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Herrera's Café
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
4001 Maple AveSte A
Dallas, TX 75219
Neighborhood: Oak Lawn
(214) 528-9644
- Hours:
Mon, Wed-Thu 11 am - 9 pm
Fri 11 am - 10 pm
Sat 9 am - 10 pm
Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
51 reviews for Herrera's Café
Review Highlights
"Herrera's is a Tex Mex gem - one of the best I've tried in..."
(in 23 reviews)
"the chips and salsa are fantastic."
(in 8 reviews)
"...and beef enchiladas with sour cream sauce were so delicious..."
(in 3 reviews)
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Courtney C.
Laurel, MD
9/8/2011
This may not mean much coming from an Irish girl raised in MD, but this was the best Mexican food I've ever tasted. I ate so much I was in pain leaving. I couldn't help myself. It was all so incredible. Thank you yelp for coming through and delivering on this one! All of my native Texan family raved about their meals too.
Here's the breakdown:
Swirl Margarita- a little tang, a little sweet a lot of yum
Chicken enchilada with ranchero- I could eat this all day long and wanted to try. Every piece and part was a party in my mouth. I wanted to cry when it was gone.
Chicken taco- it was like mom's if she had been born in Mexico.
Salsa-it has a kick to it but still depth of flavor.
Side of steamed veggies- huge and fresh.
Even my side salad was great. This place has ruined me for Mexican food.
The servers and staff were so welcoming and friendly. I love supporting local places with great food and an even better attitude towards its customers.
Herrera's, please come to Maryland and save me from Mexican mediocrity. -
Review from Jenny C.
9/24/2011
I'm curious by all the great reviews of the food. I went there today with a friend who also highly recommended it. We were one of only a few tables in the place, but the service was a bit slow. No biggie, we were there for a late and leisurely lunch.
We ordered queso to start, and I ordered the spinach quesadilla (with onions added to it) and my friend ordered tacos and an enchilada.
The queso had almost no flavor and the consistency of what I can buy in a jar at the grocery store. It was practically gelatinous.
The quesadilla was pretty generously portioned, but the spinach inside was chopped and was that dark green color of spinach that has been cooked too long, or from a can. I was expecting whole leaves, fresh and with that bright green color from being heated for only a short time, since a quesadilla can be prepared in only a minute or two.
I asked if the spinach was canned, the waitress didn't know and had to ask. I was told it was fresh, but I have to tell you, I didn't believe her. It tasted like canned spinach. Also, the onions in my quesadilla were almost raw. I know spinach and onions will cook at different rates, but I don't know how you get almost raw onions and cooked-to-death spinach if they both started out fresh.
It tasted terrible, so I didn't eat it, and when the bill arrived, I was charged full price for the quesadilla. I asked if we could meet in the middle, and if they would knock $4.50 off the price, and the waitress had to go ask.
It was disappointing that the wait staff was not empowered to make customer service decisions, but even more disappointing when she relayed that the manager wouldn't discount it "because there was nothing wrong with it." When I went to pay, the manager didn't ask how we liked our meal, and I'm sure it's because she didn't want to hear from me on it.
So, for $4.50, Herrera's has lost a customer, as nothing will convince me to ever dine there again. If everyone else enjoys it, God bless, but I know a lot of better places for mexican food. -
Review from Mike M.
Sparta, NJ
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not even sure what I ordered mainly because Tex-Mex is a bit foreign to me. I know I had an enchilada and a tamale and a taco. All really good, fresh tasting. Their salsa is awesome. Service top notch during a mad busy rush. This must be good stuff because after filling my face I didn't feel sickly full afterwards. Locals galore. Always a solid sign. Off the beaten path. Worth looking for
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Review from Katy H.
Dallas, TX
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend brought me here for my birthday this year, and I must say...WOW, what a treat. I couldn't have asked for a better present...the gift of food that keeps on giving! I am sad that they have moved from their original, iconic location. The margarita was perfect. A blend of top-shelf tequila, and not-too-overpowering fresh lime flavor. The fish tacos were unbelievable. Juicy, plump fish in homemade warm tortillas with gobs of cabbage, cilantro, and pico...a beautiful melody of flavors! He ordered the sour cream/chicken enchiladas, which weren't too greasy and weren't overpowered by the sauce. A very nice choice. The service, of course, was outstanding. It's little joints like these that keep Dallas foodie!
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Review from DEYANIRA R.
Dallas, TX
8/15/2011 34 Check-ins Here
DON'T order the Chicken Taco Salad.
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Review from elvia j.
I ordered a half order of supreme nachos and it was HUGE! I can usually put away a half order of anything, but not today. I was full after eating a fraction of this serving. This is perfect for two people because you get extra chips and salsa at the table. The new location is spacious and the ceilings are much higher. I also noticed the outdoor seating by the front door which is a nice option when the weather cools off.
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Review from Rebecca C.
Dallas, TX
11/20/2010
Very tasty mexican food, offering a few traditional mexican dishes such as enchiladas with MOLE sauce, as well as Chilaquiles. On the weekends they do specials, such as Pozole soup or Menudo.
It's a homely place with good heavy flavors. The wait staff and management are friendly. The salsa's good & spicy. I was really impressed by the tacos al carbon - the beef was full of flavor! My dad's a big mexican food fan so I took him here after my friend introduced me to the place.
I've driven by it countless times without noticing it, since it's just a gray brick building on the exterior. But inside is decorative and served good tex mex!
Most dishes average about $9-14 but for girls like me and my friends, we are plenty full when we split a dish. -
Review from Steve L.
Plano, TX
1/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's independent businesses like this that will bring back our economy. When we all start supporting them things will get better. They create the jobs.
The food and service here are outstanding. You can't go wrong here for sure! -
Review from Brian G.
2/13/2009
Go to your closet and dig out your elastic waist band pants because you'll have to be rolled out of Herrera's by the end of your meal. I'm dieting for the next couple of weeks just so I can hit up Herrera's again.
The menu features a dizzying list of different meal combinations. After making it down to the 20's on the menu, my brain was spinning trying to keep track of whether I wanted the beef enchilada with the arepa or with the chicken tamale or no, maybe I'd want that with the burrito. And I hadn't even been drinking! That's why I went with one of the combination platters at the top of the menu; I think it was the Pepe Special. It came with two enchiladas, two tacos, rice, and beans and the platter was probably large enough to feed two ravenous frat boys. The beef enchilada and the beef taco were incredible. The red sauce on the enchilada was so good I wanted to bathe in it. I think my hands were shaking by the time I was halfway finished through the meal.
My only regret is that I didn't know Herrera's was BYOB. Don't forget to bring your favorite beverage with you! Herrera's is a Tex Mex gem - one of the best I've tried in the city. Total hole in the wall. One of those places where if you didn't know, you'd drive by it everyday. Interior is surprisingly cavernous so there's plenty of space to spread out with your entourage for a damn fine meal.Listed in: Cheap Eats Under $10
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Review from Randy O.
Richardson, TX
11/21/2008
Herreras is great food. So I love to take out of towners to Herreras because it gives them more of sense of insider's Tex-Mex not necessarily the formula atmosphere implemented nationwide.
But here is my story on this place. A very good friend of mine who is Hispanic is a transplant from Chicago. Naturally I need to get him acclimated to Dallas's Tex-Mex. George speaks Spanish. I have admitted in previous reviews I don't speak Spanish. My wife teases me every time I try (she is half Hispanic). But George decides to show off so he orders in Spanish. The waiter looked a bit confused. I just thought perhaps he didn't speak the language (even though he is Hispanic too). But instead he asked George if he wanted "Cheese" on his "Muffler". I almost fell out of my chair. Not sure what kind of Spanish they speak in Chicago but it doesn't seem to translate well here in Texas!
Maybe George needs to lose the Chicago accent. Perhaps there's still hope for me yet. ;-) -
Review from Robin M.
Houston, TX
7/10/2010
I'd give it a 4.5 but I gave 4 instead...5 because of value and service and 4 for food. While it was a cost-effective lunch it was not compromising the quality either. The taste was good but not great. I've had better mexican/tex-mex (I guess we are probably the pickiest in the nation since we have astounding numbers of mexican restaurants abundant throughout Texas) that being said it was still tasty that I finished my meal... yes I finished my meal. I never do that. Mind you.... not just any meal but I believe it was the Jimi or Jimmy's Special. It had TONS of stuff on this plate. I read somewhere on Yelp that a man ate two of these.... really?Wow... maybe consider entering some competition.
It's a lot of food and good food at that for very little damage on your wallet. Service was friendly. Place is bigger than it appears on the front. The day we were there a large amount of the police force that works the area were dining together so not only does the institution win the approval of our men in blue (I don't think they eat for free but who knows) but its a choice of many among the community who have grown over the years with Herreras as a permanent mainstay and tradition of Dallas culture.
There goes my poetic rant.... How would I know? I don't know for sure. I moved here only two years ago but that's the feeling I get when you see the faces of those who dine here.... a sense of tradition, how its been done and how its gonna be done types, these reviews obviously on Yelp helps establish that too, Oh yah .. almost forgot...just good ole fashion tex mex. -
Review from Daniel W.
4/18/2009
If you have read the New York Times article on this place, you know that this is the favorite Dallas Mexican place of Fleetwood Mac. The reason Lindsey Buckingham could not stop thinking about tomorrow is because he knew he could go back to Herrera's. Thank goodness it'll soon be here huh, Linz? Now, you can go your own way, but for me this is as good as it get's for Tex-Mex. The rumours are true, the salsa is spicy and delish and the hard shell tacos made me want to ask my wife to hold me. Thunder may only happen when it's raining, but players will love this place even when they're not playing. I mean, women-they will come and and they will go, but when you eat here you will know, even when you haven't been washed in the rain or anything.
Go try this family run, hole in the freakin wall, all out spectacular, Mexican joint- it beats out all those chains by a landslide. The beef and cheese enchiladas are what put this place on the map, and for good reason, they are the real deal baby.Listed in: For the Cheapo in Me
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Review from deno f.
8/16/2007 2 photos
Get the three tacos. They have the best plain crispy tacos in Dallas. Everything else is good but not crazy good.
This has been a long time staple for folks you really like a plate of greasy enchiladas, rice and beans. When I was little I remember standing in line outside the old location (across the street) with my parents waiting for one the of the 14 coveted tables inside. You can see photos behind the counter when National Geographic named them as the place you had to eat when you came to Dallas.
They've since moved across the street to a larger location, but stayed BYOB for beer and margaritas. Yes, you can walk in with a bottle of Cuervo and mixers.
I've tried everything but the menudo and deemed it all good. There's nothing fancy or gourmet about it. It is basic, but cheap and consistent. And I'm telling you, the best taco meat in Dallas. -
Review from Chris G.
8/8/2010
I want to say 3.5 but alas. There's nothing wrong with Herrera's. The staff was friendly, and the food was just fine. But that's what it was. Just fine. With such a plethora of completely boss tex-mex joints in Dallas, I just couldn't justify busting out the 4th star.
I'll totally go back, try a few more dishes and see if maybe I just haven't found *their* dish. -
Review from Rachel A.
7/11/2008
Being an East Coast kid, I heard about this place first in the New York Times. Little did I know, as I sat salivating over imagined tacos, that my boyfriend would move to Dallas and I would soon have the opportunity to munch on the tastiest of tortillas!
We really liked our ample dinners (a full box of tasty leftovers furnished two spicy breakfasts this morning), except for the soft cheese taco, which tasted a little weird and got all soggy. They are very generous with the yummy guac on the tostadas. The bean soup that comes with your dinner is actually bean-and-pork soup (but what do you expect, it's Tex-Mex. Vegetarians beware.)
Herrera's chips & salsa: fantastic. The restaurant seems relaxed enough that a bunch of people could bring some beers, keep the chips flowing and have a pretty good alternative to a bar night.
I will probably not come back, since I'm on a quest for the ultimate Tex-Mex joint, but it is totally worth a dinner of your time. -
Review from Diego S.
11/27/2008
I was first introduced to Herrera's at its now closed NW Highway location.
The salsa is yummy...sometimes a bit too hot. But, I prefer that over blandness. I always look forward to getting my cup of bean soup before my dinner.
The soft drinks are served in Big Gulp-like glasses so you probably won't need many refills. It is also BYOB which I still find amusing. And, don't think that people don't all walk in with their foam coolers.
My staple selection is the spinach enchilada dinner. I also love the chicken flautas and carne asada.
There are just times when you frequent a location because of the environment/staff even if better food is served elsewhere.
Herrera's on Maple is an example. It is laid back and has a mix of clientele. The staff is great and recognizes/appreciates repeat customers.Listed in: Yelping in: Dallas
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Review from Barrie C.
San Antonio, TX
12/27/2007
I spent a fair amount of my childhood in various places in Texas, so I've had a lot of Tex-Mex food, and I thought this place was pretty good. It's a hole in the wall, so don't expect any frills. It's also BYOB, so come prepared.
The chips are homemade, and the salsa has quite a kick to it. The sour cream chicken enchilada is pretty damn good. If you go at dinner and order an entree you get a free small cup of bean soup, which was one of the best parts of the meal. Really good soup.
The service was very good, even though we were those people who came in right before closing time. All in all a solid Tex-Mex meal.Listed in: The Best of My Travels
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Review from B H.
Dallas, TX
8/20/2008
Seems like every other decent Tex-Mex place in Dallas has to be all gussied-up somehow, not Herrera's. Great food, very friendly service.
Don't forget that it's BYOB, though. -
Review from Anissa T.
12/23/2007
Chips and salsa are always great; now you have to go in the evenings to get the famous "bean soup", which is how every good Texan or Tex-Mex grandmother cooks pinto beans. Although some of the food has been a little too "Americanized" (queso is not good), you still can't go wrong with the plain ol' taco and enchilada combo for your basic tex-mex. Flour tortillas are probably not made on-site, but are definitely made fresh and local.
They still have the same menu that they've had in the 15 years or so I've been going here, and tell the tale of the original location with its 14 tables and coverage in National Geographic magazine on the back.
This place is BYOB, bring your cooler with beer.
FYI: there used to be a location in Addison off of BeltLine Road (liquor sales) and Carrollton off of Josey (BYOB). -
Review from William G.
Austin, TX
6/29/2008
Chicken enchiladas are super tasty with some green chile spicing to them. Excellent.
Rice and beans aren't the greatest nor are the tortillas but whatever.
On the bright side, the chips and salsa magnificent.
I am not sure when Herrera's became a weekly destination but at some point I realized I kept going back for the chicken enchiladas.
No liquor service and I'm not sure if it's BYOB or not. -
Review from Pubert T.
Dallas, TX
3/11/2009
Been eating at Herrera's for 30 years. Started at the little cafe across Maple from the current location.
One of the highlights of my dining career was eating two Jimmy's Special dinners back-to-back. Try it. Nada menos que todo un hombre. -
Review from Andrea G.
Dallas, TX
12/29/2008
My boo took me here for breakfast one hungover morning the week before xmas. My first sign that this place was going to be amazing was a HUGE group of men (obviously a company xmas breakfast party) taking up the whole restaurant.
its small inside but festive! the chips are hot and served on the double! the menu is in spanish! the huevos rancheros are to die!
So hop on over to maple ave, get you a cup of coffee, and indulge in a spicy mexican breakfast! weeeee -
Review from Emily R.
Dallas, TX
6/1/2010
This is a great hole-in-the-wall Tex-Mex restaurant. The building does look sketchy, but the food speaks for itself. Personally, hole-in-the-walls have the best food.
If you want good, greasy, Tex-Mex staples, this is your place. And it is overloaded with cheese. I love it. One of the better enchiladas in Dallas - much better than any of the Tex-Mex chains in the DFW area.
This place is no longer BYOB, and serves beer now. -
Review from Greg S.
Dallas, TX
10/18/2007
Just saw it was reviewed in the New York Times
Has to be the best example of true Tex-Mex food i have found in Dallas. expect lots of cheese on your food :-) Great hang-over cure!
This is not hi-end fancy Mexican food--- just good down to earth -- what Mexican food used to be before it went upscale.
if you go at night the Bean soup is free with the meal and very good. Salsa is quite hot. Menu is order by number style. and you can bring your on beer in a cooler!
consider it an adventure to get back to your Texas roots -- Have fun! -
Review from Gilbert C.
Duncanville, TX
5/5/2011 3 photos
They have the BEST Tex-Mex food.... Love the Jennifer! A Grilled Chicken with cheese on top and guacamole on the side!... Plus I put hot sauce and ranchero sauce on it too... MMMMM... and it comes with rice and beans.. Best Chips w/ Hot Sauce and Queso on the side to dip my chips!!!!!!!! It's so good it feels like a guilty sin to eat the food!!! :D
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Review from Michael N.
Dallas, TX
11/28/2009 2 Check-ins Here
No frills, no wait, just good Tex Mex the way my all my friends mom's make it!
Eaten here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Come by myself and with friends...
This is the place to come for good food at low prices not to impress the date. Bring a date here for the first one and it will be the last. Bring a date here for a quick meal before the movie and you score points. -
Review from Stan L.
1/29/2011
i love hole in the wall restaurants.. i must have driven by this place a few hundred times.. today.. i did a quick yelp search for breakfast places and decided to check out herrera's..
service is relatively quick and efficient.. the chips and salsa are fantastic.. best salsa i've had in any tex-mex or mexican restaurant.. the chips are fresh and still warm..
i had huevos rancheros with a pork chop with corn tortillas.. the pork chop looks completely overcooked.. but it tasted more like meaty bacon.. the beans and eggs were cooked nicely..
my fiancee had the breakfast burritos.. they were a bit on the heavy side..
since we have guests coming into town for the super bowl.. i'm gonna head back here for dinner in the near future.. -
Review from Barkle T.
Dallas, TX
2/24/2010
Have been eating at Herrera's since '78. One of my finest hours was eating two Jimmy's Specials at a sitting.
They make one of my favorite salsas; plenty of heat and garlic. The enchiladas are excellent and drenched in chili "gravy." We regularly get take-out from them.
No mas BYOB. They have put in a bar. -
Review from Anthony M.
Dallas, TX
6/6/2009
Being that this place is a stone's throw away from my apartments I have been meaning to visit it. I want to shoot myself in the foot for not stopping by sooner.
My food was absolutely wonderful: Chicken and Beef Enchiladas with a sour cream sauce, beans, and rice. It was a huge plate a food that I could not even finish.
I then had the sopapillas for desert and being that I was just introduced to this Mexican desert earlier in the week, I was happy to try another. The Cinnamon sugar pillow shaped pastries were served with ice cream and honey and had my palate singing praises for the rest of the day.
I will definitely frequent Herrera's and I would suggest the same for you -
Review from Brian J.
Arlington, TX
8/27/2009
I have been going to this restaurant for 20+ years and will continue to give them my business for as long as I can. The Herrera family know authentic Mexican and it shows. The food is always hot and delicious and the servers are attentive and courteous.
You can't go wrong with this place. -
Review from Dallas D.
Dallas, TX
12/3/2009
A Dallas mainstay. The original location was on Maple across the street from the current main location, and has been featured in National Geographics. Back in the day the restaurant was tiny and amazing. There was always a line to get into the 7 table building, and the parking lot no doubt had 8 feet layers of beer bottle tops as it was BYOB. As you walked in, you would find a large mexican woman hand tossing tortillas.
Gone are those days, but the tortillas are very similar. Thick, chewy and fresh. The menu is exactly the same and just as wonderful as those many years ago.
Enjoy a Jimi's Special and get a bit of everything on the menu and for a low price. The salsa has a great burn and every meal is started with the requisite bean soup.
My favorite location, although not even close to any place I ever go, is Carrollton. located in an old Dairy Queen, everyone is wonderful here from manager to the bus help.
Cheap eats that hit the spot every time. -
Review from Chris U.
Rowlett, TX
1/22/2011
My wife and I were looking for a new place to try some tex-mex food and we had heard good things about Herrera's. We went on a Friday night and were very happy we decided to visit. If you are looking for a place where you are paying for the atmosphere, don't come here. These people are all about the food and quite serious about it. The salsa was out of this world delicious. Not too hot and not too bland. The bean soup was a treat for me as it came with my meal. My wife and both ordered a taco, and a cheese enchilada that came with beans and rice. I can't find one thing to fault them on this meal. I've heard the breakfast is amazing and look forward to visiting again so I can try it. If you just want good food, good service and not a lot of fluff for a great price you must visit this place.
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Review from Don A.
McKinney, TX
8/24/2010
The Holy Grail of Tex-Mex. My wife and I have been eating here for over 30 years, and it is still as good today as it was when we first started going there. Grandma and Mom and Dad aren't there anymore, but their Son and his wife have preserved the atmosphere and food quality that Grandma began with. This is the best home-style tex-mex we've found in all our Texas traveling.
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Review from Jackie R.
Richardson, TX
12/18/2009
So I know that I may be the minority here, but here it goes.
1. If I pay $9 for a LUNCH order of beef tacos, I expect rice-and-beans.
2. I ordered the Ashley old-fashioned tacos which I expected to be a homestyle fried corn tortilla--it turned out to be a hard shell that was much like a flauta.
3. I asked for a side of sliced avacadoes. I would expect a $1-2 upcharge and was suprised to find out when I got the bill that it was $4!
4. Service was a little slow. Good job of keeping us hydrated, but it took 30 minutes for a party of 4 from order to delivery.
5. Flour tortillas were ok; tasted like Mission tortillas. Salsa was so-so, not as hot as I expected.
6. Bottom Line: $15.50 plus tip would get me a nicer, tastier lunch with better service elsewhere.
If I end up here again (not by my own choice) then I'll stick to the value lunches. -
Review from J B.
Dallas, TX
9/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
I didn't go in with high expectations, yet I was still disappointed. The food doesn't live up the legacy. My mole sauce tasted scorched and grease oozes out of the chicken enchilada. What ever makes people rate it highly has nothing to do with the quality of food.
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Review from Van P.
Dallas, TX
8/8/2007
Hole-in-the-wall Tex-Mex BYOB. The salsa is extra hot, and the food is simple, though not spectacular. Not running back anytime soon, but perhaps we just didn't order the right things. I'd rather eat at Cuquita's.
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Review from Marilyn M.
Dallas, TX
8/28/2008
Note to all reviewers- ditto on the great food and menu variety. Taco plates and enchiladas are yummy. Love the bean soup served at dinner. SPECIAL NOTE - Two other locations, on Denton Road just East of the Maple location, and in Carrollton on Josey Lane, north of Belt Line have full bar service. GREAT top shef margaritas !!!
Listed in: Top Shelf Margaritas Anyone?
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Review from Amelie M.
Dallas, TX
4/15/2009
BYOT - Bring your own Tequila. Love love love my Sunday night restaurant. The waitstaff is very helpful, now they know to bring our little glasses of ice for the Tequila along with water. Food is so delicious, my mouth is watering as I write this review. Location is a bit dicey, however I feel perfectly safe after a few tequila drinks. So nice to have a great restaurant where you can bring your own drinks. Theses days it helps to save those dollars.
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Review from Charles H.
Fort Worth, TX
11/19/2008
This place has some of the best Tex-Mex food in North Texas. Friendly service. If you're tired of the trendy, hoity -toity places most of Dallas tends to favor, you'll enjoy the plain, simple atmosphere to go along with simply great Tex-mex food. The Maple Avenue location now serves alcohol once again, so you can enjoy a cold beer with the always warm chips and salsa.
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Review from Edwyn E.
Austin, TX
6/18/2005
Mom and pop mexican food in Oak Lawn district of Dallas.
