El Ranchito

A Tex-Mex institution in Oak Cliff, El Ranchito lives up to every mariachi-serenaded stereotype and has a kitchen to back up the bragging. One house specialty is cabrito — kid goat — but El Ranchito offers many more ways to celebrate the cuisines of Monterrey, northern Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley. Grab a portion of beef stew or mollejas (sweetbreads) and enjoy the atmosphere.

Fun fact: Visit during the Christmas season for some of the liveliest decorations in Dallas.