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    The Tailgate

    16 Dallas restaurants face off in CultureMap's Top Taco Tournament

    Lindsey Wilson
    Sep 19, 2025 | 12:15 pm

    As part of this year’s Tailgate, CultureMap’s celebration of everyone’s favorite way to get in the game-day spirit, we’re asking readers to determine the best taco spot in Dallas in our Top Taco Tournament.

    Picking one best taco joint out of hundreds of qualified restaurants is virtually impossible. Instead, we’ve chosen 16 favorites across a few categories.

    The nominees are paired up, bracket-style, to compete against each other. Readers can vote for their favorite restaurant in each matchup. The winners will go on to the next round, until a champion emerges.

    Round one voting is open now until midnight on September 22. You can vote once per day in the tournament, through October 4.

    Taqueria La Ventana tacos
    Photo by Kathy Tran

    Taqueria La Ventana's Mexican street tacos.

    We’ll reveal the winner on stage at The Tailgate, taking place 12-4 pm Sunday, October 5, at The Empire Room. The afternoon will include tailgate-inspired cuisine from local restaurants; premium cocktails; a silent auction of sports memorabilia, and the chance to meet-and-greet Texas Rangers pitching legend Derek Holland.

    Cowboys fans, sport those jerseys in support of Dak & company, who'll be taking on the New York Jets that afternoon. Big screens will be up around the venue.

    Read more about The Tailgate here, stay updated through our editorial series, and nab tickets ($50) here before they sell out.

    Here are the nominees in CultureMap's Top Taco Tournament:

    Chilangos Tacos
    Dallas-based chain founded in 2019 by SMU grad Jon Garay and highly regarded chef Joel Mendoza. "Chilango" is slang for a resident of Mexico City, and the capital's influence is felt through the simple taco and quesadilla preparation of protein, onions, cilantro, and choice of salsa. Their signature is the La Costras Taco, like a grilled cheese version of a taco featuring fajita beef, bacon, and avocado on a toasted flour tortilla.

    Del Sur Tacos
    Oak Cliff's Jefferson Boulevard is crowded with Mexican restaurants, but Del Sur stands out for inventive tacos like chile relleno, cochinita pibil, and the El Santo (grilled pork and crisp radishes with guajillo salsa), plus rare finds like mulitas, a cross between a taco and a quesadilla.

    The Dream Tacos by Chetra
    A former CultureMap Tastemaker Award nominee for Best Chef, Chetra Chau serves up "global fusion tacos" first in Plano and now also at The Realm at Castle Hills, a mixed-used development along SH 121 in Lewisville. More than two dozen tacos span the globe, from a Beef Wellington taco made with sliced filet mignon to Korean bulgogi beef, shrimp and grits, lots of vegan options, and even a spaghetti meatball taco.

    Fuel City
    A true Dallas institution since 1995. One of the first gas stations to sport a taqueria, this Dallas-area chain is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Some locations branch out with ice cream, pizza, burgers, fried pies, a beer bar, and daiquiris, but all serve the core taco menu of chicken, picadillo, beef fajita, barbacoa, pastor, and nopales.

    Maskaras Mexican Grill
    Lucha libre masks, garments, and memorabilia adorn the walls of this Oak Cliff hole-in-the-wall. Known for its birria and quesabirria tacos, the restaurant also serves tacos of the street, veggie, shrimp, and deep-fried variety.

    Resident Taqueria
    The Lake Highlands taqueria made a splash when musician St. Vincent served customers on its opening day back in 2015, and now, 10 years later, it's still making waves. It's a foodie pick and no wonder, with gourmet tacos as pecan-smoked chicken, caramelized cauliflower, pork belly burnt ends, and Texas short rib.

    Rusty Taco
    Founded in Dallas (by the same man who started Uncle Julio's) and now spread over 11 states, Rusty Taco boasts an expansive menu with old standbys plus inventive offerings like the Corny Pig (margarita-braised pork topped with street corn and crispy potatoes), cola-braised brisket, and chicken bacon jam.

    Señor Oink
    Recently opened Farmers Branch restaurant is all about the pork carnitas, with meat cut from the rib, stomach, pig’s skin, and shoulder. El Rumbero has pork shoulder with pineapple and chili de arbol sauce. The Oink Supremo has pork skin with fire-roasted salsa and guacamole. They also sell carnitas by the pound and in bowls, tortas, and flautas.

    Tacodeli
    A salsa bar complements the tacos at this Austin-based chain, which draws inspiration from Mexico City as well as its Texas roots. An extensive menu offers breakfast tacos, lots of vegetarian options, seafood like salmon and Gulf shrimp, and rotating specials.

    Taco Ocho
    It started in Richardson in 2011 and has since grown to include three more Dallas-area locations, all owned and operated by Mani Bhushan, an Indian immigrant who married into Mexican culture. A particular focus is paid to premium ingredients, with preservative-free tortillas, all-natural cheeses, and sustainably sourced seafood.

    Taco Y Vino
    Yes, tacos and wine go together, and yes, they're even better when served in a funky little Bishop Arts house with records spinning in the background, live music on the patio, and lotería on Tuesday nights. Affable owner Jimmy Contreras has found so much success that he's branching out to Garland. Special nod to its popular deal of six tacos and a bottle of wine for $50.

    Taquería El Arquito
    Family-owned and run, this taqueria chain now has nine DFW-area locations (including a new one in Deep Ellum). All serve their famous tacos de trompo, and customer-friendly hours mean that breakfast tacos also get the spotlight.

    Taqueria La Ventana
    Authentic Mexico City street food is the name of the game here, with tiny tacos boasting big flavor being served first from a walk-up counter in downtown Dallas. Now there are three more locations, all offering your choice of bistek, lengua, chopped brisket, shrimp, barbacoa, chicken, pastor, carnitas, and calabacitas (squash).

    Taqueria Taxco
    Bustling family-run chain found at gas stations across DFW. From tromp and tripe to fajita meat, fish, and even chicharron, there's a taco for every palate. On Tuesdays, the already reasonably priced tacos go even lower, or choose 3 tacos plus rice and beans for around $13 any day of the week.

    Urban Taco
    With its longtime Mockingbird Station location now closed, Urban Taco lives on through OOMI Digital Kitchen (they share a founder), which offers several brands and cuisines for delivery or carry-out from its Ross Avenue ghost kitchen. An array of veggie tacos are supplemented by what Texas Monthly voted a top ten: the Al Pastor a la Tuma, sporting fried manchego cheese, roasted jalapeños, and avocado.

    Velvet Taco
    Dallas-founded chain's bold approach to tacos has resulted in funky mash-ups that span the globe. Think: tikka masala chicken, Nashville hot tofu, Korean pork fried rice, bacon smash burger, and fish n' chips. Sixteen DFW locations — and plenty more beyond — feed the public's cravings well into the wee hours.

    ---

    The Tailgate is sponsored by FLIGHT by Yuengling, Sportsmo, Puttshack, Mizzen+Main, Antone's Famous Po' Boys, NXL LVL Events, Patron, Still Austin Whiskey, and more to be announced.

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    News you can eat

    This Dallas restaurant news is hot and fresh for the new year

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Jan 16, 2026 | 2:18 pm
    Paris Baguette
    Paris Baguette/ Facebook
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    Our first Dallas restaurant news roundup of 2026 is all about the new - new restaurants, new menus, new dishes, and new deals. Several local places are celebrating big anniversaries this year. Sadly, there are some closures, too.

    Here's what's been happening on the Dallas restaurant scene the first two weeks of the year.

    Paris Baguette, the booming Korean bakery cafe chain, opened a location in The Colony at 5105 Main St. Bldg. B on January 15. They serve more than a dozen cakes by the slice or the whole cake; pastries including croissants, tarts, Danish, and buns; savory baked goods such as quiche Lorraine; breads, salads, sandwiches; and Lavazza coffee. The Colony is the 12th location in the DFW area joining Allen, Carrollton, Coppell, Dallas, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Mansfield, and Plano.

    Jo’Seon Wagyu Omakase, Dallas’ first Korean Wagyu omakase restaurant, opened its doors on December 3. Located at 1628 Oak Lawn Ave. in the Design District, Jo’Seon is led by chef and co-owner Danny Shin, with an unprecedented 12-course (or 18 courses, for those dining in the select, private rooms) Wagyu-themed omakase that fuses Japanese A5 Wagyu, Korean culinary techniques, and American influences of hospitality. Seating is limited, with only one seating for lunch and two seatings for dinner in the main room each day.

    Adelmo's Ristorante, Dallas' longtime Italian restaurant, closed its location in Inwood Village on December 31 after a decade in the space. The eponymous restaurant was founded in 1989 by Adelmo Banchetti in the Knox Street district where it prevailed until 2015, when it was displaced by the area's dramatic upheaval. Banchetti relocated to Inwood Village, taking over the former Bijoux space. In a Facebook post, he says he plans to reopen in another location, still to be announced.

    Coco Shrimp Coco Shrimp is coming to Wylie. Coco Shrimp

    Coco Shrimp, the popular fast-casual restaurant that specializes in Hawaiian-style fried shrimp, is opening up shop in Wylie. According to social media posts, the newest location of the fast-growing chain - which started as a food truck in Fort Worth - is coming to 3040 E. FM 544, Suite. 400, Wylie. Opening day is TBD, but soon, they say.

    MoMo Italian Kitchen in Lake Highlands is kicking off its 40th anniversary year with a rotating assortment of wine bottles at a discounted price of $40. The featured January wines are the Ciacci Piccolomini Toscana Rosso (Sangiovese and Syrah) and Il Monticello Rupestro Rosatto. They're also introducing a 40th anniversary special featuring a four-course dinner for two for $80, including two salads, two pastas, one antipasto and one dessert; available until February 7.

    Shake Shack has brought back its popular Korean-style menu for a limited time. The menu features returning favorites like the K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich ($10.49) and K-Shack BBQ Burger ($10.49), as well as new items including saucy K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites ($6.49 for six pieces) and the K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake (Gochujang caramel frozen custard topped with whipped cream and more gochujang caramel, $6.99). The menu is inspired by the team’s culinary trips to Seoul and the vibrant fried chicken scene that influenced the chain’s first South Korea location in 2016, they say.

    Malai Kitchen is marking its 15th year in both Uptown Dallas and Southlake with a special Legacy Menu on Saturday, January 31 at both locations. The menu will feature 15 favorite dishes from the restaurant’s early days, priced at $15 each. Here are those 15: Large Thai Coconut Soup, Large Lemongrass Soup, Large Beef Viet Noodle Soup, Large Chk Viet Noodle Soup, Malai Favorite Sampler, Lemongrass Mussels, Chicken Pad Thai, Shrimp Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Iron Pot Green Chicken Curry, Panang Curry with Beef, Red Curry Icelandic Cod, Chilean Seabass, Vermicelli Salad with Chicken, and Vermicelli Salad with Meatballs.

    Maple Leaf Diner has launched a new Weekday Features lunch menu, available Monday through Friday from 7 am-2:30 pm. The menu offers sandwiches such as Turkey Avocado Swiss and Grilled Turkey Melt, fresh salads, and starters. There are also combo options, including a $12.99 Sandwich Trio with a half sandwich, side, and house-made chips, along with lighter choices such as Avocado Toast and Chicken Avocado Salad.

    Cru brunch New brunch menu offerings at Cru.Photo courtesy of Cru

    CRÚ Wine Bar & Bistro introduced new dinner and brunch menus on January 5. They're showcasing Italian-inspired dishes and shareables designed for wine pairing. Developed with Dallas restaurant veteran Mark Brezinski, the menu includes Barolo-braised short rib over butternut squash risotto; Wagyu picanha steak with papas bravas and chimichurri; jumbo scallops atop spinach parmesan risotto; Roman-style pinsa pizzas; and indulgent desserts including chocolate fondue for two. Brunch offers Wagyu steak and eggs, short rib eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, and a smoked salmon board.

    Komodo Dallas is shaking up its cocktail program with a collaboration with wellness brand Cymbiotika. The limited-time menu features drinks - both spirited or spirit-free - such as the Immunity Fizz, with Tito’s Vodka, elderberry immune support, and soda ($18); and the Tangerine Silk, a citrus-y mocktail made with Cymbiotika’s tangerine blend, yuzu, and lychee cordial ($16).

    Bellagreen American Bistro is serving its Winter “Golden Glow” menu through February, featuring dishes built around anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, sweet potatoes, kale, and wild rice. Offerings include a turmeric-ginger chicken soup, a butternut wild rice and arugula salad, a roasted veggie quinoa-kale bowl, seared salmon over turmeric cauliflower rice, and seasonal gluten-free desserts like peppermint and German chocolate cheesecake.

    Torchy’s Tacos has started its 20th anniversary year with a new "Double Feature" deal: a complete meal for two for $20, featuring six street tacos, classic sides, and drinks. The January lineup also includes the return of the fan-favorite Tokyo Drifter Taco and a new Red Bull Strawberry Limeade mocktail.

    Perry’s Steakhouse has launched Mini Martini Trios, including a zero-proof option. The Free-Spirited Mini Martini Trio ($15) features nonalcoholic cocktails such as the Clean Kick made with Seedlip Spice 94. January’s Mini Martini Trio of the Month includes three spirited drinks, including the "Straight" Paloma made with George Strait's Código 1530 Blanco tequila. The steakhouse is also offering off-menu dishes for a limited time, including escargot, turtle gumbo, beef Wellington, roasted wild red snapper, and white chocolate cheesecake.

    Crispy Cones, an ice cream shop chain that appeared on Shark Tank, has opened a location in Plano, in a new center at 9613 Coit Rd. #108. It's an innovative concept that places as much attention on the cone as it does the ice cream. To read more about it, head here.

    Omega Bowls at Fish City Grill. New protein-paced Omega Bowls at Fish City Grill.Photo courtesy of Fish City Grill

    Fish City Grill & Half Shells has introduced menu items designed for health-minded diners in January. They include nutrient-packed Omega Bowls with 30+ grams of protein and rich in omega-3s; Seared Scallop Tacos with sweet potato, kale, and chipotle-avocado tartar ($19), Seared Black Cod with coconut orzo ($27); and Chicken Milanese with arugula, marinated tomatoes, and lemon aioli ($19).

    Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe has been acquired by M Crowd Restaurant Group, parent company of Mi Cocina and The Mercury. M Crowd says it will focus on "strengthening Razzoo’s culinary identity, celebrating its handcrafted Cajun dishes, and elevating the guest experience." Early priorities, they say, "include optimizing heritage dishes, such as the Seafood Combo Platter and seasonal Crawfish boil, and refreshing the beverage program to complement the brand’s energetic atmosphere." Seven DFW locations of Razzoo's will remain open.

    The PoBoy Shop, which had been open in Preston Center just since July 2025, suddenly closed its doors around the new year, citing rising costs of food and more. Early January saw a slew of sad Dallas closures, in fact. All local outposts of national chains Sprinkles Cupcakes and Salad and Go shuttered, too.

    House of Dorchester, a British chocolate maker founded in 1963, is returning to the U.S. and offering select products in Barnes & Noble stores in time for Valentine's Day. Based in Dorchester, England and known for traditional chocolate-making techniques and elegant designs, the brand's Barnes & Noble offerings include Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles — truffles with a Marc de Champagne and strawberry center dusted with delicate icing sugar ($10.99 for four pieces).

    Chick-fil-A is treating guests to a breakfast giveaway throughout January. Through January 30, customers can can open the Chick-fil-A App weekly to redeem a new breakfast offer, with the schedule as follows: Jan. 12-16: Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit or Spicy Chicken Biscuit; Jan. 19-23: Bacon or Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Biscuit; Jan. 26-30: four-piece Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis.

    BJ's Brewhouse has teamed up with Butterfinger for a limited-time Butterfinger Pizookie dessert ($8.99). It combines BJ's freshly baked chocolate cookie with vanilla bean ice cream, a smooth, crackable chocolate shell, and generous Butterfinger pieces.

    H-E-B is opening the doors to its newest DFW supermarket location, at 11700 US-80 in Forney, on Wednesday, January 28. As is the case with H-E-B stores, they'll open at 6 am with fanfare, including visits from company executives and city officials throughout the day.

    Cinemark is celebrating National Popcorn Day on January 18 and 19 by letting moviegoers bring their own container to theaters to fill with popcorn for just $5. BYOB-fillable containers that are allowed include anything from a bucket to a cooler, up to 400 ounces, or even a Lowe’s 5-gallon bucket. Find out more about it here.

    Pecan Lodge, the acclaimed BBQ restaurant in Deep Ellum, will be featured on select flights aboard American Airlines. The partnership begins in February for passengers in first class on flights from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The offering will consist of a barbecue platter with brisket, smoked sausage, mac & cheese, coleslaw, pickles, onions, and BBQ sauce.

    Keith Lee, the food critic, social media influencer, and recent North Texas transplant, was named TikTok's 2025 Creator of the Year at the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards. Lee has certainly made an impact on many local restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth over the years, including reviewing buzzy concessions at the State Fair of Texas. His short-form video empire also scored him a featured speaker talk at Austin's South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in 2025.

    ---

    Teresa Gubbins and Amber Heckler contributed to this report.

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