Tacos Downtown

Acclaimed Fort Worth taqueria brings authentic eats to downtown Dallas

A Fort Worth taqueria is headed east.

Photo by Malcolm Mayhew

A revered taqueria from Fort Worth is headed for Big D: Salsa Limón will open a branch in downtown Dallas in the historic Mayflower Building, at 411 N. Akard St.

The Mayflower is currently under renovation, with a plan to make it a mixed-use project with apartments, retail, and on-site parking. Salsa Limón owner Milo Ramirez says that the location was perfect for what they're about.

"We love the building, and think that Salsa Limón will work perfect there," he says. "It's in a great location, with high-rises all around, and Klyde Warren Park up the street. We're hoping to attract people who live and work in the area, but also the diehards who will drive down because they want a great taco."

Salsa Limón serves what it calls "un-apologetically Mexico City-style tacos," which are generous in size and include a range of fillings, from grilled steak and pork shoulder to garlic mashed potatoes and barbacoa. Another good option is a "molca bowl," a layered dip consisting of refried beans, Mexican rice, cabbage slaw, chips, and choice of meat. It's also known for its horchata drinks.

Among the taqueria's accolades was its inclusion on Texas Monthly's list of best tacos in the state, where it was lauded for its El Capitan taco, made with Oaxaca cheese and pickled cabbage, along with your choice of protein.

There are four branches, including one that attracted media attention when the entire restaurant was moved by Fort Worth's Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission from its West Seventh location to White Settlement Road, to be part of the River District development along the Trinity River; that branch has not yet opened. It also has three food trucks.

Ramirez anticipates a February opening for the Dallas location. To prepare, he immersed himself by sub-leasing an apartment at the Interurban Building. "I wanted to understand what people living there need," he says.

The Dallas menu will be basically the same. "We're tweaking our pastor, but that's because we're always refining and improving what we do," he says.

The tripe taco has been the "star taco" since the first branch at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth. "It's a more adventurous bite, but it has some authentic weight," he says. "We have a tripe that can kick ass in Mexico. You get it a little crunchy. It's a world-class tripe taco."

Ramirez says he likes to let the classics speak for themselves.

"You remember 10 years ago, everyone was talking about Korean tacos, and I said, 'Wait a minute — what about the traditional tacos that have been pleasing our population in Mexico for 400 years?"

tacos downtown

A Toast

Dallas distiller launches zero-proof liquor line and hosting accessories

Photo courtesy of Teaspoon

It's the brand's first line of non-alcoholic beverages.

The zero-proof liquor movement keeps gaining momentum, and the latest to take a seat at the bar is Teaspoon, from the Dallas-based Dynasty Spirits.

The brand's first line of non-alcoholic whiskey, tequila, gin, and "Italian Spritz" (comparable to the main ingredient in a certain bright-orange cocktail) are already available for shipping nationwide, and the company promises they will be carried by more than 400 Texas retailers by year's end. Each 700ml bottle is priced at $32.99.

“Teaspoon was born from a simple belief: that the drink in your hand should match the moment you’re in,” says founder Devin Odell. “Teaspoon isn’t just zero-proof spirit alternatives, it’s a statement. It offers a fresh option for those who expect more from what’s in their glass: more flavor, more intention, more celebration.”

For the mocktail connoisseurs out there, here's a quick overview of each bottle's tasting notes:

The zero-proof whiskey has cherry, vanilla, caramel, and citrus zest on the nose. The palate opens with a bourbon-style sweetness and finishes dry and peppery.
The zero-proof tequila has the aroma of cracked black pepper with hints of pineapple and guava, and tastes of fresh bell pepper up front. Citrus mid-notes add brightness and it's rounded off with a lightly sweet oak finish.
The zero-proof gin's nose brings lemon zest and elderflower, and its taste is dry and herbal like a true London Dry gin.
The zero-proof Italian Spritz balances sweet red licorice and bitter orange peel on the nose. The palate starts with orange-candy brightness and progresses to juicy grapefruit before finishing with a lingering herbal bitterness.

The name Teaspoon is reflective of the culinary measuring tool's history, and how the gilt silver spoons were once prized by England's upper crust due to the initial rarity of tea imported from Asia.

The Texas-born Odell founded Dynasty Spirits in 2010, and the brand's portfolio currently includes Pezuña Blanca tequila, Townes vodka, Green House vodka and gin, Lasso Motel whiskey, and Painted Donkey tequila.

Launching in tandem with Teaspoon’s non-alcoholic beverages is a collection of custom retail products in collaboration with Marcello Andres, Shelton Metal, Tom Adam, Match 1995, A Bientot, WP Standard, and more. Currently, that includes linen cocktail napkins, glassware, and a set of artful pewter teaspoons, each representing a different zero-proof liquor.

Dallasites can taste and shop at Teaspoon's launch event: November 6 at at the Shop Swoon boutique inside the Joule Hotel. Bottles will be available for purchase there through November 9.

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