Mex-Mex News

Luxe Mexican restaurant opens in Dallas' Design District with nod to Monterrey

Bone marrow and filet.

The Mexican

A grand Mexican restaurant is opening in Dallas' Design District. Called The Mexican, it's located at 1401 Turtle Creek Blvd. in a former light bulb store, and according to a release will open on March 11, for dinner Tuesday-Saturday.

The restaurant has multiple owners but is spearheaded by Monterrey businessman Roberto Gonzalez Alcalá, whose family owns Mission Foods, among other companies. It's his highly mounted, multi-multi-million-dollar-decorated coming out party — his love letter, his bow to the closeness between Monterrey and Dallas.

The food is described as Northern Mexico-inspired dishes that have been passed down through generations with the highest level of expertise and faithful tradition from the region. Head chef Rodrigo Lomeli will oversee a menu that incorporates hometown recipes, sauces, and salsas from Monterrey.

Roberto Gonzalez Alcalá says this is not your typical Mexican restaurant.

"Inside our doors, we are uncovering a new contemporary Mexico, that takes authenticity and luxury to uncharted heights," he says. "Guests will experience an elevated, cosmopolitan dining adventure that exemplifies the true, traditional Mexican culture of innovation and passion, with great cuisine, all in one."

The restaurant is 15,000 square feet with seating for 320, and spares no details with:

eclectic tequila wall and tasting table
eccentric cigar lounge equipped with state-of-the-art ventilation
multi-level, picturesque outdoor patios featuring landscapes from the region
original Mexican tilework
ceramic fixtures
intricate touches of blues and golds

Private dining rooms feature regional art, with a special "Oaxaca Room" showcasing pieces by Jacobo and Maria Angeles from Oaxaca which were made specifically for the restaurant.

"The design of The Mexican is truly unique," says Rafael Abreu, a partner in the restaurant. "We are so excited to share a bit of our heritage and the best of modern Mexico, through fine cuisine and a grandeur experience, with the Dallas community. Our hope is that guests will feel as though they’ve traveled to Mexico as they walk through our doors."

The official menu is not yet available but dishes include a showpiece bone marrow accompanied by tacos with filet mignon; a guacamole that's beautifully composed, like a Cobb salad; ceviche made with sea bass, mango, and pineapple on a base of thinly sliced cucumber; and crusted sea bass on a bed of sauteed greens.

González Alcalá is a veteran restaurateur, but in the fast-food sector.

"We own a KFC franchise in Costa Rica, so we know how to run the business, but this is my first fine-dining restaurant," he says. "We're partnered with Rich Hicks (Taco Lingo) and some of our associates who have a lot of restaurant experience. We studied where the best place for this would be and decided Dallas was the best place."

González Alcalá is so committed to the venture that he got an apartment in Dallas so he could oversee his baby full-time.

"We put so much love and passion into bringing the best of Mexico here," he says. "I think of it as an embassy — a culinary embassy."

tex-mex

Pub News

Queens Head English pub to open in storied Deep Ellum Dallas location

Courtesy photo

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There's a new English pub coming to Deep Ellum: Called Queens Head Pub, it'll open at 2713 Elm St. in the storied space that was once home to the legendary Green Room.

The opening is slated for May, timed to coincide with the arrival of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a goal to serve as a destination for match-day celebrations, live music, and neighborhood gatherings — an authentic and spirited setting where fans can unite over the game. (FIFA matches in Dallas will run from June 14-July 14.)

The Queens Head Pub will mark the second concept from Deep Ellum Collective, who in September 2025 launched The Terrace, an elevated event space at 2554 Elm St. with a spacious rooftop patio boasting views of downtown Dallas.

Led by longtime neighborhood veteran Eric Bradford (of Bomb Factory fame), Deep Ellum Collective is working on a series of projects aimed at revitalizing this iconic entertainment district while introducing fresh, community-driven hospitality experiences.

“Queens Head Pub captures the spirit of a traditional English pub while embracing the energy and authenticity of Deep Ellum,” Bradford says in a statement. “This is more than just a pub — it’s a gathering place that celebrates tradition, camaraderie, and the vibrant culture of the neighborhood. As our second concept, it sets the tone for what’s to come as we continue to introduce projects that contribute to the revitalization of this historic district.”

They promise that the pub will deliver the charm and tradition of a classic British public house, but with a Texan sense of hospitality, with full pints, hearty plates, and a welcoming atmosphere for "after-work regulars, match-day diehards, first dates, old mates, or anyone seeking a place that feels instantly familiar."

Food & drink
The menu will comprise elevated Britain pub fare, with entrees such as fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, steak & ale pie, and bangers & mash. Starters include Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, and curried mussels.

Other highlights include Guinness beef stew, the QHP Burger, and indulgent desserts such as toffee bread pudding.

The bar will serve imported and domestic draft beers, English ales, full pints, and expertly poured Guinness. There'll be craft cocktails, and an approachable wine and spirits menu.

Rendering of interior of Queens Head Pub, opening in Deep Ellum.Courtesy rendering

Design
Led by Droese Raney, the design recreates a traditional English public house that preserves the history of the space. The project combines the former Green Room space with the neighboring property to create a venue spanning 6,000 square feet. At its heart stands a striking 40-foot bar that incorporates the original Green Room bar — believed to date back to the 19th century — maintaining a tangible connection to the building’s storied past.

The space includes cozy nooks, communal tables, a relaxed lounge area, and a private dining space. A rooftop patio spanning 2,000 square feet will offer both covered and open-air areas designed for year-round use and a variety of social experiences.

Materials used include reclaimed hardwoods, stained wood, brass accents, tin ceilings, and hand-painted mirrors — many sourced from antique dealers in Round Top, Texas. They'll be open Tuesday-Sunday starting at 11 am. Follow the progress on Instagram at @queensheadpubde.

deep-ellum openings