No visit to Dallas is complete without some authentic Tex Mex, and ground zero for your Tex Mex culinary experience is Mi Cocina Dallas. This beloved local chain is famous for their Mambo Taxi margaritas, sunset style chicken fajitas and towering nacho platters.
Conveniently located in and around the Dallas Metroplex (currently there are 15 locations, and counting…), wherever you go, you’ll never be far from a Mi Cocina. Service and food are generally consistent from location to location. The West Village and Highland Park locations are known for their buzzing social scenes, the Irving location does a brisk weekday lunch business, and the Southlake location is popular with families. Whichever location you chose, you’ll find that Mi Cocina has a friendly and inviting atmosphere, modern decor, comfy booths, and an accommodating staff.
A popular spot in the early evenings for families with children, some Mi Cocina locations can get pretty loud on the weekends. If you are looking for a quieter night, request a spot near the bar or go later (after 8pm) to avoid the inevitable onslaught of kids hyped-up on chips and queso.
Unless you have a large party dining on a weekend night (eight people or more), no reservations are necessary. Even if you arrive to a packed restaurant, the average wait time is never more than 10-15 minutes. And if the weather is nice, be sure to request a spot outside on the patio.
Start your meal off right with Mi Cocina’s famous Mambo Taxi margarita, the restaurant’s signature drink. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, the ingredients include basic sangria, frozen margarita mix, and the raspberry flavored liqueur, Chambord, all swirled together. Sipping a Mambo Taxi is a great way to cool off after a long, hot day exploring Dallas. But be prepared – these margaritas, like all the drinks at Mi Cocina – pack a punch. Have too many, and you’ll need a taxi to drive you home!
At Mi Cocina, you’ll find all the staples of Tex Mex cuisine. From the pork tacos and fajita platters to the tamales and enchiladas, Mi Cocina consistently delivers. The presentation is simple, but elegant, and the food is served piping hot. The chips are hot, fresh and thick, the salsa has the perfect amount of spice, and the queso is good, too.
While Tex Mex food is traditionally loaded down with cheese and grease (hence it’s delicious, albeit heart-attack inducing reputation), Mi Cocina also includes some lighter, contemporary fare options on the menu. If you are looking for a healthier option, try the Enchilada Modern with chicken; the enchiladas are covered with a huge pile of grilled vegetables rather than being smothered in cheese sauce. And if you like spicy food, try Mi Cocina’s signature Sunset Sauce; it’s like an extra-spicy queso. Whatever you order, Mi Cocina’s lightening fast service gets your entrees out to your table quickly and efficiently.
One downside to Mi Cocina is their soft drink policy. These drinks are served by the can (no fountain sodas are available), but priced as if they were liter-sized, and you will have to pay for each “refill.” Some patrons also complain that $8 is a bit steep for a margarita, but fortunately the Mambo Taxis are so strong, you’ll only need one or two!
Mi Cocina is a casual and relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for everyone from families with children to couples looking for a fun date-night. With entrees hovering in the $10-12 range, the food is reasonably priced and a meal for two with a few margaritas comes in under $50. The delicious food and strong margaritas keep the locals flocking back to Mi Cocina, and after a first taste, you’ll want more too!