Ruins

"Ruins is a drinks-fueled geography lesson that starts in Mexico, works its way down through Central and South America, and occasionally takes a few turns toward the Caribbean. Sip on mezcal and Bolivian brandy, or try house cocktails like the Smoking Mirror, which merges dry, fruity pisco with smoked damiana, a stimulating herb known for its aphrodisiac effects. Then turn that lust loose on the Dorilocos, nachos served in a chips bag and topped with your choice of protein (chicken tinga, al pastor, slow-cooked cabeza), plus roasted corn, queso, and salsa. Nothing tastes better at 1am." - kevin gray

"This Deep Ellum spot wins, hands down, for most unusual cocktail names. If you have the cojones to order the Azteca 666 with “illegal Mezcal,” then god be with you. For those of us who spit three times at the sign of the evil eye, there’s also a great frozen rum concoction called the Painkiller. The vibe in this cavernous space is rustic and obviously referential to Mexico, with plaster walls and a tin ceiling. Like all spots in Deep Ellum, parking can be a beast. If you go early, street parking is easy to find and has a minimal cost. Later, there are paid lots all around that can be pretty spendy." - Courtney E. Smith, Kevin Gray

"Deep Ellum, Dallas’ music and nightlife district, is full of classic haunts. The newest addition to the pantheon is Ruins, a Mexican restaurant with Cuban touches, and a patio that opens up to the hustle of Commerce Street. The food here is more interesting than you might expect from a place where the bar takes up half the real estate, and it’s a masterclass in contrasting flavors: sour and sweet (the al pastor), spicy and cooling (the mint-infused chicken tinga). It even translates to the weather—when it’s hot and humid, get an ice-cold frozen paloma. Plus, there’s Dorilocos: pile of hot, cheesy nachos served in a torn open chip bag, which is fun at any time of year." - Nick Rallo

"The kitchen is open until 2 a.m. at this Deep Ellum bar known for serving up Mexican cocktails. Check out the special birria tacos made with cabrito (baby goat), a torta stuffed with ribeye milanesa, or a chile relleno plate." - Courtney E. Smith, Rachel Pinn

"This Deep Ellum spot wins, hands down, for most unusual cocktail names. If you have the cojones to order the Azteca 666 with “illegal Mezcal” then god be with you. For those of us who spit three times at the sign of the evil eye, there’s also a great frozen rum concoction called the Painkiller." - Courtney E. Smith, Kevin Gray