Xaman Cafe

The 12 Best Mexican Restaurants In Dallas 2024

"Being a Mexican restaurant in the city’s most fajita-saturated neighborhood, this speakeasy stands out because of its high-end botanica-esque atmosphere (even though it’s technically hidden in the back of Xamán Café). We like this spot for more than just their mezcal-forward cocktails—the best thing you can order here is actually the off-menu mole, which has a smoky sweetness that’s light enough to let flavors from the drinks shine through. Their food menu changes often, but expect creative dishes such as yuzu-brightened nopal and flautas served with a cinnamon and agave goat cheese spread. Get that mole and at least one other dish, and pair it with the Brujo, which is essentially an agua de jamaica zinged up with lemon and chile liqueur." - lee escobedo, gabe bergado, emily smith

Ayahuasca - Review - Oak Cliff - Dallas - The Infatuation

11 of the Best Espresso Martinis in Dallas

"Leave it to a coffee shop to create an exceptional twist on the classic. The Espresso Martinez at Xaman in Oak Cliff features mezcal, Licor 431, horchata, and espresso." - Courtney E. Smith, Rachel Pinn

Dallas Restaurants Affected by Flash Flooding - Eater Dallas

"Nearby in Oak Cliff, Xaman Cafe also shared an Instagram of the flooded interiors of the restaurant with news that it will be closed until further notice." - Courtney E. Smith

Sheeva Shahinfar

Google

Love this cafe! It’s so cute with good decorations and a truly authentic Mexican feel. The cups are what first drew me here with unique shapes made out of clay. Horchata was delicious! The power bowl was VERY good. Many times, healthy power bowls get overpowered by lots of oils used in cooking and I could tell that their bowl truly felt clean! I got veggies as a substitute for the protein. The avocado was perfectly green & fresh. Very filling and I would highly recommend getting that. The street that it’s on is a little run down but it’s nearby bishop arts district, so generally there are other things to do that are walking distance!

Miguel Heronite

Google

The chilaquiles were so good and flavorful that I couldn’t stop eating them. The waiter was really nice and helpful suggesting me what I could order and recommended the cafe de olla with a side of milk. Simply delicious.

Emily Estrada

Google

Great food! We ordered the mollete and torta ahogada, for drinks we got the horchata matcha and duvalin iced latte, it did not disappoint. The music is amazing and the staff is very sweet and helpful, Diana was our waitress and she was so knowledgeable about the menu and had great attitude. Will def be back during the evening to check out their different menu.

Tyler Andrews

Google

This place is a hidden gem. Not the cafe; it’s good. The mescal-focused speakeasy in the back. Whether you know mescal or not, there’s going to be something there to surprise you. I’d recommend getting a flight of mescal. It might not all be your cup of tea, but it’ll be an interesting experience, and the staff will teach you a lot about the liquor. The food is also exciting and delicious. Great experience. Almost other worldly.

BWC

Google

The best breakfast and brunch! If you are anywhere near Oak Cliff, you must go. We went for quick brunch and were transported to a speakeasy bar in Mexico 🇲🇽 Actually, the cafe was full, so we sat at the bar in the back, which was highly rated by Esquire magazine. For brunch, the Horchata Macha was exquisite! I had the Mexican Croissant with black bean spread & egg with side salad, and my partner had Quesobirria Tacos (brisket) with avocado and beef broth. The food was superb. It's such a treat to have your expectations exceeded. ♥️ The staff were friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.

N C.

Google

We got the following: a hot Cafe de Olla with almond Milk, a Xaman Horchata, a vanilla Concha, A Torta de Birria, and a Torta de Chilaquiles. I enjoyed the torta de birria. It tasted good dipped in the consume. The torta de chilaquiles came with a giant piece of fried chicken inside. The chicken was a bit overcooked and hard, but tasted good. Portion size was huge. Added avocado and an egg to it as well. The xaman Horchata and the cafe de Olla were the popular hot drinks. Both tasted good. Great service and the staff checked in on us multiple times throughout the meal. Parking was somewhat difficult. Had to circle a few times for closer parking. Otherwise if you don't mind walking a big there's more metered parking spaces down the street.

bubmaria

Google

Xaman Cafe was such a lovely restaurant, I really enjoyed the back room which was a little more cozy and dark. The green chilaquiles sandwich was amazing, the ciabatta bread was the best bread I’ve ever had! The Horchata Matcha was so delicious! I can’t wait to be back! ❤️

Matt Poluski

Google

Ayahuasca Cantina is such a cool concept! The hidden back bar of Xaman Cafe offers a little bit of something different in an unassuming cafe off Jefferson. The dark and intimate venue is welcoming with lit candles and incence that fill you with the feeling of an escape. Drinks are good but service is a little uneven, not bad by any means but room for improvement. Food is also tasty but portions are small for the price potentially leaving you feeling a little hungry. Will definitely be back but offers a little room for that 5th star!

Elaine M.

Yelp

We were nearby at the Texas Theater for an event and came to Xaman to grab dinner as it was a hop skip and a jump away. The minute we walked in the door, we knew we wanted to dine here. They take reservations for dinner and though the dining was completely booked up, they allowed us to sit in the front cafe area and order a meal. The hubs needed caffeine (which was one reason we picked this place to dine) and he cannot have dairy, he was able to get a cortado with oat milk which he loved. We each ordered something different. I got an appetizer (see photo) and the hubs got Enmoladas. Both were delish. Portions were modest but perfect since we were headed to the theater right afterwards and going to get popcorn at the concession stand.

Priyanshu S.

Yelp

This place is very unique. I had the opportunity to try both their cafe and their night menu ayahuasca. The daytime xaman cafe is interesting but not extraordinary. I had the chilaquiles and they tasted great but the texture was ruined quite quickly with the dish as it got soggy 7/10. I also had a sandwich here with chorizo but that one was just average 5/10. The cinnamon concha was quite good as a one time experience 7/10. For the night menu, I loved the ayahuasca drink. It was sophisticated but not too sharp. The pineapple was a nice touch 8/10. The tuetanos were simply amazing. The bone marrow paired with the ribeye extremely well. Pair it with the tortilla and it was a simply amazing dish. Spicy, flavorful, and decadent. 9/10. The pato and pipan was solid but not noteworthy. The duck was cooked well and flavorful. However it fell short to other experiences I've had with duck. 7/10 The ceviche was also solid. It was light and refreshing and a decent appetizer 7/10. The flan however was very disappointing. I wasn't a fan of the texture nor the coffee undertone. I was excited for this dish as I had amazing flan earlier in the day but it fell short. 4/10 The churros were just churros. Can't really go wrong I liked them. 7/10 Overall, I'd really recommend people to try the ayahuasca night time menu. It's an amazing experience and I'm glad I chose to stop by. Very unique flavors and the bone marrow dish is something worth coming back for. The ambiance, service, food and drink are all noteworthy.

Gabriella V.

Yelp

It was so cute and perfect! My best friend recommended we try and I already knew she was a genius, but she really got it right. We ordered two sandwiches and a toast for brunch. Both sandwiches were juicy, fresh, and great! The ceramics were beautiful and the overall vibe was cozy. Service is good and fast. Absolutely coming back and recommend!

Grace L.

Yelp

Amazing brunch spot in Bishop Arts with the cutest restaurant decoration! You feel like you're transported away from Bishop Arts. Despite the small size of the restaurant, the service is quick and we were able to get a table during peak brunch hours in less than 10 minutes. The food was great but small portions that left us wanting more! 10/10 recommend

Kayla M.

Yelp

This space is delicious! There is always a line and the food comes out hot! I bring family here from out of town because it's so good. Real Mexican cuisine.

Lori S.

Yelp

Great service! Mollete with chilaquiles were really good and so was the horchata expresso. The enmoladas were filling and very flavorful. Cute little place, too! A bit pricey but worth the once in a while splurge.

Gabriela L.

Yelp

First time trying Xaman Cafe and it will not be my last! Tried a couple of things off the menu. The food was flavorful, a bit pricey. The service was good, we went early so it wasn't busy. The ambiance was soothing, clean restaurant, with amazing lighting.

Laura F.

Yelp

Mocha is money and so is omelette You can also get the omelette with vegetables if you don't eat meat Sat outside with pooch. Casual and easy

Francisco P.

Yelp

Xaman Cafe in Dallas is a gem that beautifully marries tradition with a cool, hip spin on Mexican and Oaxacan cuisine. During my visit, I indulged in their mole chilaquiles with chicken and a sunny-side-up egg - a dish not only beautifully plated but a true work of art for the taste buds. The combination of flavors in the chilaquiles was a harmonious dance, making it almost sad to disrupt the presentation, but every bite was more rewarding than the last. The addition of an egg elevated the dish, providing a perfect balance to the richness of the mole. To accompany this, I tried their horchata with shots of espresso - an innovative blend that left me wondering why I hadn't discovered this sooner. It's a game-changer, and I can't go back to regular horchata now. Beyond the exceptional food, the service was remarkable. Attentive and friendly staff added to the overall enjoyable experience. The restaurant itself is a visual treat - a beautiful, minimalist space with upscale Mexican touches in the decor, including traditional ceramic or clay plates and cups. I can't wait to return for more. I can't recommend this place enough. Moving forward every time I come to Dallas will include a mandatory Xaman Cafe stop.

Sophia H.

Yelp

The food was truly delicious! My boyfriend ordered the Chilaquiles, and I ordered the Mexican croissants with scrambled eggs and chorizo! It was truly delicious, they vibe the place! We loved it!! The Service was also amazing, our server was beyond nice to us and the management was too! We really enjoyed it and will be coming back.

Vanessa S.

Yelp

The cafe had a charming, cozy atmosphere, but the service was lacking in friendliness. The portions were small, and the Oaxacan mocha wasn't sweet enough initially. The birria tacos and consome were bland, lacking seasoning or a salsa to go with. However, the mole chilaquiles with birria meat were delicious, withy tender meat and good flavors. On the positive side, their horchata and agua de jamaica were enjoyable. Overall, despite mixed experiences, I'd consider returning to explore more of their menu

Victoria S.

Yelp

This place is so nice for brunch or a quick bite. The food is really good and never had any problems here. It tends to get busy in the morning but we are always sat pretty quickly. They have cute decor everywhere and the section in the back has a chill ambiance.

Travis H.

Yelp

Awesome place! Very friendly and good service! Restaurant felt like I was back n Mexico City. The food was amazing! I'll b back to try the mole next time!

John S.

Yelp

Good food, ambience and customer service, but overpriced. $23.00 for chilaquiles with shredded chicken and beans (plus beverage). I had chilaquiles (tortilla chips, shredded chicken, one egg, beans and salsa), not a t-bone steak.

Jacqueline V.

Yelp

I loved this pambazo! Literally could cry from eating it. The service was exceptional as well, our waitress recommended we try the Serrano salsa with it and it was a perfect pair. This place also had a cute aesthetic, came here with my sister for lunch. Definitely recommend!

Hilary A.

Yelp

Great service! Friendly staff. Angel was such an amazing server, food was delicious, can't wait to come back for the night time menu!

Diana E.

Yelp

We had brunch in the back room and the vibe was so intimate and it made for such a cute date . The avocado toast was yummy but wish it came with a little salad or side. The pozole is yummy but the panini was a medium. We love the service, everyone is so welcoming!

Mauro F.

Yelp

Great lighting and aesthetic. Coffee was delicious. Our server was extremely nice. I would come here again.

Ellie C.

Yelp

Ok this is definitely a PSA: Xaman Cafe has the cutest coffee cups in DFW!! Look at these little mugs This pre-Hispanic influenced cafe & agave bar takes you on a time travel back to the earlier and simpler times in Central Mexico . I fell in love with their aesthetics the moment I walked into the cafe and all the staff are super friendly. Their menu offers some very authentic Mexican brunch dishes but we swung by during a weekday afternoon so for us it was coffee only . I LOVE the presentation of my latte, and the barista made me one of the most beautiful latte swans I've ever got . We also ordered "Xaman Horchata", which I HIGHLY recommend! Next time, I'd love to give their brunch food a try and perhaps also explore the drinks and dinner menu at their speakeasy down the hallway Full review on Insta: @thepetitevoyager_official

Alyssa P.

Yelp

OH. MY. GOD!!! We came here on a whim one day and it is now our FAVORITE coffee place ever. The espresso and house coffee are specialty, not just some store brand. As a couple who is snobby about our espresso being perfectly made, they get a 10/10 every time. Their matcha and horchata drinks are amazing as well. As for food, it is to die for!!!! The ambiance is better in the bar area!! Dark and quieter for a romantic experience

Jessie C.

Yelp

AMAZING!! The front of the cafe is a coffee shop and the back is a dining room. First, the waiters and service was so attentive and helpful with recommendations. The decor with the dim lights and candles are so good for an nicer dinner date/special celebration with a small group. The food: portions on the smaller side but it's all flavorful! The flautas were light and crispy. The iberico pork shoulder was so tender. I really wished for $45, tht it was more than 6 pieces/size of your palm. But still, super tasty and not too seasoned- all of the flavor are definitely in the sauces. The drinks were all crafted! I got the tang sour($16) (my favorite) and the lychee($18) for my drinks. Both on the sweeter end if you also have a sweet tooth. This place is ideal for a special occasion or a nice cocktail and app before a night out due to its price point and quality. I left hungry so I got street tacos after- but if you have the money to spend and want quality Mexican inspired food; GO HERE

John H.

Yelp

Axman delivers on authentic Mexican food with vibes that will transport you to Tulum. The Emmolades had a deep rich mole that I couldn't stop eating. The Xaman horchata was a beautiful combination of floral notes with the bitter tones of the espresso. I loved the bright and welcoming decor along with the beautiful cups that your coffee gets served in. Service was top notch as well. Prices were on the higher end but worth it in my opinion.

Erica C.

Yelp

I got the green chilaquiles. Definitely over priced for what I got. Barely any toppings, embarrassingly small amounts of sour cream and guacamole but the sauce was good. I paid extra for birria and avocado. Ambiance is cute. Service is ok

Chelsea M.

Yelp

TRY THIS PLACE if you are looking for a cozy, trendy traditional Mexican breakfast! The vibe is as good as the coffee smells and the food tastes.. It's a tiny place, but we got a spot at the coffee bar. Y'all, I can still taste the mole salsa that came with my molletes... We'll be back soon for sure. I will add that I wasn't sure about this spot (it's not exactly Bishop Arts, but definitely seems like this strip is revitalizing a bit though), but it ended up being a solid 5 stars for me. No doubt.

Genesis M.

Yelp

Want to start off by saying that the chai here is amazing !!! I will definitely be coming back just for the chai! I was not too excited about the omelette but I decided to try it out especially with the chorizo and it was okay. I did not like that there was salad on the side I would have preferred potatoes. I guess for me it was just weird to eat eggs with salad for breakfast. The salad to me also had like a sour taste and I did not like it. Service was great though we were seated immediately and food came out pretty quick. Place is clean and looks amazing! Definitely want to come back and try other menu items to give it another try.

Anna F.

Yelp

This place is awesome! The ambiance is on point- lots of nice sunlight that comes into the breakfast and lunch area in front. The backbar that they have looks like a pirate cellar- also a cool vibe. Such a unique presentation, with the food and drinks. Mugs had faces, and were pleasantly heavy. Café de olla came in a gourd and so did the salsas we ordered, which were excellent (a red salsa matcha, and a green surprisingly spicy one). Everyone enjoyed their dishes- we got a variety of meals: molletes, croissant with egg and chorizo, and chilaquiles with mole. Enjoyed the dots of Mexican cream and of salsa that came with it, and the radishes. It was pretty, in addition to being flavorful. You can tell they put a lot of care into the salsas- which tells you a lot.

Mc M.

Yelp

Friendly service. It was a nice environment. Despite how busy they were they were very attentive and fast. Food was delicious!! My family and I are very pleased with everything all around. We will be back! Also thankful for our server Zoey she was SO patient with us!

Jenna B.

Yelp

Delightful nostalgic pre-Hispanic coffee cafe. I enjoyed my time so much I order two different coffee and both were delicious. Customer service is professional and pleasant. The ambiance is Lovely and a beautiful way to experience culture thru coffee and unique artwork. This spot is a winner for my true coffee lovers who can't travel beyond Dallas come and taste Mexico coffee

J. J.

Yelp

I came here after a workout class down the street. It is a beautiful restaurant. I was seated immediately, the staff (Ari & Paloma) was SUPER nice and the food was delicious. I hade the cheese omelet with chorizo and beans. The red sauce is supposedly spicy but I found it to be the perfect compliment.

Paulo Cesar A.

Yelp

Beautiful, cozy place service ,food, ambience Was excellent I was super happy to choose his place for brunch. The egg omelette, just right size the perfect complement with the with the salad. Music selection is great also not too loud with is great if you like conversation and not being on your phone. Cafes are on point honestly I didn't get anything I didn't like I'll come back for dinner try it again. Great work guys !!

Irene M.

Yelp

Xaman is a good place to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee and Mexican sweet bread. A great place to meet up with friends. The Cajeta de Mocha offers a unique flavor with a hint of sweetness. The Café de Olla con rompope, is a great choice to try, since it is seasonal. Pineapple empanadas and Empeñada de cajeta. Tasty, small, hard pastry with the filling to give it taste to accompany coffee. The Concha de fresa is small as well but is good and gives one an opportunity to try various flavors. The maranito bread was perfect with the hot cup of Cafe con Mocha, especially when you dip it. The service was great and the staff were attentive.

Verrell J.

Yelp

Great food. Highly recommend for authentic cuisine from south of the border. Great staff!

Amparo T.

Yelp

I always get the same thing here, but it never fails to be delicious! I get the green chilaquiles with a sunny side up egg and a side of beans. Their horchata with 2 shots of espresso is so authentic and unique, it's a must.

Joi B.

Yelp

I am obsessed with this place the Xaman cafe has a great menu selection. Nuevo Mexican with a breakfast kick. I had the Molletes w/ egg. The black bean paste on the bread was so good. The drinks were a must have as well. The staff was so helpful at explaining things that i didn't understand on the menu. Going back on Friday!!!

Debbie B.

Yelp

Food is always 10/10, service is amazing, and the vibes are there! My go to spot to take friends and family here.

Joshua C.

Yelp

Really loved the aesthetic of this place. Service was phenomenal and food as well. Will definitely be going back to try other things on the menu.

Jaime M.

Yelp

I've been twice to the coffee shop and loved the concept. The coffee is served in unique cups depending on what you are drinking; I always get the Cafe de Olla and it comes in a half coconut shell. The service is excellent and the staff is always friendly. I look forward to trying more dishes from their menu.

Giovanna C.

Yelp

My honest review are on the pictures! will definitely be back. We sat in the back where the bar was at and the vibes were amazing!

Katie M.

Yelp

First time in on a whim for day date lunch. What a gem! We shared the Chilaquiles with chicken and both sauces (divorce style), then Carajillos. Service couldn't have been more accommodating and friendly. Highly recommend and will definitely be back for dinner and speak easy date night!

Jasmine B.

Yelp

Food amazing and fresh! Service really attentive and cool! Lots of parking and very accessible. It is a tiny cafe but the food/ coffee 10/10!

Shannon S.

Yelp

Neat ambience. Friendly staff. Great cocktails. Good and unique food. Love the speakeasy concept.

Flora O.

Yelp

Located well, parking is a bit complicated but manageable. Great food, medium portions, but high price point.

Jacob X.

Yelp

Tuetanos and Pato & Pipian are both amazing. They serve the best tacos I have ever had, and their cocktails are amazing too. Perfect for a date.

Adriana C.

Yelp

Ahhhhh I came here specifically for the espresso martini and concha and they both did not disappoint. They were sooooooo good and delicious. I ordered the chilaquiles with chorizo and it was good. The menu is super small though.

Vicktoriacraygoza ..

Yelp

When you walk into the cafe, the esthetic is simple, refreshing with hints of Mexico. The traditional, historic, everyday Mexico. Not the overused flare most restaurants have to depict Mexican culture. The servers all friendly, welcoming, all moving fast as patrons dine in and pick up. The chilaquiles were great, the right amount of salsa verde. I've ordered cafe de olla a lot, but this was the first time it was presented in this way. It was the perfect blend of spices.

Jara H.

Yelp

The environment was very cozy, the waitress was so friendly when I asked her for recommendations since it was our first time here. The food was delicious to say the least. I totally recommend coming here if you're in the Dallas area. I wouldn't give this place 5 starts but 10!! The food was AMAZING!

Claudia O.

Yelp

A time before this, I went with my husband and I paid about $30 for two coffees and two pastries, they did tell us that because we were only ordering coffee that we could only sit at the bar, (there were plenty of tables to sit at) which we did, but we were still expected to pay a tip (which we always do but they push for over 15%, it's automated when the pop up screen asks for a tip). Today I was looking for a study spot and decided to go and try it out again. When I first got there I asked if there was a designated area, which some coffee shops have, but the lady at the front told me that the seating there was all they had. They offer a complementary Wi-Fi, and that's about where it ends. If you want to have a coffee there, they consider you dining in which means that you have to tip for somebody to bring your coffee out to you. The people there are pushy about ordering something else other than coffee, even if that's all you went in for. Ambiance is not really there, feels kind of rushed and the staff is somewhat unfriendly. Not really a face of good customer service. Wouldn't really recommend the coffee, espresso tasted bitter & over extracted. You can get more authentic Mexican coffee & food elsewhere (with better service).

Jannifer K.

Yelp

Nestled in the middle of Bishop Arts District is Xaman Cafe. Stepping into the cafe feels like being transported into a cafe in Tulum. The lighting is dim, warm, and romantic; the wall art and decor is earthy; and the menu is simple. I ordered a cinnamon tea that was steeped with loose leaf cinnamon sticks/ tea leaves, and they gave me the pot of tea along with a unique clay mug that had a face engraved in it to enjoy my tea at my leisure along with a side of honey; the tea was absolutely delicious, and although it was pricey (roughly $5.50), I would order it again in a heartbeat. I also had a chance to look in the back where they had a secret bar that had a 1920s jazz theme to it; the whole experience in general was delightful. If you're in the area, check this place out. It's a relaxing space to have a conversation, grab a drink, or simply get some work done at.

Elizabeth G.

Yelp

The amount of times I come here is wild. If they did a rewards program, i'd be having free drinks every week lol! So i've been to both Xaman Café in the front, and Ayahuasca Cantina in the back. Here's the difference and what you can expect: Xaman Café: - good coffee - great carajillos - a must try: Espresso martini (made with mezcal) - light/airy vibe that's perfect for studying, working, or relaxing The food at Xaman Cafe differs from Ayahuasca Cantina, as does the vibe and the drinks. At Xaman, I strongly recommend the Chilaquiles Verdes or the Birria Torta. Ayahuasca Cantina gives off a speakeasy vibe. It's hella chill and dark, with cool music and the scent of palo santo or sage gracing the air. If you're looking for something with a cool vibe or a great food/drink experience the is the place to go. PSA: make a reservation! This place is a favorite among locals and you're not always lucky enough to just be seated at the bar -- trust me. FAVES: Flor de Calabaza: Braised Rabbit, Spinach and Cheese stuffed Squash Blossom, lightly breaded in Criollo corn maize Caldo de Piedra: Ancestral soup made with Octopus, Seasonal Fish, etc. They literally serve it in a coconut bowl and add a hot lava rock to cook the fish as you sit and wait Tuetano: Baked and seared Beef Femur topped with diced Rib-eye, Mushroom and Bell Pepper hash A MUST: get mezcal or sotol

The 12 Best Mexican Restaurants In Dallas 2024

Ayahuasca - Review - Oak Cliff - Dallas - The Infatuation

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Dallas Restaurants Affected by Flash Flooding - Eater Dallas

"Nearby in Oak Cliff, Xaman Cafe also shared an Instagram of the flooded interiors of the restaurant with news that it will be closed until further notice." - Courtney E. Smith