Mexican cuisine in Southlake isn’t just about fancy date nights or special celebrations—though those margarita towers certainly make an occasion. Sometimes you don’t want to dress up for an elaborate tasting menu. Sometimes you just want authentic tacos on a random Wednesday. Enter: these local favorites. From hidden taquerias to family-run gems, here are the spots serving the real deal without the fuss.
Mi Cocina
$ | (817) 410-6426 | WEBSITE
Nearly everything at Mi Cocina feels authentically Tex-Mex. The margaritas have names like Llorona and Mambo Limo, and there’s a warm, bustling energy throughout the dining room that the servers like Hector and Javier maintain with attentive smiles. But the only tie we’ve found between the welcoming atmosphere and their famous Sunset Fajitas is that they’re priced like you’re getting a fiesta on a budget.
The fajitas arrive sizzling hot with a perfect char, tender strips of meat, and a side of that legendary guacamole to scoop up every last bite.
Taco Shop Southlake, TX
$ | (682) 477-4488 | WEBSITE
This Southlake spot makes some of our favorite tacos in the city. But every now and then we decide to trade the taco for a plate of quesabirria. This is a daily special, so you can get it seven days a week for lunch, dinner, or second dinner (the kitchen closes late). The corn tortillas are fresh and handmade, the birria is perfectly tender and flavorful, and it all gets topped with a couple of thick slices of onion and cilantro.
If you find a better quesabirria in a more authentic place, send us an email ASAP.
Fajita Pete’s – Southlake
$ | (817) 410-3654 | WEBSITE
Every week, Fajita Pete’s offers a different fajita special. Tuesday happens to be chicken fajita night, where $25 gets you a full platter with all the fixings and a side of queso. The chicken’s grilled perfectly, the peppers and onions are sizzling and sweet, and the tortillas are warm and pliable. It even comes with that queso, which is rare for fajita specials. In terms of both portion and flavor, this is a hard deal to beat.
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
$ | (817) 305-0000 | WEBSITE
“Welcoming” is definitely the word we’d use for Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, a family-friendly spot in Southlake with a patio that offers good cover and a nice breeze. The menu leans authentic Mexican, featuring things like fresh tostadas, aquachile verde, and exceptional complementary chips and dips including salsa, salsa verde, and black bean dip. And for those with dietary needs, it caters with a separate gluten-free menu.
You can enjoy reasonably priced meals—at very fair levels compared to other Southlake spots—plus great service and a kid-friendly atmosphere, making this one of the more versatile experiences. Our favorite combo is the aquachile verde (which also happens to be a standout) with those chips and dips and the friendly staff who make everyone feel at home.
Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant
$ | (817) 488-2095 | WEBSITE
Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant has been a local favorite for over 20 years, in that time evolving into one of Southlake’s best authentic Mexican dining destinations. And shining on that menu of tableside guacamole, brisket tacos, and chicken enchiladas are those generous portions of meat.
They’re a great value all the time—a little over $15 for those flavorful enchiladas with all the fixings—but the overall dining experience with that beautiful atmosphere and friendly staff makes it worth the drive from Irving.
Torchy’s Tacos
$ | (817) 601-2880 | WEBSITE
Torchy’s Tacos is a Mexican restaurant in Southlake that’s 90% lively—it’s actually built around bold, flavorful tacos. Here you’ll find all kinds of fun menu items—like Trailer Park and Democrat tacos—but on weekends, you’ll also find the weekly special taco. It’s an avocado taco with spicy sauce served with queso, fresh ingredients, and unique combinations, and at $12, it’s reason enough to go out on a weekend afternoon.
Just make sure to get there early—special tacos tend to sell out within the first few hours.
Chiloso Mexican Bistro
$ | (817) 488-7773 | WEBSITE
Every visit to Chiloso Mexican Bistro feels like a fresh discovery of authentic flavors. They don’t just serve the usual Mexican fare—they elevate it with thoughtful touches. We’ve enjoyed the roasted pork with perfectly seasoned charro beans, custom salsa blends that let you tailor the heat to your preference, and queso that comes generously included with meals. Stop by for breakfast to build your ideal plate, or check their social media where they sometimes highlight daily specials.
The friendly staff, including Evelyn, Angel, Vicente, and Rigo, makes choosing from the abundant menu a pleasure, ensuring each meal is both satisfying and memorable.
Austin Taco House
$ | (817) 416-0619 | WEBSITE
We found it. The rare—almost fabled—breakfast taco spot that we thought was a product of wishful thinking and hopeless optimism. Fortunately, this one provides more than just morning convenience. Every day, the family-owned Austin Taco House in Southlake turns into a vibrant little taco joint, with tender beef street tacos and mouthwatering breakfast tacos arriving hot off the kitchen in minutes. While you’re here, try Vicki’s salsa or grab a jar of their house tomato sauce to go with your meal.
Mesero – Southlake
$$ | (817) 952-9705 | WEBSITE
Mesero is a vibrant Mexican spot in Southlake with colorful papel picado, rustic tilework, and a dining room made for margaritas served in chilled glasses. All of the salsa is freshly made and comes with house-fried chips, which is both a fun fact to share over dinner and the reason the chips pack an addictive crunch. You can get excellent dinner entrees any night of the week (usually with flexible combinations), and they’re consistently well-prepared.
But at around $25–$30 per entree, the cost is reasonable—especially considering the outstanding service and fabulous presentation, which arrive hot, fresh, and delicious.
Chuy’s
$ | (817) 421-2489 | WEBSITE
Chuy’s feels like a tribute to festive Tex-Mex joints—it’s brightly decorated with themed dining rooms and a spacious porch where group lunches and leisurely afternoons definitely happen. It’s a spot we return to often, especially on weekends when they offer those thick chips and amazing jalapeño dip. The portions vary (our last visit featured a generous plate of chicken quesadillas), but everything comes with friendly, efficient service, and pairs well with their blackberry margarita.
At around $18 for a main, it’s our go-to value-for-money meal, and the perfect way to enjoy the full Chuy’s vibe without overspending.