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In its 2025 guide, Michelin described the tacos at El Califia de León — the first and only starred taqueria in the world — as elemental and pure, served at a caliber so high that the duo of housemade salsas is hardly even necessary.
This tiny taco spot in Mexico City only has enough room for a few hungry diners to stand at the counter, but from Wednesday, Oct. 15 to Tuesday, Oct. 28, it’s expanding its seating to Dallas for a special two-week pop-up.
Why is a globally recognized taco stand from CDMX coming to Dallas? Basketball, interestingly enough.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Dallas Mavericks will play the Detroit Pistons at the Arena CDMX. For Dallasites who won’t be able to travel for the game, GrinGO and Mexico City are celebrating their new partnership and bringing tastes of CDMX to Dallas.
GrinGO.com is a digital concierge that provides travel services and safety resources for U.S. and Canadian travelers visiting Mexico. Its partnership with Mexico City hopes to highlight CDMX tourism through gastronomy.
The pop-up in Dallas, presented by Melinda’s Hot Sauce, will take place at University Park in North Dallas near SMU in the former Red Stix space at 6501 Hillcrest Ave. from Oct. 15 to Oct. 28. Operating hours will be from noon to 9 p.m. daily.
El Califia de León is preserving the authenticity and quality of the Michelin-starred experience by offering a to-go, eat on the spot format. Para llevar pero también para aquí.
There will also be a limited number of Michelin-starred Chef’s Tables available for reservations, offering a curated pre-fixe dining experience with four tacos, an appetizer, dessert, and beverages. Reservations start at $340 for a table for four guests; $400 for a table of 5 guests, and $460 for a table of 6 guests. Reserve a table and get additional information at tacoboutdallas.com
El Califa de León was recently honored for the second time this past June by the Michelin guide as the world’s first and still only Michelin-starred taqueria. It is a rare experience for us to try the legendary taco Gaonera, which takes thinly sliced beef filet expertly cooked to order, seasoned with only salt and a squeeze of lime, cradled by a fresh tortilla.
Mario Hernández Alonso, current owner and son of the original founders, said that the simplicity is what makes the tacos so special. His father once asked him, “Do you want me to tell you the secret of the meat? There is no secret, only love and effort.”
