Been here twice now and only had the enchiladas. They were so good the first time I got them again. I first ordered the Tulum, second time the Cancun. I've had a cheese with chili con carne, soft cheese taco and chicken and sour cream sauce...ALL DELICIOUS! If you go, get the queso and add taco meat, don't order it spicy unless you can handle heat, it's SPICY! Chips and Salsa are also great. My only disappointment is living 45 minutes away on a good day. read more

Rafa's Cafe Mexicano - Cancun - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

A local favorite with great service and even better food. Good pricing, plenty of options and servings are a good size. Parking can be tricky during busy hours but it's worth it. The wings are sooooo good! read more

See all

I've been going to Rafa's for years and it WAS one of the better Tex-Mex restaurants in Dallas. Nothing fancy, just simple, authentic Tex-Mex. We were on that side of the Metroplex today and decided to give it a go. Ordered my old standby, Soft Cheese Taco Dinner, which is cheese enchiladas with queso instead of chili con carne. Instead of the filling being good, sharp cheddar cheese, it was processed cheese. You know, the stuff you get on ballpark nachos at a baseball or football game that comes in 55 gallon barrels. They were practically inedible. So disappointing! read more

Great food and service! After having eaten here many times, only negative comment is, regardless of the server, getting the check for a large party is numbingly slow. It can be another 45 minutes after the meal just to get the check. Otherwise, excellent! read more

Yum! I love how thin the chips are and they're warm. The salsa is thin and moderately spicy. We ordered quest and added beef and "spice". The spice was a mix of diced spicy pickled veggies. It ramped up the queso perfectly. I order the southwest veggies quesadilla. Soon good. read more

Amazing chicken enchiladas! The skinny marg was the best I've ever had............................................

Food is great! Only complaint are the Chips. Usually VERY salty and VERY greasy. We honestly would eat here more often if they were better.

Great spot with super friendly service. Really enjoyed the food - we had guacamole, crispy tacos and tortilla soup. All of it was very good and drinks were incredible. Will definitely be back read more

Always good food! It's not 5 star, but it's a great hangover meal and afternoon nap. Drinks are pricey,get the fried tacos and splurge on the queso. read more

Great little spot! Nice hospitality and the Rita's were on point! Server was very friendly. I will definitely be back. The tomatillo sauce was really good and I would recommend the spicy queso as well :) I had the sour cream enchilada and a a beef with the verde sauce. Amazing read more

See all

I have been a life long customer of Rafa's but tonight, Saturday night, was a disaster! There was a group of 8 to 10 men in the bar which is where I prefer to sit. They were yelling at each other, clapping their hands over their heads, and chanting to the game on TV. We asked our waiter to be moved away from them and moved about 10 feet away. But it did not help. we could not hear. The bartender said there was nothing he could do because some of the men were owners. If that is how the owners respect the paying customers, I will NEVER be back. Worst dining experience of my entire life! read more

Beef tacos with rice and beans were very good. Sour cream chicken enchilada served on a screaming hot plate, but the enchilada itself was tepid at best. read more

Rafa's Cafe Mexicano - Beef tacos with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

See all

It was our first first and probably our last, location was not busy but our service was off. Waiter looked upset to be waiting on us and hardly came by we had to ask the busboy for appetizers/order. Food was good though. I've never had Yelp give me a 20% coupon and it did for this location I showed it to waiter and he showed to manager or owner and came back and told us they so not honor which is okay I was ok without since we didn't expect it. But after the bad service the fact we couldn't use coupon just made the experience worse. My kids loved the food. Salsa was on point too and you could draw on the tables that was neat. *Parking is bad. We had to park across the street. I forgot to take pics of our entrees but portions were big. read more

See all

Food was good and enjoyable however parking is a total nightmare, not even sure how this place stays open with the terrible parking. Also, one side of the restaurant is light and airy, remodeled and looked nice but they sat us on the other side which was dark, dreary and old, that was a disappointment. Our waiter was also always in a huge hurry and we felt rushed. Again, the food was very good and would return for the awesome enchiladas, but I would ask to not sit on the dark bar side. read more

Rafa's Cafe Mexicano - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

The best of the best! 20 years and counting enjoying this neighborhood Gem! And Joe is the GOAT!

This place is really cool. Two totally separate feelings of this restaurant since there is a solid divide between the restaurant and the bar. I have never been seated in the restaurant part, but you have to pass through it to go to the restrooms. It's bright, quiet and very restauranty. The bar area is the opposite. Dark, colorful with all of the music artist portraits, loud and also cozy. Could easily spend a while here watching sports. We have always sat on the bar side. They have several tables and of course bar seating. The chips are those thin greasy type that are so good and the salsa is tasty and not too hot. The cheese enchiladas are always my go to and they are cooked perfect as in the cheese is just melty enough. Prices are pretty average for the area, and service has always been quick and friendly. Any time I have a cheese enchilada craving this will be my spot. read more

See all

Wow! We went for Mother's Day, Big Mistake! These new owners believe they have high end by the food and especially the margarita prices!!!!!!!!' We paid $17 for a margarita which was on the weak side. We are used to paying $12 for a specialty margaritas. And $18-$20 for entrees for a hole in the wall mexican food place is insane!!! Buyer beware! read more

Standard straightforward Tex-Mex for white folks - what we all grew up on and loved when we didn't know what authentic Mexican food could be! Rafa's is a Park Cities institution, and has been here since 1975 - and it shows. The interior is dated, the menu is dated, the customers are loyal and God bless 'em. I admit to expectations when it comes to Mexican food - there's so much awesome authentic Mexican out there it's hard not to develop those. But as a native Texan, I know to check those expectations at the door because Tex-Mex is all about familiarity and comfort, memories and no surprises. Rafa's delivers on all those attributes, and has for 60 years. Back in the day, me and my husband lived for a few years in Corpus, and discovered the South Texas Puffy Taco - an ethereally crispy shell filled with savory and spicy filings. (When in San Antonio, go to Henry's for the best Puffy tacos in Texas - YW).! We tried Rafa's today because we did an online search for Puffy tacos and they are on the menu. These are not true STX puffy tacos, they are more puffy tostadas. Wayyy too much baked salad lettuce mix for my taste, but a solid comforting meal. 3 stars read more

See all

Honestly, we were so disappointed. Heard about RAFA for years and decided we were going to go. Food was just OK. Nothing really special. My tostada tasted stale, and the edge of my enchilada was hard to chew through. read more

This has to be my all-time favorite restaurant- when I'm home you can find me at Rafa's twice a week. The food speaks for itself, but I have to shout out the staff. Rafa's service is always top notch and the team makes you feel like family. Nothing beats the ambience at the bar on game day!!! read more

See all

Any Dallas local knows that Rafas is a timeless classic in the realm of authentic Tex-Mex cuisines. Simply put, Rafas offers delicious homemade Tex-Mex fare that never fails to satisfy. The restaurant embraces traditional style Tex-Mex without going over the top like some establishments tend to do. When it comes to the food, Rafas confidently delivers savory dishes that are simple and flavorful. Their staff is also very kind and courteous and many we have gotten to know because we frequent often. For a well-rounded Tex-Mex affair, Rafas is always a reliable choice. Whether you're seeking a taste of classic dishes or a comforting atmosphere, this restaurant has it all. read more

The chimichanga with queso was very delicious and the portion was great. My wife's dish was a special and was tasty as well. I love the architecture of this place and the staff kept the chips rolling in which is a plus. Be warned that parking is challenging but if you are ever in that area definitely give this place a stop by! You won't be disappointed. FYI the yelp check in doesn't work!!!! Was told that it's been deactivated for some times? I don't know why? read more

See all

One of the worst experiences I have ever had at a restaurant in Dallas. So noisy to the point it was overwhelming. We ordered margs and they didn't come until after the food and almost every order was incorrect. Food and margs were mediocre to top it all off. The manager did comp the whole meal, so props for that, but I won't be returning. read more

Favorite local Mexican restaurant in Dallas! Our family loves it, especially our kids!

We had not been here for several years because the last time we ate at this restaurant someone changed the tip amount so that when I got my monthly statement it was different from my receipt. So I boycotted them for several years. We returned to this place in October 2019 and the dishonesty still exists. Besides that, this place is doing just about everything wrong. The margaritas are weak and taste like chemicals. Yuck. I did not finish mine and I always finish at least one and sometimes two. The food was mediocre. Service was spotty. We got our food in a timely fashion but it was the wrong order so the wife ate someone else's food and took hers home for lunches. The fried taco is a big ball of grease and simply disgusting. I did not touch it let alone put it in my mouth. They charge extra for tortillas that appear not to be homemade. At a Mexican restaurant? Strange. The biggest gripe I have is that this place is just plain dishonest. When I checked in, up popped a Yelp coupon for 20% off which I did not expect. When I tried to use it at check out I was told that they do not accept their own coupon. I asked why. The first person just shook her head no. I was passed off to a second person who said he had no control over the matter and then said I had to print the coupon. I asked how it was possible to print from a phone and did he see me carrying a portable printer? No answer. By the way, the Yelp coupon says nothing about having to print it, so he was lying. The money was not the issue, the issue was not honoring their own coupon and then lying about it. I told them, fine, don't give me the 20% and I will write it in my review and never return. AND THEY DID NOT CARE ONE BIT. My question: how can a restaurant that disrespects its customers care about serving top quality food? It doesn't, and that's why you could not pay me to return to this restaurant. read more

I really like all of the employees here. The food is back to being great! My favorite items are the puffy taco and carne asada. The pollo rafa is also great! Ambiance is great for lunch and casual dinners. read more

Rafa's was bustling when we arrived (6pm dinner hour), but we were seated immediately. Initial contact from our waiter took well over 10 minutes; this is the only thing preventing 5 stars. Rafa's 7-Layer Dip is unlike any that I've ever tasted; with pinto beans and fried flour tortillas - it is a welcome departure from the norm. Kudos! Our Shrimp Quesadilla's were also extra tasty. Fat with shrimp and cheese, full of flavor - we'll want these again. Benito's Margarita is their best-selling drink, and it was very good. Not exceptional, but very tasty. Pay up front by the hostess, and walk away sated and happy. read more

See all

Enjoyed Sunday brunch with friends and all were happy and very full! Our food was hot, tasted fresh and it was very good--the portions were quite plentiful, too. I ordered puff chicken tacos and the chicken was succulent, juicy and well seasoned; I enjoyed every bite. The others in my group at breakfast dishes and by the time they finished their meal, all plates were clean! Their salsa isn't my favorite but it passes. Service was fast and friendly and the ambiance is very casual and relaxed. Rafa's is great for TexMex! read more

TLDR: Mediocre, expensive, do not honor advertised Yelp deal. Stopped on the way home from Love Field for some welcome home TexMex. Outdoor seating takes up a few parking spaces & is nicely done. I got the enchiladas & wife got fish tacos. Chils & salsa were good. (helped with TexMex withdrawal symptoms) Enchiladas were OK. A bit bland and not real hot. One fish taco was good although the sauce was pretty heavily gooped on. One was hard as a rock. We renamed the dish Pescado Piedras.They brought out another on request. Still overcooked but edible. All in all the food was mediocre & prices were high. (typical of the area) To top it off the manager refused to honor the Yelp deal that made us choose Rafa's. (which is still active) Sent the server to relay the news and declined to stop by and explain or give more info. No apology. "We don't do that. It isn't ours. Yelp did it on their own." Whatever. We took care of our server and went on. There are much better options nearby for great TexMex and tons of better options in the area. read more

Rafa's Cafe Mexicano - Enchiladas Banderas - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I was excited to have some time to grab lunch from one my bookmarked spots. I've read so many reviews and decided, I can't miss out on Mexican! Not too many customers during the late lunch hour, partially due to the rainy day. However, when the cashier seated me, it took her about 5 minutes to come bring me a water, salsa and chips. She told me my waiter would be with me soon. It took him another 5 minutes to come and take my sweet tea order. He was a bit more attentive after that. He did disappear on me towards the end but he was a pretty good waiter overall. I ordered the numero quince from the lunch menu (anytime before 5 p.m.). It's two beef burritos topped with queso and ranchero sauce. Plus, rice and beans for a little over $10. I wish they would've cooked the tortilla... buttered and grilled it or something. Its a plain flour tortilla. It's loaded with beef. Each of the sauces are simple. As well as the rice and beans. Overall, I felt like this place was just okay. read more

See all

Average greasy Mexican food Ordered breakfast tacos - almost tasteless. Service was good Ambiance was busy and crowded Would not recommend this restaurant read more

Food was mehhh... it was so busy on a Saturday at 5 took too long to Get our food and my Margaret was water not impressed ! Had the Chile relleno and it only had near zero cheese inside . Very mehhh... chips and queso are good read more

Tried it for the first time last week. Had several empty tables outside but were not allowed to sit at any of them as they kept telling everyone they did not have enough servers which is understandable but it seems if people are waiting it would be better to seat them at a table and allow them to order drinks then have them standing waiting on a table. Everyone was packed in a tiny waiting area or standing outside looking at empty tables. Finally got a table inside and it was so loud we could not hear ourselves talking to each other or hear the waitperson. Waited some time to have anyone stop by. Ordered our cocktails and food at the same time since the wait was so long and we weren't sure when someone would be back by. Waited some time for food and it arrived finally but one order was wrong. Server argued with us about the order. Still no cocktails. We asked about the drinks and were told multiple times they were on the way. How long does it take to make margaritas? Finally stopped manager as he passed by and the drinks arrived when we were almost done with dinner. Our meal was comped, but due to the long wait, incorrect orders, no cocktails, argumentative staff and the incredible noise level, we likely will not return. The food was bland and not really special enough to try again. It was too bad as we like to support small businesses but have to have decent service and friendly staff and good food. read more

Love Rafa's!!! It's our go to for dine in or carry out. Outstanding chicken enchiladas! Best Chicken tortilla soup in town! Loads of white meat chicken in a clear broth. Also the brisket street tacos, off menu, are some of the best I've ever tasted! Hot, fresh and served with love here at this family owned restaurant. I highly recommend Rafas!!!! read more

Met up with some friends at this family-run Tex-Mex joint recently and knew I was in for a treat as soon as I walked through the door. The warm and vibrant colors, arched columns, and festive paintings and decor instantly transported me to a different world. The tortilla chips were warm and sturdy, and the salsa was phenomenal -- smoky, complex, with a genuine heat. Slightly overwhelmed by the endless menu, I pulled the trigger on the Enchiladas "Banderas," the chef's culinary interpretation of the Mexican flag with a Jack cheese enchilada (green), chicken enchilada with sour cream sauce (white), and beef enchilada with ranchera sauce (red). The latter was the most forgettable, though still tasty, but the other two were mouth-watering. The white one smothered in sour cream was luscious and paired beautifully with the onions and jalapenos on top, and the spicy and limey-ness of the tomatillo salsa cut through the sharp richness of the cheese. On top of the tasty and wonderfully presented dish, the service was great. Our waiter was nice enough to split our check 7 ways on a busy day. With tax and tip my meal cost around $15. Couldn't ask for much more for a casual Saturday lunch! read more

Rafa's Cafe Mexicano - Enchiladas Banderas - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Came to Rafa's with a friend for dinner one evening after a friend of mine highly recommended their menu. Unfortunately my sentiments are not the same. Everyone was friendly and our server was nice but the food was just okay. Nothing to write home about. The vibe is very casual and no frills Tex-mex. Some workers were wearing masks, some were not and of course, patrons are not required to wear a mask either. The menu has your usual suspects: quesadillas, fajitas, enchiladas. I ordered the veggie enchiladas with queso sauce and my friend ordered the beef chimichanga. My enchiladas were just eh. The queso sauce was not very good at all. Tasted like low budget canned cheese. My friend was not impressed with his chimichanga either, he said it was just ground beef in a tortilla. Boring. The guacamole was pretty good but bestie makes a better guacamole than theirs so that was underwhelming as well. The skinny margarita, however was very tasty other than that, nothing much to write home about. read more

classic tex mex spot. so good every time and their chips are simply the best especially with the free salsa read more

Rafa's Cafe Mexicano - Chicken Fajita Quesadilla - Half - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Rafa's is our old school Tex Mex go to! Best Chicken tortilla soup in town, if you like broth based and hearty white meat chicken soup. Chicken enchiladas rock! And off menu, the brisket street tacos are off the charts!!! Service is always spot on. This family owned restaurant takes pride in making every meal like it's for one of their own. read more

I posted a photo of my drink to get a 20% discount from Yelp but it wasn't honored- lame read more

Rafa's Cafe Mexicano - Perfect Patron - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Slow, food is average, hostess was rude Tortilla soup was fine Queso was not good Everything here was really slow read more

Rafa's Cafe Mexicano - Alexis salad and fajita - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas