I had to save room for my combination plate! The menu has standard Tex-Mex offerings. The beef puffy taco was great -- crispy shell and nicely seasoned beef-- rounding out my combination with the beef enchilada and rice and beans, I was in Tex-Mex heaven! Our food came out super fast and was freshly made. We finished with sopapillas for dessert and left with full bellies and happy hearts!

    rolled up plastic adhesive in my soup

    Ordered some soups for pick up. I noticed something that looked burnt. Took it out and determined it was a dark blue, rolled up plastic adhesive that I guess El Fenix decided to use as an ingredient today.

    Enchiladas
    Tiffany W.

    Stopped in for a quick lunch with colleagues, the service was quick and friendly. Jazmin was excellent! The menu has plenty of options but nothing really stood out. The portions were fairly large, not one person finished their food at the table but we all left full. I mostly pushed my food around my plate as I didn't care for it but I wasn't terribly hungry to begin with. The chicken enchiladas were bland, the price was reasonable and they did serve coke products. I was pleasantly surprised she brought us to go cups for our drinks, I don't get that often in Colorado. If I came back it might be for a margarita but I doubt this spot would be my first choice. El Fenix is a well-known Mexican restaurant chain located in Dallas, Texas. The original restaurant was founded in 1918 by Miguel Martinez and is said to be the birthplace of Tex-Mex cuisine, the decor felt authentic and lively.

    Kathy B.

    Stopped by for lunch the food was good service was horrible I asked for more chips and never received any so I left

    Three Pan-Seared Fish Tacos
    Ludovica F.

    Delicious Tex Mex at a reasonable price!!! The fish tacos were extremely tasty and the Tilapia was also amazing!! The service was also fast and efficient and made the whole meal even better!! Highly recommend their margaritas as well!

    Kathy X.

    This Tex Mex restaurant is near the Dallas Arboretum, so my friend and I stopped by for lunch before exploring the botanical garden. The interior is airy and spacious, fancy in a casual way, and quite busy. We were seated immediately in booth seating, and served complimentary chips and salsa. These were absolutely delicious and very addicting. The chips were thin, crunchy, just the right amount of saltiness and the salsa had a nice tang to it. I was having a hard time deciding which meal to order. I was tempted by the Fajitas, but finally selected an entrée from the Martinez Family Favorites section of the menu. I initially went for the El Fenix Dinner, but right after, I noticed a photo of the newest edition: El Jefe, and thankfully was able to change my order in time. El Jefe included cheese enchilada with chili con carne, chicken, and cheese, as well as a tamale, along with Mexican rice and beef hard taco. The Mexican rice was cooked well, and was pretty tasty, but the taco was pretty basic. The beef was just okay, but not that flavorful. I enjoyed the enchiladas with meat inside. The chicken filling was well seasoned and tender, while the chili con carne was flavorful and juicy. I also enjoyed the tamale, which was the perfect soft, yet firm consistency and the sauce was really yummy with it. The cheese-based enchilada was not very good though. The cheese tasted way too fake to me. Service was mediocre. When done eating, we had to wait awhile for the waitress to come back so we could ask for the check. Then, I asked for change and it seemed like the waitress didn't understand me well. She let me know that I had to pay in front. The prices were reasonable and portion sizes were generous. I would consider coming back, but wouldn't go out of my way to do so.

    Ray F.

    A Kiwi, an Aggie and 2 Texans walked into a bar...Well, actually it was a landmark popular Dallas TexMex restaurant with a bar! Sunday at lunch and the place was happening! Plenty of parking and the magical staff had us a table quickly! Their signature chips and salsa were on the table as fast as our drinks! Frozen Margaritas and iced teas. This Aggie was a double fisted drinker having one of each! Our orders were placed and as we chuckled and devoured chips and dips, and soon the crew arrived with lots of hot plates covered in classic Dallas TexMex that 2 of us grew up eating. The other 2 adapted to it quickly! There were shrimp fajitas, chimichanga, chili relleno and a Santa Fe Salad (yes, I'm trying to be healthy-ish). All was totally great! Even my salad. Service was super great and drinks were kept filled, less the Margaritas... On the way out, had to grab the traditional pecan pralines!

    Chicken Fajita Chicken Enchilada Plate

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    2 months ago

    Very good food we go to one on buckner my friend vicente rangel works there as a baetender good people very nice

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    8 months ago

    Bring back the original chips! Food was okay but wait staff are not cordial or welcoming. Had to ask for more salsa and drinks.

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

    been going here for years. decades. but now every time i order take out you forget something! act like you care and do better!

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    1 year ago

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    5 years ago

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    Sofia M.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Yummy spot! Tasty enchiladas and drinks. Staff are efficient and the atmosphere is good.

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food is always consistent, the service has always been acceptable, the ambiance is very cultural.

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    2 years ago

    Tasty food , fast service , ordered a complicated order but service was on point , and was a nice environment

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    3 years ago

    Best sweet tea ever, good chips, good service, I know my body's going to reject other foods

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    10 years ago

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    Page 1 of 4

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    E Bar Tex-Mex

    E Bar Tex-Mex

    4.2
    (1k reviews)
    5.4 mi
    $$

    I've lived in Dallas for ten years, and I've never visited E-bar. I'm from ATX and the drinks…read moreremind me of Baby A's (IYKYK)! They were so cold, strong, and smooth. E-bar might have just won the spot for the best TexMex chile relleno in my book (I was a die hard Chuy's fan before they quit selling them). The beans clearly have the pork grease (yum) and the rice was delicious. Even though the place was packed, we were told it'd be a 30ish minute wait, we were seated in less than 20 minutes. Our server came out quickly, brought us drinks, so attentive! We'll definitely return! What a fun little spot!

    Good food and great vibes! I visited with a group of three to enjoy dinner and watch a soccer game…read more Although it was quite busy, the wait time is very reasonable. The staff and other patrons were all enjoying the game together--there's definitely a good community that comes to this restaurant regularly. As for the food, the portions are GENEROUS. Each guest gets their own dipping bowl of chips and salsa. We shared an appetizer and two meals, and still had plenty of leftovers. I highly recommend the fajita nachos, which come loaded with toppings. Their drinks are also very strong, so plan accordingly! With all the fun and food, I accidentally left my wallet and did not realize until the next day. The staff held the wallet in their lost and found, made sure to ask verifying questions, and asked me to confirm if all my belongings were still in the wallet before leaving. For this exceptional service, food, and vibes, I highly recommend.

    Photos
    E Bar Tex-Mex
    E Bar Tex-Mex
    Happy place! I think this is my twentieth time here!

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    Happy place! I think this is my twentieth time here!
    Mia's Tex-Mex Restaurant

    Mia's Tex-Mex Restaurant

    4.1
    (1k reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$

    It had been several decades since my last visit to Mia's Tex-Mex, and since my wife and I were in…read morethe area, we decided to stop in. Wow--things have definitely changed! I remember when they were located further down Lemmon Avenue in a much smaller space. They've since moved uptown, and the new digs are beautiful and very inviting. After we were seated, our server, Ruben, greeted us with a warm smile. We were especially excited since we arrived just in time to catch their lunch specials--and there are plenty of great ones to choose from. We started with a couple of frozen margaritas and a cup of queso while browsing the menu. The margaritas were spot-on--not wimpy at all, with just the right kick. And the queso? Absolutely outstanding--some of the best we've had in a long time. The salsa was excellent as well. My wife chose the lunch-sized chicken quesadillas, while I went with the #7 lunch special, which included a cheese taco, a chicken enchilada, and a beef enchilada topped with chili con carne. Our meals arrived after a short wait, and everything exceeded expectations. My wife was thrilled with the portion size--it was just right--and she was all smiles after her first bite. The chicken fajita meat was tender, flavorful, and perfectly marinated. My lunch special hit the spot and delivered exactly what I was craving. We had a fantastic experience at Mia's Tex-Mex. Ruben took excellent care of us throughout our visit, and we'll definitely be back again soon!

    Best camarones a la diabla I have ever had. Plus, amazingly well cooked and seasoned white rice and…read morevegetables - which would normally be a throwaway anywhere else. AND, the server heated up fresh tortillas for me when I asked him for some on the side. SO. Good. White queso was perfect. Brisket tacos were fantastic; I didn't get them this recent visit but I've had them numerous times when I took out-of-towners here. Chips and salsa are also top notch. Service could not have been better. Portions are generous. I will come back here again when I am in the area.

    Photos
    Insaide
    Insaide
    The best chicken tortilla soup!
    The best chicken tortilla soup!
    March 28, 2022 Menu

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    March 28, 2022 Menu
    Doce Mesas

    Doce Mesas

    4.0
    (563 reviews)
    5.2 mi
    $$

    The food here was great! But the service here was bizarre to say the least. We had actually booked…read morea reservation at another Doce Mesas location, but I did't know there was another location. So thinking we showed up for our reservation, this location says they don't take reservations. They stop at is anyway, which was nice. We were seated on the porch, and here's where things got weird. We ordered our drinks and when the drinks were delivered, we said we were ready to order, and the waitress, hesitated and then said she would be back. Kinda strange, but eventually we had our order taken. I ordered a mango agua fresca which was pretty good. The complementary chips and salsas were also really good. For an entree I had the Tempura Fried Fish Tacos. These were very good and the coleslaw served with them was very good- crunch and bright. Overall the food here is pretty solid. The service was a bit off, but not a deal breaker, just be prepared to wait a while to have your order taken.

    I justttttt could not love this place more. Mezcal margs, chips and various dips, and banging…read moreshrimp tacos. The service is so polite as well. What more could a girl want? I would like to mention that they nickel and dime you pretty hard. There's a split plate fee and they voluntarily brought out veggies for my GF friends when they inquired if they could eat the chips, but they ended up charging us $6 for it. Not the end of the world, but good to note!

    Photos
    Bright, Cozy & Relaxing Ambience at lunchtime! (December, 2022)
    Bright, Cozy & Relaxing Ambience at lunchtime! (December, 2022)
    Mole Enchiladas
    Mole Enchiladas
    The perfect drink

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    The perfect drink
    Uno Mas

    Uno Mas

    4.5
    (501 reviews)
    6.7 mi
    $$

    I was surprised to see the place so packed on the 4th of July--apparently nothing says…read more"independence" like Tex-Mex, beer, and possibly the World Cup. I came in mainly to watch the game and have a few beers, but the service was so good you'd think I had ordered the entire menu instead of just casually committing crimes against the free chips and salsa. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and made me feel very welcome. Honestly, if they treat a guy this well for drinking beer and demolishing complimentary chips, I can only imagine what happens if you actually order food. Definitely made me want to come back hungry. PS- my server was Anthony

    I really wanted to like Uno Mas, but it was an uphill battle. We dined here for brunch on a Sunday…read moreand they were moderately busy. The restaurant seemed warm and inviting with all the natural light, but as the meal progressed, there were quite a few misses that degraded the overall experience here. First, they didn't really have much in the way of non-alcoholic drinks except for sodas, which I typically don't drink. I wanted a flavored lemonade or an agua fresca. The waiter said they had lemonade and they could add some mango flavoring, but when I go the drink, it was terrible. It was like a Countrytime or something to that effect. I couldn't taste the mango flavoring. The waiter was kind enough to offer to remake the drink when he realized I didn't like it, but it was the same again, so I gave up. It just tasted so artificial and gross. For my entree, I ordered an enchilada plate with scrambled eggs and potatoes. The first time it came out wrong. It was beef enchiladas and not the cheese that was listed on the menu. Then they brought out my plate again and it was now covered in queso. According to the menu, it was a cheese enchilada with chili con carne, but I didn't want to raise the issue. I was really hungry at this point and just accepted it. The food was okay...2 1/2 or 3 star territory. The restaurant itself was pretty cool. I like the location and the abundance of natural light, but the miscommunications with the kitchen and the generic lemonade drink exposed some real opportunities here.

    Photos
    Uno Mas
    Wow shrimp tacos with black beans
    Wow shrimp tacos with black beans
    Inside signage

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    Inside signage

    El Fenix - mexican - Updated August 2026

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