Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is possibly the most difficult-to-find restaurant and bar in Dallas. To get to the Oak Cliff hideaway, enter at Xaman Cafe, then head down a back hallway to a wooden door. Step inside to one of the most transformative experiences in Dallas.

The speakeasy style bar is moody and enchanting offering an experience like no other in Dallas. Every bottle behind the bar is sourced from Mexico. The cocktail menu is broken out by time period and represents the evolution of drinks in Mexico. Start in Prehispanico, which offers a combination of regional fermentations. Work through the conquest of 1521-1821 that includes a the namesake Ayahuasca made with tepache (pineapple), mezcal and ginger. Be sure to stop in the Nueva Era (20th to 21s centuries) for a Nahual Rita, a clarified take on the modern classic.

If you are feeling a bit more peckish, they serve pre-Hispanic dishes and techniques influenced by Oaxaca and steeped in authenticity, from the pulpo y tinta (octopus and ink), caldo de piedra or chicharron en salsa verde. Fear not if you’re unfamiliar with the fare; servers are happy to walk guests through the menu, asking them what looks interesting or what kind of dish they're looking for.