"El Carlos Elegante is from the same team behind Dallas heavy-hitters Sister, The Charles, and Cafe Duro. The atmosphere feels like a high-end Mexico City restaurant—there’s a brilliant mezcal menu, killer cocktails, and they make their masa using Indigenous techniques.. Their specials change seasonally, but a recent stand out was the lengua-filled quesadilla with Oaxaca cheese and caramelized vegetables. They also have a fantastic pork al pastor complemented by tangy pineapple butter. When you need some alone time, come here solo and order plates like the garbanzo sope off their single-serving One Hitter menu." - Lee Escobedo
Phillip Lim