Mex-Mex News
Fancy Mexican restaurant opens in former Gas Monkey Bar & Grill in NW Dallas
El Destino
The former Gas Monkey Bar & Grill space in North Dallas has become home to a new restaurant: Called El Destino, it's a Mexican restaurant, bar, and party destination, located at 10261 Technology Blvd., and is celebrating its grand opening on Friday March 8 at 3 pm, with live music from 7 pm-2 am.
According to a release, El Destino is from longtime restaurateur Mario J. Cernadas, founder of The Cernadas Consultancy and former COO for Ojos Locos, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, and Applebee’s. He’s joined by Managing Partner and bartender Mayra Duran, and chef Jaime Garcia, a 32-year restaurant veteran.
“We’re Mexican, through and through,” Cernadas says. “The food and drinks we serve are made of authentic Mexican ingredients and recipes, and the staff who make and serve them are native Spanish speakers. Whether you're looking for a leisurely dinner with loved ones, a quick lunch catch-up with friends, or a solo meal at the bar, El Destino offers a relaxed setting where laughter flows as freely as the conversation. Our interiors awaken memories of Mexico, and the music could make even a Gringo dance.”
The location has a busy history, starting out as Firewater Bar & Grill, a live music venue that closed in 2009. In 2012, it opened as Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill, which barely lasted a year. By 2013, it had become Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill/Gas Monkey Live, part of the empire fronted by Richard Rawlings, of Fast N' Loud fame. Rawlings left in 2021, and it became Amplified, a live music venue that prospered until the land was sold, and Amplifed was forced to vacate in 2023.
The owners of El Destino have invested more than $1.2 million into the space, including hiring pricey consultant Plan B Group, who've created what they call "a Mexican wedding party" vibe. It includes artwork by Diego Rivera; hand-painted murals of agaves and Mayan and Aztec designs; custom furniture and millwork; and fireplace, all exuding the cozy ambiance of a Mexican home. Multiple garage doors open to the patio, and windows let in plenty of natural light. A fountain lights up in the colors of the Mexican flag.
Chef Garcia and his culinary team have created a menu focused on scratch-made Mexican specialties. Signature dishes include a whole fried snapper, carne asada, street tacos and Mexican shrimp cocktail, while the brunch menu adds chilaquiles, menudo and cajeta French toast. The bar is pouring two dozen draft beers, craft cocktails including Margaritas and a tequila-spiked take on the Espresso Martini, a wide selection of Mexican spirits, and six different Micheladas.
El Destino accommodates nearly 200 inside, while the La Playa patio has 70 seats and the stage patio adds another 80 seats. The space also features massive TVs, projectors, video walls, five bars, three patios and two stages — one inside and one outside - plus a VIP section upstairs, with its own patio, full bar, tables and restrooms.
Chef Michelle Carpenter at Restaurant BeatriceCourtesy 
Chef Michelle Carpenter, center, mentoring student chefs Taqoya Williamson (left) and Riauna Clarke WRLP