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    El Carlos Elegante

    4.5 (249 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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    Kyuri H.

    First time at El Carlos Elegante! We got the $99 per person Elegante Experience. This gave the opportunity to try various different dishes we would never think to order. I believe most of the dishes we had were not on their menu. It was a great experience with wonderful staff that took care of us. Only thing I would note is that the pacing of each course was a bit off. Some courses came out back to back while others took 20 minutes after we finished the previous dish.

    Margarita
    Corey D.

    Moody lighting. Hand-pressed masa. Wood-fired everything. El Carlos Elegante delivers modern Mexican cuisine with depth, intention, and serious flavor. From the "one hitters" that wake up your palate to the mezcal-forward cocktails and flame-kissed mains, every dish feels thoughtful and layered. Service was excellent, our server recommended a tasting menu that did not disappoint and was very knowledgeable on every item. This is the kind of spot you book for a date night... and end up planning your next visit before dessert hits the table.

    Flan
    Christina M.

    This was my second visit, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Having dined in Mexico City several times, I came in with high expectations, especially given the restaurant's reputation for authentic Mexico City cuisine, and it delivered across the board. The cocktails are fantastic! I ordered the mezcal margarita, which was perfectly balanced. The menu is thoughtfully organized from smaller to larger plates, making it easy to build your meal. We started with the ceviche, followed by the Caesar salad, and then the machete (filled with cheese and meat) which was incredibly satisfying. Even though we were full, we couldn't pass up the flan for dessert, and it was worth it. We ordered à la carte, but they also offer a $99 chef's tasting menu, which feels like a great value and a solid option if you want a curated experience. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, with a home-style feel, and the service was attentive throughout. I'll definitely be back.

    Mexican chocolate
    Hannah R.

    Duro truly can't miss!! I'm a fan of every single Duro Hospitality restaurant I've ever been to, and El Carlos Elegante is no exception. The El Machete is a must get and the menu is full of very good mezcal drinks. There is valet and also some street parking available in the area. They also have matchbooks if you're a collector!

    El machete and veggies
    Spencer S.

    Great ambiance, service, and food. Would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a Mexican restaurant. More authentic Mexican than Tex Mex. Luis was a great server and helped explain the menu in detail. Helped me make the right choices as I was only a party of one Ordered the following: Legit michaelada - very good mix. A lot of spicy salt on the rim. Gave me the leftover beer bottle to top off myself Octopus - excellent. The jimaca on top really added flavor El machete - quesadilla filled with cheese, veggies, pork belly, short rib and al pastor. 100% recommend and would def be good as a group appetizer Shoshito peppers and okra - honestly my favorite dish. So much depth and complexity. Everything worked well together Received a complimentary app as I was seated. Just veggies in hot sauce but still appreciated! The whole menu was reasonably priced from my perspective. Will be back A little cold in there, so bring a jacket

    Navidad
    Chia B.

    Dallas has a lot of restaurants where you have to make a compromise. Either you get good food in a 'hole in the wall' atmosphere, or you get a gorgeous spot with subpar food. I'm so happy that I didn't have to compromise at El Carlos Elegante! I recommend the Elegante Experience for your first visit. Each dish wowed me, but the beef cheek tacos were incredible. I'll probably sit at the bar again when I return. Katie and Devonte made my night!

    Fatima H.

    We did The Elegante Experience, which is their 5-course chef-curated tasting menu, and it's served family-style -- so if one person at the table orders it, everyone at the table has to do the Elegante Experience. Honestly, it was a hit across the board. The first four courses were phenomenal -- every dish was flavorful, creative, and well-executed. The portion sizes were solid too, and we all left full and satisfied. Our absolute favorites were the machete and the steak one hitter -- both were next-level and easily the standouts of the night. The only course that didn't wow us as much was the dessert (5th course) -- it was fine, just our least favorite compared to how amazing the first four courses were. On top of the food, the service was really good and our server was super friendly and attentive, which made the whole experience even better. Overall, this is such a great way to experience a variety of their menu in one sitting. Perfect for groups or for a first visit. We'll definitely be back to try their à la carte menu.

    Lentils
    Karisa A.

    Trendy, upscale Mexican spot! Wonderful drinks and vegetarian options! I'm obsessed with the interior of El Carlos! It's dimly lit and moody -- perfect for date night!! Our server was very friendly and helped walk us through the menu as vegetarians. One issue is that we ordered a dish and never received it, but I saw a few days later that we were charged for it. We ordered a variety of vegetable dishes, but my personal favorite was the Broccolini! The carrot sauce was out of this world. They also offered us a potato masa dish that's off-menu and that was incredible! Perfectly tasty and filling! Definitely a must-order!

    Candace L.

    Our first dining experience at El Carlos Elegante was fantastic! I had my bff call to push our booking back because I had marathon tummy and knew I wouldn't be able to stomach dinner as early as I thought I could. They had no issue pushing us back a couple of hours which was really appreciated. We arrived and were immediately shown to our table. I loved the dining room, really vibey, felt excellent after the morning I'd had. I'd be lying if I said I knew it was Mexico City inspired or whatnot but I love me some CDMX and immediately knew I'd probably picked another great spot for us. I was going to skip an adult bevvie, but quickly decided you know what I deserve a drink! I ordered the Coco Loco and it was exquisite. The perfect cocktail for the evening, a delicate dance of coconut, lime and nutmeg. It paired beautifully with dinner and I nursed it through each course of the evening. We were pretty hungry when we arrived and made some quick decisions as everything sounded tasty. We started with two one biters, which are actually 2-3 bites if you ask me. The crab cake and brisket - both delish. My bff isn't into seafood the way I am, but the charred octopus was not going to go unordered under my watch. He actually was quite surprised and liked it. It's so yummy! A must. The Tijuana Caesar is delish and massive. Another must! Ours came out alongside the El Machete (quesadilla with pork belly and short rib) unreal, this pairing was seriously chefs kiss!!!! You have to order the El Machete. At this point we should have been done. We were stuffed, but we'd also ordered the beets and Pork Al Pastor. The beets were soooo scrumptious. I love beets, I'd asked in advance if they were gold or red and they are both. A love letter to my taste buds. I thought I'd tap out and not dare touch the pork dish because I had zero room for it, but I still dabbled because I just had to taste it. Very yummy! As much as I would have loved a dessert cocktail, it was impossible. I can't wait to return, but I'll surely need to pace my next visit. This is such a fabulous spot. Service was outstanding from start to finish. I love when different folks bring different dishes because I love seeing and hearing everyone's take on the dishes and getting to take in different personalities. It really showcases a spots staff and gives everyone a chance to shine, while greeting diners throughout the evening. Always a nice touch! I kept saying I must get back to Mexico City but just as much as I need to get back there, I need my next booking here. Solid 5 STARS from start to finish, with every single interaction with staff to each bite devoured. Quite possibly taking a spot as one of my top fav dinners in Dallas! Truly Elegante.

    Drink Menu
    Jo P.

    Firstly, the entrance is a little tricky. Go around the backside of the building. The door facing the main road leads to a bar, where I suspect the dudes kindly ask, "Are you looking for the restaurant?" 5-10 times a day. Now, more importantly, the food: Think of the most stylish person you know in real life who isn't dripping money. Think of the ways they layer patterns, textures, and colors together to make coherent outfits you never would have dared piecing together. That's what every single dish at El Carlos is like. From the bite-sized brisket to the delicately decked desserts, you'll find a citrusy surprise or a sneaky sweetness that works wildly well together. The wait staff was impeccable in helping us first-timers order, with an eye on allergies. The water was constantly filled and the empty plates were unobtrusively cleared. We could not have asked for a better experience, with the exception of the lighting (and the entrance). Surely the craftsmen behind this Dallas diamond can figure out a way to maintain the "elegante" hole-in-the-wall mood without forcing its guests back to the days of reading by candlelight. Still, we want to come back and would recommend El Carlos to anyone looking for real Mexican food.

    El machete
    Suzanne C.

    Fantastic restaurant with friendly staff, good music/playlist, and amazing food. We started with the surf & turf/crab cake one hitters, which were delicious. The Caesar was great with a little spice and we asked for extra dressing because it was that good. The machete is so flavorful and the carne asada was cooked to perfection and truly melted in your mouth. It's very busy so make sure you get a reservation, it's worth it!

    Victoria P.

    We popped in here purely because it was next to the bar we were at and somehow it turned into the best restaurant surprise ever. One of those accidental wins you wish you could recreate. The ambience was romantic and dark in the best way, perfect for a cozy date night vibe. The plates are designed to be shared which made the experience feel intentional and fun. Everything we tasted was thoughtfully curated, packed with flavor, and cooked to absolute perfection. Not a single miss. The servers were genuinely sweet and attentive, and the hostess was amazing. She got us in without a reservation as long as we could leave by a certain time which worked perfectly since we were planning to keep it quick anyway. It honestly couldn't have worked out better. I believe this place was voted for Michelin consideration.

    guajillo chicken
    Kaylee N.

    Food was delicious! My favorite was the pork al pastor with pineapple butter. The salmon ceviche with salsa macha was also perfect. Love the vibe and decorations of the restaurant, very cool chill. Service was good; however, I was a little disappointed they didn't offer anything special when we were celebrating a birthday.

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    1 month ago

    Great service and very helpful for helping what to order. Drinks were delicious so was food.

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    El Carlos Elegante Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Carlos Elegante

    Is it ok to bring kids?

    Yes , most kids were well behaved so as long as they can sit through dinner ok to bring them along. I dont recall seeing a kids menu though

    Do they do reservations?

    Yes, through Resy

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    If Gloria's and Texas de Brazil had a baby--with proper valet service--this would be it…read more Upscale, classy, and packed with top-tier service, it's the perfect date-night spot. It was my first visit, and it was absolutely worth the wait. I've seen all the Instagram posts, and I finally got my chance to experience it for myself. Since it was Taco Tuesday, I had to order the tacos and the ceviche. I snagged a cozy corner seat so I could take in the entire atmosphere, and everything was spot on. The food was delicious, the ambiance was beautiful, and the bartender was even kind enough to take my picture. From the service to the vibe, this place exceeded my expectations. It will definitely be one of the first places I think of for a date night!

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    Las Palmas

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    Okay!!! Las Palmas has officially been added to our work trip dinner rotation!! No…read morereservation...just a walk party of 6 and they had a table for us...as long as we could be out by a certain time...about an hour and a half after we walked in. We were there to eat so if they were going to wine and dine us in that amount of time, we were there for it!! Everything was delicious, everyone enjoyed their meals and drinks and we are so glad we found this location and made it happen! I was looking forward to dinner here the entire day and it was worth it!! We had the queso blanco...it's got a kick...worth it! My wagyu fajitas were perfectly cooked medium rare and soooo flavorful!! I was my dessert in my pjs back at the hotel...the sopapilla cheesecake and ice cream held up perfectly and was everything I wanted it to be!! It's a dark atmosphere in the bar area, but the vibes were so cool. It wasn't too loud to where people were having to scream to converse...but it was not intimate where you could talk across the table softly with the other person hearing. We are still talking about Las Palmas days later and can't wait until we are back in Dallas to bring more of our group here to enjoy delicious food and great service!!

    I came here for my birthday dinner with a couple of friends and overall had a really great…read moreexperience. A few important notes though: this place is SUPER loud, especially upstairs, so if you are trying to take your older parents somewhere for a nice dinner where you can actually catch up and have a conversation, this might not be the spot. Also, avoid the upstairs dining room if anyone has mobility issues. The stairs are a little sketchy in that dark space because you basically have to TRUST there is another stair step in front of you even though you can't see it. And a heads up, do not wander into the wrong bathroom upstairs like my husband did because the "men's" and "ladies" signs upstairs are also nearly impossible to read in the dark! But honestly, those are really my only complaints... The service and food were both very good. We had a couple of ordering fumbles. We got the regular queso, and then immediately watched another table get the tableside flaming queso and we were seriously bummed. Like, really bummed. That is definitely what I will be ordering next time. The chips and smoky salsa were excellent!! - and I always appreciate when everyone gets their own little portion of salsa so everyone can double dip without feeling like a heathen. I ordered the wagyu fajitas (the half portion), and it was still easily enough food for two people. I will say the meat was more like a filet mignon texture and less like the flavorful fajita meat I was expecting. My friend's pork fajitas were actually much better and had more flavor. When the manager stopped by to check on us, I had to announce my own birthday because apparently my friends were not going to help me out with that (some friends, huh?). They brought out a complimentary sopapilla cheesecake with a candle, which was a very nice touch. All in all, I loved the place and totally understand the hype. Definitely make a reservation ahead of time. There is valet parking, but we found easy parking across the street. I cannot wait to come back and try that flaming queso!

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    I justttttt could not love this place more. Mezcal margs, chips and various dips, and banging…read moreshrimp tacos. The service is so polite as well. What more could a girl want? I would like to mention that they nickel and dime you pretty hard. There's a split plate fee and they voluntarily brought out veggies for my GF friends when they inquired if they could eat the chips, but they ended up charging us $6 for it. Not the end of the world, but good to note!

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    Bright, Cozy & Relaxing Ambience at lunchtime! (December, 2022)
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    El Carlos Elegante - mexican - Updated July 2026

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