El Norte Grill in Plano: 30 Years and Thriving

If you have ever driven down Parker Road in West Plano, you might have noticed the cool, colorful stucco-style building with the large script writing on the side, “El Norte Grill.” It’s the kind of place that would catch your eye in an “I should stop there someday” kind of way. Those who live in the area know it well and have frequented the Tex-Mex spot for more than 30 years. We are here to tell the “someday” crowd why they should pull up the next time they are nearby. 

Original owners Mark and Debra Ludwig developed a loyal following with a menu of classic Tex-Mex dishes, and later, with innovative dishes the couple added after their travels. Antonio Munoz worked alongside the Ludwigs, helping to run the place and develop the menu. When it was time to move on, the Ludwigs didn’t want to sell to the highest bidder; they wanted Munoz to take over so the restaurant would live on. 

Munoz wasn’t so sure about that plan. “I had already decided I would be a school bus driver when they retired,” he said, grinning. He was finally convinced after the Ludwigs offered to pay all of the loan application fees if he got turned down. He didn’t. 

Guac, Flautas and Pork Montana

We started our meal with the Guacamole de la Mesa. Our server brought all of the ingredients out and mixed them right at our table. The guac was light and fresh and was served with a side of slightly crispy, but still a little chewy, flour tortilla chips dusted with cumin. They were excellent on their own and held up better to the dip than the tortilla chips did. 

Next was a house favorite, the chicken flautas. These were especially good because the rolled tortilla shell was thinner than typical flautas, yet also larger, allowing for more chicken. A side of queso for dipping rounded out this app perfectly. 

On to the main attraction, the glorious Pork Montana. The signature dish at El Norte is a giant 16-ounce pork shank, slow-roasted and glazed in a unique, sweet, and spicy sauce. It is served on a plate covered with that same sauce, standing upright with a large steak knife stuck right into the middle.

The knife is for presentation only, as the tender pork falls right off the bone. The sauce initially seemed almost too sweet, but then the cayenne kick took over, balancing everything out nicely. We chose two premium sides: chipotle sweet potatoes and grilled vegetables, all for a very reasonable price of $18.50. Pork Montana is also the Friday special for $2 less. Don’t miss this one when you visit. It can be your lunch and your dinner. 

Our other dinner option was a chimichanga stuffed with ranchero chicken and topped with queso. The chimichanga had the right amount of crispiness and flakiness and was, again, abundantly filled with chicken.

We finished with a tres leches cheesecake: think traditional cheesecake, sandwiched between tres leches and covered in chocolate sauce. This was a great way to finish the evening. 

The restaurant offers daily food and drink specials. A $11 all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is available on weekends from 8 to 11 a.m., featuring a selection of Mexican and American options. Kids get a free snow cone with lots of fun flavors to choose from with their meals every day.

We sat with Munoz a few days after our visit so we could learn his story. His whole family helps out here and there at the restaurant to keep it going, he told us. At one point, he had to excuse himself to go to the back dining room, where we soon heard some loud singing. He hurried back apologetically saying, “That was one of my regulars and I sing her happy birthday in Spanish every year.” He didn’t want to disappoint her, and it was instantly clear why Plano loves this place. 

El Norte Grill, 2205 W. Parker Road, Plano; Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.