Not Sponsored: Hey Everybody! I vacationed for a week in Dallas (Uptown), Texas this Summer. I stayed at Hotel ZaZa Dallas (it's a boutique hotel) located in (the uptown area of) Dallas, Texas. During that time, I patronized several restaurants. I would like to review them for you, just in case you're thinking about visiting Dallas, Texas. There are a LOT of restaurants to choose from in the uptown area of Dallas. It's a lovely area. No matter where you stay in the world, I would encourage you to use Google Maps (Google Map your hotel), then click on restaurants to see what restaurants are nearby your hotel (vicinity). Use apps/websites like Yelp, OpenTable, Resy and Tripadvisor to review each restaurant. Using all of these free wonderful tools really helped me :)
My first night in Dallas, I made reservations via Open Table at Meso Maya Comida Y Copas. Meso Maya Comida Y Copas serves authentic Mexican cuisine. I love the aesthetics of Meso Maya both inside and outside. The architecture of the building has true Spanish style (beautiful ironwork, lanterns etc). The Spanish flooring and table settings inside have an authentic feel. Although busy, it never gave a cramped feel. I felt very comfortable and relaxed. Our waiter was very nice and accommodating. The restaurant gives you a complimentary bowl of tortillas and dipping sauce. Our appetizer was Chicharrones (berkshire pork jaw, tomatillo salsa verde, pickled red onions, cilantro, queso de rancho, served in housemade white corn tortillas). It was served piping hot in a Staub cast iron serving dish. We then had Carne Asada (wood fired marinated steak, homemade sweet corn tamal, crema mexicana, queso fresco, black beans) and Chuleta De Cerdo (fire roasted bone-in pork chop, elote con crema, sauteed house vegetables, pipian rojo sauce). BOTH were so delicious. Excellent cuts of meat, excellently prepared, seasoned and delicious. I enjoyed every bite! But if I had to pick a winner, I would HIGHLY SUGGEST you order the Carne Asada. Now for dessert! THIS IS A MUST YOU GUYS! THIS IS A MUST! The cake below is called Pastel de Chocolate (its moist oaxacan dark chocolate cake, with fresh corn ice cream - you don't taste the corn, with warm chocolate rum sauce). It is so good!!! I enjoyed every bite. It was so good, I even ordered a cup of decaf coffee with mine (and their coffee is so smooth and delicious). Meso Maya is fun, relaxing and the food is delicious. The dress is nice casual. You don't have to hassle with parking, because there is a huge parking lot in the rear that allows for 2 hour free parking while you dine. Just park and cross the street. Someone drives around the lot, makes a note of what time you parked and the 2 hour time begins. Two hours gives you ample time to eat. There are 2 other restaurants behind Meso Maya (see my gif below). One is called El Fenix Mexican Restaurant and the other is called Taqueria La Ventana. Both looked FUN. When I go back, I definitely want to revisit this area. Meso Maya has locations throughout Texas. I hope this review helps you in your decision-making :)
Dallas Restaurant Review
Meso Maya Comida Y Copas | Si Tapas | Bread Winners Cafe and Bakery
Fogo de Chao | Pecan Lodge | San Martin Bakery and Restaurant | Yardbird Southern Table
