If you want to dine at an unparalleled Dallas landmark, then look no further than Javiers Dallas Gourmet Mexicano — a taste of what authentic Mexican dining in Dallas is all about.
You won’t find any Tex Mex staples, like enchiladas or tacos, on Javier’s menu. Instead, you’ll enjoy a taste of true Mexico City cuisine while dining with the beautiful people in Dallas’ exclusive Highland Park neighborhood.
On Friday and Saturday nights, Javier’s packs in the Dallas movers and shakers. Javier’s fans are a loyal bunch, returning time and time again for the famous margaritas, delicious food, and classy cigar bar.
Javier’s is a great place to take a date or to impress business clients by scoring a hard-to-get reservation. With the average entrée hovering at $28, however, the fabulous food and drinks don’t come cheap.
A trip to Javier’s requires that you dress the part. While there’s no formal dress code, flip-flops and shorts are a definite no-no. And remember, this is the place to see and be seen in Highland Park. So take out your finery, put on your best baubles and prepare for a night on the town.
Finally, parking near Javier’s can be at a premium, so don’t forget cash for the valet.
When you step into Javier’s, you’ll be greeted with lavish furnishings, dark woods, lush plants and giant stuffed animals. (Yes, there are stuffed animal heads mounted on the walls; don’t say we didn’t warn you.) The restaurant is a maze of dining rooms, bars and passageways, and the decor is a distinct mix of Mexican jungle and a colonial king’s palace.
If you have a large party or wish to dine on a Friday or Saturday night (even if it’s just the two of you), reservations are a must. Even with reservations, be prepared to wait. Cool your heels at the bar and enjoy one of Javier’s famous margaritas or a glass of sangria. Considered one of the best margaritas in Dallas, you can taste the fresh squeezed lime – no store-bought mixers here!
Once your party is seated, enjoy the complimentary fresh chips served with green and red salsa, and a side of butter. Start your meal off right with an appetizer of Smoked Chicken Nachos and a ceviche sampler. A tequila shot with a spicy fresh tomato juice chaser may even win over your non-tequila drinking friends.
Be sure to try the Steak Cantinflas, beef tenderloin stuffed with butter and cheese and topped with chile sauce. Diners routinely praise Javier’s for their perfectly cooked Filet Azteca (tender, with a little crispiness on the outer edges) and Red Snapper Marinero (flaky and delicious). Finish off your meal with Javier’s famous tres leche dessert and a Cafe Javier – a flaming coffee/liquor drink prepared tableside.
Enjoy an after-dinner drink or cigar from Javier’s wide cigar selection at the cigar bar. You can also bring your own cigar for an $8.95 cutting fee.
Kick back with a glass of scotch on the large leather couches and enjoy your cigar in peace; there’s no pulsating club music to drown out your conversation. While generally a laid-back lounge, this is a hot spot on the weekends for bachelor/bachelorette parties, and every now and then, a scream or two may be heard from a well-lubricated patron.
Yes, the prices at Javier’s for the food and drinks (while delicious) are steep. But remember, you’re not just paying for the food; you’re paying for the privilege of dining at this exclusive Dallas eatery. Even if hobnobbing with the movers and shakers isn’t your thing, sit back and enjoy the people watching. Who needs season tickets to the Cowboys games when you can spot the players and coaches here?
Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano
4912 Cole Avenue
(214) 521-4211;
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