Texano Cocina — Restaurant in Dallas

My partner liked it better than I did....I had mixed feelings...

The food was good to ok and well presented. Good chips/salsa and we found the queso very good as well. I had shrimp tacos that for lack of a better description were kind of "shrimpy" tasting if you know what I mean? I loved the cabbage/slaw on them but it was swimming in a dressing that overwhelmed the freshness and crisp textures...I'd suggest either going lighter on the sauce or put it on the side. Rice and beans were okay too.

We had a really nice and attentive server....but the vibe of this place is off....Is it a chill Tex-Mex cafe or a loud Sports Bar with drunk patrons hootin' and hollerin' for their Team? The primarily 80's pop music was way too loud....I'd rather listen to traditional latin folk music over Prince or Starship....my partner suggested it was to bring in the white people...

When we got there we were the only people in the entire dining room which was awkward....by the time we left I think there were 3 other tables dining and this was on a Wednesday night @ 7 p.m....the bar up front seemed to have more people but there were multiple TV screens on playing the same basketball game with the volume turned way up to the point where the roar of the the TV's competed with the music in the dining room. Super annoying when you're trying to converse with your dining companion and enjoy your meal. I just wasn't comfortable at all and was glad to leave.

$72.00+ (including tip) for the two of us.....and all we had was shrimp tacos (2 of them) and a starter app + 2 iced teas and a $9.00 small bowl of queso.

All the employees we interacted with were super nice except for the hostess....she was kind of what I'd call bordering on rude....she alone was enough for me to decide to probably not come back again....she set the tone and it wasn't a good one....however, again our waiter was excellent as well as the other gentlemen who stopped by our table to...

Our group of friends has had a standing Friday happy hour and dinner tradition for years. After Mario’s closed and with the price increases at Ojeda’s, we found ourselves searching for a new spot that could offer the right mix of good food, good drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. After trying out several places, we’re happy to say that Texano Cocina is exactly what we were looking for — and has quickly become our new Friday night go-to!

From the moment you walk in, the staff makes you feel welcome. The service is consistently attentive without being overbearing, and you can tell they take pride in making sure every guest is well taken care of. The drinks come out quickly, the happy hour specials are great, and the servers are always friendly and personable.

The food is where Texano Cocina really shines. Every dish we’ve tried has been fresh, flavorful, and served hot to the table. The portions are generous, and the quality easily rivals (if not surpasses) some of the bigger-name spots in town. Whether it’s appetizers to share during happy hour, hearty entrées, or something lighter, there’s something for everyone on the menu — and it’s all been outstanding.

The atmosphere is another highlight. It has just the right balance between lively and comfortable, making it a perfect setting to catch up with friends, enjoy great food, and ease into the weekend. The prices are also very reasonable, especially given the quality and portion sizes, which makes coming back week after week a no-brainer.

In short, Texano Cocina checked every box for us — great service, amazing food, fair prices, and a fun atmosphere. We’ve officially found our new Friday night tradition spot, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for a place to relax, eat well, and...

A Work in Progress with Potential.

I recently visited this Tex-Mex spot, which I understand is undergoing some changes—including a new name and menu as of late. That transition shows promise, and while there’s potential, there are areas that need refining.

The menu offered an average Tex-Mex fare along with some creative dishes and a great dessert menu. The service from the bar was friendly and attentive, no complaints there. However, the pricing felt a bit steep, even for Dallas. I ordered the street tacos (5) for $16, and while they were decent, they didn’t come with rice or beans, which made the value feel questionable. For that price point, I expected a bit more substance or flair with the plate. Not to mention I felt shorted on the cilantro and onion provision. I will say the salsa rojo that accompanied the plate was actually bearable, which usually isn’t for me. I also requested salsa verde on the side, which they kindly provided. (I’d love to see a creamy avocado salsa verde option as well.)

The atmosphere was quirky—dim lighting and sort of an awkward bar set up, while an unexpected playlist of 80s rock songs played in the background. While it’s not what I’d associate with a traditional Tex-Mex vibe, it might appeal to some looking for something offbeat. I noticed it was primarily older couples, which the restaurant seems to support over a younger crowd. Personally, I found it a bit off putting.

That said, I’m rooting for this place. With a few tweaks to the ambiance and pricing structure, it could really shine. And in a city where Gloria’s sets a high bar on everything from pricing to quality of ingredients, it’s exciting to see new contenders...