The latest super-chic restaurant from Dallas-based Duro Hospitality has arrived. Called El Carlos Elegante, it's their Mexican-inspired restaurant in the Dallas Design District, at 1400 N. Rivertfront Blvd., just a tortilla toss from its sibling restaurant The Charles.
According to a press release, El Carlos aims to capture the essence of Latin culture, in food, cocktails, and interior design.
Diners can expect large cuts of Argentinian-style wood-fired meats and fish, crudo, house-made tortillas, traditional masa-based dishes, seasonal craft cocktails, and a standout Mezcal program, including no-additive natural Mezcals for true enthusiasts, as well as a global list of wines and champagnes.
Menu highlights include:
- Surf & Turf One-Hitter: A5 Wagyu, Ostera Caviar, Crispy Shell
- Beef Aguachile: Charred Onion, Soy, Fresno
- Mole Negro Masa: Ricotta Tamale
- Chorizo Molotes: Refried Beans, Salsa Roja
- Mayan Hummus: Sikil Pak, Baby Carrots, Pepitas
- Pork al Pastor: Pork Blade Chop, Pineapple, Adobo
- Osso Bucco Carnitas: Veal Shank, Costeño Rojo
- Whole Fish: Mint Mojo, Fennel, Herbs
Duro Hospitality Group has become one of the hottest entities in Dallas restaurants right now, with a portfolio that includes The Charles, Bar Charles, Sister, Café Duro, and Casa Duro.
Duro's Benji Homsey says in a statement that on this one, they "colored outside of the lines."
"Each one of our concepts possesses unique personalities, and El Carlos represents a new character in our portfolio, whose story is told throughout the design of the space as well as represented on the menu," Homsey says. "The entire experience at El Carlos is unlike any other in Dallas, and we hope everyone loves it just as much as we do."
The space is designed to feel multi-generational and cozy.El Carlos Elegante
Rendered by Corbin and Ross See of Sees Design, the inspiration for the restaurant's design came from the idea of a Mexican hacienda handed down through multiple generations. Decorative elements include midcentury modern pieces, unexpected color combinations, eclectic textiles, and furniture sourced almost exclusively from Mexico.
A front courtyard contains an oversized fireplace and retractable roof, while the interior features a second fireplace, plus colorful custom wallpapers, ironwork, and a tableau of El Carlos "Family Portraits."
A private dining room houses a custom Pierre Frey mural and opens to the back courtyard, which also includes a retractable roof.
Ross See says they started with four walls and built from there: front and back courtyards, fireplaces, and fountains. Corbin See says their vision was similar to Sister in some regards.
"We wanted it to feel multigenerational and cozy," Corbin says. "The space has a residential feel, and we aimed for the pieces to feel collected and added over time. The dishes, for example, aren’t all matching. It’s an eclectic mix so it feels replaced over time."
Check it out at dinner: El Carlos is open Sunday-Thursday from 5-10 pm and Friday–Saturday from 5-11 pm.
Vidorra's signature Parrillada en Fuego, featuring an array of grilled meats, shrimp, nopales, and peppers.Photo courtesy of Vidorra