Tex-Mex cuisine is a part of Texan culture and life. / Courtesy of barsupplies.com

The Regional Cuisine’s Tastiest Dishes in the Lone Star State

Texas. Wait, scratch that. TEXAS! Everything is bigger in Texas. And, according to Texans, everything is better in Texas. Texas has its own brand of so many things: Texas Toast. Texas BBQ. Texas Two-Step. Texas Hold ‘Em. When’s the last time you heard or read about Kansas’ version of this or that? Or New Hampshire’s? Texas is all about Texas.

Mexican immigrants who settled in Texas gave rise to Tex-Mex cuisine. / Courtesy of texasalmanac.com

True to form, Texas has its own spin on Mexican cuisine: Tex-Mex. Blending the flavors and ingredients of Texas and Mexico, Tex-Mex cuisine began in Texas (not surprisingly, given the amount of Mexicans immigrants who made Texas their new home and the attendant rise and importance of Tejano culture) and has spread across the country. In reality, most Mexican restaurants in the United States are probably Tex-Mex restaurants, as opposed to authentic (i.e. interior) Mexican restaurants. From national and regional chain restaurants to a plethora of mom-and-pop joints, Tex-Mex is easily one of the most common — and popular — American cuisines.

Queso, an appetizer or side dish of melted cheese and chili peppers, is a popular Tex-Mex dish. / Courtesy of Drew Thornley

So, what separates Tex-Mex cuisine from authentic Mexican cuisine? Tex-Mex, which is basically Americanized Mexican fare, is known for such menu items as burritos, tacos, enchiladas and fajitas. Think lots of tortillas, cheeses, meats (often ground or shredded) and you’re in the land of Tex-Mex. Tortilla chips and salsas on your table before your order arrives? That’s a Tex-Mex thing. Melted cheese dip (or “queso,” as it’s known in Texas) for your chips? Tex-Mex.

Quesadillas are another popular Tex-Mex dish. / Courtesy of JBeanCuisine.com

Texans, like most Americans, are quite familiar with Tex-Mex dishes but hazier on authentic Mexican fare (To be fair, many restaurants offer dishes of both varieties, so it is difficult to label certain restaurants as one or the other.). Ask a group of Texans about the best queso in town, and you’re sure to ignite a vociferous debate. But ask that same group about queso flameado (a favorite authentic Mexican dish), and you’ll probably get some blank stares. Ask an American about quesadillas? No problem. But cochinita pibil (another delicious Mexican dish)? Say what?

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has taken Tex-Mex food around the world. / Courtesy of Gangway.com

The number of Tex-Mex restaurants in Texas is staggering. If you pay any of the Lone Star State’s largest cities a visit and are unfamiliar with the local Tex-Mex offerings, good luck, because the number of options is overwhelming. In addition to the boatloads of family-run restaurants, large chains dot the landscape, several of which began in Texas. Take On the Border, for example. Started in Dallas (at the intersection of Travis and Knox) in October 1982, On the Border boasts more than 160 locations. From Oregon to Maine, from Egypt to South Korea, On the Border has taken Tex-Mex around the globe. To help you find your way through the plethora of options, here are our top Tex-Mex restaurant choices in Dallas and San Antonio.

1. Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom - Chuy's

Carne Guisada at Chuy’s. / Courtesy of Chuy's

Started in Austin in 1982 and arguably the most famous Tex-Mex chain in Texas, Chuy’s has more than 50 locations in states as distant as Indiana, Virginia and Florida. Recommended order: Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas (freshly-roasted, hand-pulled chicken and cheese with Boom-Boom sauce, made with cheese, roasted New Mexican green chiles, tomatillos, green onions, cilantro and lime juice).

2. Camarones Tijuana - Pappasito's Cantina

Camarones Tijuana at Pappasito's. / Courtesy of DineAtJoes.com

Another popular Tex-Mex chain is Pappasito’s, the Tex-Mex outfit of the Pappas family. Other than a location in Georgia, all locations of Pappasito’s are in Texas. Recommended order: Camarones Tijuana (Broiled butterflied shrimp with chicken fajitas, guacamole, pico de gallo, rice and frijoles a la charra), Beef Brisket Enchiladas (with meat sauce or authentic red sauce and cheese) and Pappasito's Table-Side Guacamole (fresh chunks of avocado with tomatoes, toasted jalapeños, onion and fresh lime juice).

3. Carnita Tacos - Lupe Tortilla

Carnitas tacos at Lupe Tortilla. / Courtesy of Drew Thornley

Lupe Tortilla is another Texas-based Tex-Mex favorite, with 17 locations in the Lone Star State. Recommended order: lime-pepper-marinated fajitas, served with guacamole, pico de gallo, grilled poblanos, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, grilled onions, rice, frijoles and hand-rolled flour tortillas. If you can’t wait to sit down and order, they will ship fajitas to you overnight.

4. Queso Mariano - Mariano's Hacienda Ranch

Queso Mariano at Mariano’s Hacienda is considered among the best queso dips in Dallas. / Courtesy of Mariano's Hacienda Ranch

Popular Dallas restaurateur Mariano Martinez (who runs three restaurant brands in the Dallas area) has a unique claim to Tex-Mex fame: the world’s first frozen-margarita machine. In fact, in October 2005, Mariano’s creation was added to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. To get a taste of the famous frozen concoction, check out Mariano’s Hacienda.

Recommended order: Queso Mariano (Queso with taco beef, tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream), Feast Fajitas (chicken, steak and shrimp) and The Whole Enchilada (a 20-inch platter with a chicken enchilada, guacamole tostada, beef taco, chicken taco, Tex-Mex rice and beans).

5. Baja Tacos - Aldaco's

Try Aldaco’s Baja Fish Tacos with Tres Marias salad and confetti rice. / Courtesy of Drew Thornley

San Antonio is home to outstanding (the best in Texas, in this author’s view) Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. This is perhaps not surprising, given its proximity to Mexico and large Mexican and Mexican-American population. One of many great Tex-Mex restaurants is Aldaco’s, which labels its fare “Mexican” but which offers a range of Tex-Mex creations, such as queso, quesadillas and fajitas.

With three locations in the Alamo City, their Baja Fish Tacos (served with confetti rice and Tres Marias salad) are this author’s favorite. Recommended order: Baja Fish Tacos (obviously), Queso and Chips, and Carne Asada Marisol (rib eye steak, enchilada de queso and grilled shrimp in a signature roasted garlic crema al chipotle), served with rice, frijoles borrachos and tortillas.

6. The Super Bowl - Las Palapas

The Super Bowl at Las Palapas/ Courtesy of Drew Thornley

Two more San Antonio favorites, and arguably two of the best Tex-Mex values around, are at Las Palapas and Mama Margie’s. Each with drive-thru service, they are great spots to try a range of tacos (and salsas), among other Tex-Mex dishes. Recommended order (Las Palapas): Taco Norteno (steak, cheese and avocado in a grilled flour tortilla) and Las Palapas’ Super Bowl (choice of al carbon, chicken fajita or guisada, drizzled with queso dip and rice, charro beans, lettuce, tomatoes and sliced avocado). When the waiter brings you complimentary chips and salsa, be sure to ask for roasted salsa, too.

7. Picadillo Nachos - Mama Margie's

Picadillo Nachos at Mama Margie’s. / Courtesy of Drew Thornley

Recommended order (Mama Margie’s): Picadillo Nachos (A big platter of chips with plenty of refried beans, picadillo meat and melted Cheddar cheese. Served with guacamole and sour cream) and Mike’s Super Plate (a cheese enchilada, a crispy beef taco and bean and cheese chalupa with refried beans, Mexican rice, guacamole salad, lettuce, tomato and two flour tortillas.

8. Chicken Fajita Plate - Rosas Cafe Tortilla

The chicken fajita plate arrives fast at Rosa's Cafe Tortilla Factory. / Courtesy of Rosa's Cafe Tortilla Factory.

Another favorite is Rosa’s Café Tortilla Factory. In addition to delicious Tex-Mex food at reasonable prices, Rosa’s runs a tight ship. It’s one of the most efficient establishments you will find. Your food is ready fast (they post your check number on a screen when your food is ready. They boast an average wait time of less than three minutes, it’s always hot and fresh, and they keep their salsa station freshly stocked.

Primarily in West Texas (Its first location was built in San Angelo, Texas, in 1983.), Rosa’s has almost 40 locations (38 company-owned locations in Texas and an independently-owned location in California). Recommended order: Chicken Fajita Plate accompanied by guacamole and three tortillas.