El Fenix

Since 1918, original owner Miguel Martinez's El Fenix has been reeling in the Tex-Mex faithful. This location, the flagship store, is across the street from the second El Fenix, which was opened in 1925 and is owned by Mike Karns. From the favorite tortilla soup and fajitas to the generous combinations, like the signature Special Mexican Dinner (one cheese enchilada, two tamales covered with chili con carne, one meat taco, one soft cheese taco with a side of rice and beans), the menu reads like an all-star cast of Tex-Mex superstars, something fitting for one of the pioneers of Tex-Mex cuisine. Among the other house specialties are the chimichanga and steak and enchilada. El Fenix isn't done with you yet. The company continues to open new locations, but it all pretty much started here in downtown Dallas.