El Fenix
Mexican restaurant · International Center ·
Tex-Mex staples in a hacienda setting with margaritas
Tex-Mex staples in a hacienda setting with margaritas
"El Fenix isn’t the best Tex-Mex in town, but it is the original — it opened as a family restaurant in 1918 (that’s over 100 years ago), and the first one is still standing. That makes it a Dallas original. The way to go: Order the enchiladas. This iconic dish should be consumed at least once in the original Downtown location in all its sizzling glory and preferably with a frozen marg (El Fenix also offers the enchiladas as a special on Wednesdays). Inside, you’ll find a cavernous, sprawling space with a rowdy bar, rustic Mexican-style decor, and tables full of families." - Eater Staff
"With locations all around the Metroplex, this Dallas original has loads of classic Tex-Mex dishes at price points that don’t make us wince, plus strong hacienda vibes with dine-in or to-go options. Chile Relleno, three beef tamales, or most taco platters can be had for under $13, and those all come with sides of beans and rice. The chips and salsa are gratis." - Courtney E. Smith
"Known here for its praline-coated whole pecans, which are candied to a glossy crunch and bring a buttery, caramelized sweetness that pairs especially well with fair desserts like funnel cake; the texture and praline coating make the nuts stand out as a rich, classic Southern topping." - Courtney E. Smith
"After it was founded in 1918, El Fenix moved to McKinney Avenue in 1925. Cheap, strong margaritas at happy hour and a very cool old building make visiting the original Downtown location a Dallas bucket list essential." - Eater Staff
"Made from Miguel Martinez’s 1918 Martinez Cafe on McKinney Avenue and reborn as a Mexican restaurant named for the mythical phoenix, El Fenix has grown to 22 locations (21 in Texas plus one at WinStar Casino). Although it was sold in 2008 to Firebird Restaurant Group and is no longer family-owned, it still draws legions of loyal fans to the flagship downtown Dallas location for margaritas and never-ending chips and salsa, often resulting in frequent crowds." - Eater Staff