After I saw a movie across the street I was really really hungry for something and this was the only recognizable restaurant in eyeshot from the theater. I used to go to El Fenix when I was a lad in the 80s, so I decided it might be fun to see what I've missed these past 20+ years. Apparently nothing! This particular El Fenix is a time capsule into the past, in a big way. It looks like it hadn't been redecorated since it opened. The style is just the way I recall it so many years ago -- except everything is slightly worn out. The napkins are bleached from wash / wear, the table tops are micro-fissured with age, and the utensils looked like millions of mouths have bitten down on them. The menus looked the same too! And the food came out exactly the same as I remember; The cheese topping of my enchiladas was the same old yellow+orange color I remember, a little watery but legally edible. The rice looked like it was under extreme duress when cooked -- each piece of rice looked exploded from the inside out. I knew better than to try the beans. The experience was incredible! I can only imagine the managers haven't spiffed up the joint so long because the fate of the shopping center it's located in looks like it could be bulldozed any day...and it's looked that way for years now. Fresh coats of blue+gray paint on a facade doesn't fool anybody. Anthropologists and historians, grab your notebooks and get over to this El Fenix today! This is an excellent study of what the chain restaurant was in the 80s. read more

El Fenix - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

We were led past many open tables to the back of the restaurant by our glum hostess, who seated us next to a large, loud party. After watching waitstaff standing around talking to each other for 15 minutes while ignoring us, we left. The hostess said "Thank You" without a hint of irony. I've been eating at El Fenix for nearly 60 years. I'm done with this place. read more

This place was just alright. The eating area is huge and is good for groups. Very colorful and typical of what you would expect for a tex-mex place. The food was just okay. Nothing fantastic. I suppose it'll do if you're hungry and need something right away. Not stellar. I had the lunch fajitas. Just not enough for a meal. A girl's gotta eat. read more

El Fenix - Lunch fajitas. - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

This makes me so sad. El Fenix is always great, right? Well, at this location it is NOT. Nothing good. Margaritas weren't good at all. Food was not good - no taste; tasted more like an old time TV dinner. And the chips (El Fenix chips are always good, aren't they? ) Huge disappointment - these were stale and not good at all - we asked for replacements and the replacements weren't good either. Won't be going here again. I'm telling all my friends so they won't make the mistake of going to this location. read more

Good, consistent tex-mex. Wednesdays are enchilada specials, eat good tex-mex enchiladas for cheap. read more

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Great place to eat! Super friendly staff.. great food.. it is old school.. but the nostalgic feel is awesome.. make you think your part of the old days.. Food is really good.. quick on your order also.. Overall must visit.. you won't be disappointed.. read more

El Fenix - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I love this place..been going here since I was little... had a new waiter a little slow but he was good for only been there a week... yummy food got a #9 love.....fast fast s Fast..yummy read more

El Fenix - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Was so excited to try their award winning Mexican food and especially the margaritas. Don't. For an establishment that has been around since 1918 you are off the mark. For starters the chips and salsa- chips were fresh from a bag and they literally opened a jar of Pace-type salsa and served our table. How do I know? Bc they were selling them at the check out counter. As with the queso. I want fresh from a restaurant not food I can get in a jar. Entrees not any better. My son's burger looked like a frozen patty that had been warmed. Not sure where the beef from my fajitas came from. It may have been beef at one point but not since 1918. Shrimp, I literally took one bite and unmade that taco. It was overcooked and blah. The only saving grace for the meal was the service. Everyone was nice and attentive. But if you want good Mexican this was not the place. Oh their margaritas, yep was a mix you could purchase as you walked out the door. Nope!! Go to the Taco Cabana down the street for the same quality (better fajitas and fresher salsa) for half of the price. read more

Second time coming to El Fenix both times Franklin took care of me, great service attentive and you never have to get his attention to get another drink. Food has been great both times the chicken tortilla soup is the best I've had. read more

I have been a fan of El Fenix since I was a little girl. I have basically been to all of the DFW locations at this point and this one is one of my favorites. Insanely nice and professional staff. Even when busy they take the time to carry over orders to customers and open the doors for them. This is how you do it folks! I feel like I have gone back in time here because they get customer service. read more

I'm giving this one star because the chips were so good. However, my overall experience was not one to be desired. As my party and I walked in no one was at the front to greet us. We waited 10 minutes before any came over to seat us despite me trying to flag someone down. Finally we are sat but it's at a table that hasn't fully been cleaned off...then our waitress didn't come by for a while. She took our drink order but never came back and two other people began helping us even though the girl was still there. Food wasn't that great and service wasn't either. I probably won't go back here... read more

Always love the food here. I have to have the chips and salsa in my life at least once every couple of weeks. The service is always fast and pleasant. Prices are very reasonable. Only complaint I have is when we picked up food to go for our office. We ordered lots of food and 3 bowls of Queso. They charged me extra for the chips and even for the salsa. I thought Chips came with the queso but apparently not. However the food and workers made up for it. Not gonna stop me from getting my El FIX. read more

Great place! Love it! Had a blast with family! Food was great! Loved the margaritas! Can't go wrong with fajitas

Originally I chose the restaurant for the proximity to my training but after eating here and reading reviews, I can see why El Fenix is a staple Tex-Mex restaurant in south Dallas. The queso is really good (and I know my quesos). The food is very affordable, especially the lunch menu. And the drinks are cheap. A $3.49 margarita during happy hour can't be beat. I know when I'll be coming back! read more

I did give them another try. Online ordering this time. Interesting that they called me a few minutes before my scheduled pickup just as I was driving up. Curbside was fast and friendly. Didn't have to find parking. Food was great. Thanks read more

As another reviewer noted this El Fenix hasn't changed much in the 38+ years it has been at this location. A very long time ago it had a cafeteria style line were you pointed at what you wanted. I guess it was very new to the gringos at the time. The food hasn't changed either which is good. Unlike most other chain Mexican food joints, they still use real cheddar cheese in their enchiladas instead of processed cheese food. Even the iced tea has the same flavor since I used to eat chips & salsa in a high chair. If you like simple yet good Mexican Food you will like this place. If you want chilpotley something or other you probably go elsewhere. read more

I regretfully ate the beef enchilada with beans and rice plate. It tasted like a frozen tv dinner because, their corporate office decided to substitute the original beef chili topping for nauseating, cheaper chili sauce. I'll never eat their again after being a customer for the past sixty years. read more

If you are looking for Taco Bell Style food with some free chips and salsa then this the place. The service is a 0. The guy brought our drinks then sat in the corner of the restaurant and chattered with the other employees. He was on his phone and very inattentive to us. He finally came around to take our orders, My husband got the chicken tortilla soup and I got the chicken enchilada lunch special. Our food came out in less than 5 minutes, that should have been the first red flag to me. The chicken tortilla soup: There was something clearly wrong with it. My husband could not bite or cut into it. He took out all the chicken and snacked on the broth. The Enchiladas: The chicken inside had a very gamy taste to them. The course lacked flavor, and I think I lost my appetite. Please just stay away. read more

The margaritas had hardly any tequila in them and my friend got sick from the food. They're supposed to have the best margaritas and they were horrible. They didn't even come with a lime...lol. The service was great at the beginning but as I'm writing this, we've been sitting here for 10 minutes waiting for our check. They aren't even busy. I prefer Casa Navarro just down the road. The margaritas and service are a lot better there. I just wanted to try this place because it looked like a huge building. Very disappointed. Don't come here unless you want cheap Mexican food and service. read more

El Fenix - Not even busy - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Excellent food, motivated service. Frank was especially good. I've been coming here 60 years for a reason!

I'm not sure what the fascination with El Fenix is. It's absolutely appalling - and I mean the food. The service is fine. Back to the food. If you're wanting Mexican, there are several unique, authentic and very affordable places in this area. Just YELP them. If you want low quality, questionable looking ingredients slapped onto your plate, and you enjoy the flavor of over processed food, then by all means, go right on in. read more

FISH TACOS! FISH TACOS! FISH TACOS! A new item on the menu. Yep, this spot has been around almost 40 years, in a sketchy strip center @ the corner of Forest Ln and Webb Chapel. Nothing much has changed, same 70-80's decor, plastic booths and bright colors of orange and yellow. And, maybe, that's not a bad thing. Recalls fond memories of the good ole days when service and pride in food preparation was important. After all El Fenix has been around since 1918 ! Today @ 1330, the place was packed. Folks streaming in the door; couples, groups, families, young, mature seniors, a diverse mix of diners. Apparently, this CHAIN restaurant is still the favorite of many, me being one of them in spite of what lots of peeps think is a step-down in dining out for Tex Mex. IMHO, I find the food always consistent, service very good, and price worthy. Some things have changed however. The menu is stepping up to the 21st century, with added items like FISH TACOS, a brand new option available. Man, I came today for the sole purpose of trying these; I was not disappointed, expectations exceeded! Fresh Tilapia, marinated overnight, sauteed to a crispy golden brown outside, and a flaky, moist tender inside; served in the softest white corn tortillas over cole slaw (red and green cabbage), with the marinade infused into the slaw and tortilla. Over the top delicious! With several squeezes of lime, it was absolute heaven in the mouth goodness. And OMG, the Chipolte Mayo dipping sauce was just scrumptious, a perfect compliment to the marinade on the fish. Along side, several slices of ripe, bright green Avocado, rice, and Borracho Beans. 3 tacos, with several medallions of the Tilapia in each, it was a very generous and filling portion. Ate 2, brought one home for munching later. Of course, I shall not fail to mention, as I have in previous reviews, El Fenix chips are my favorite and best in town, anywhere. They are made in house, no packaged thick chips here. They are wafer thin, warm, and oh so tasty. The salsa is also some of the best served I've had. Perhaps those really "heat" lovers might think it's wimpy, but it matches my taste buds perfectly. Yes, it's that dreaded word "CHAIN", but heck, give the fish tacos a try. I feel you might be pleasantly surprised. Service by Edgar was a full 5 stars even though he was accommodating several tables, one with 8 patrons, several with 4, and a few couples. He managed perfectly, never leaving anyone waiting for salsa and chip refills, water, etc. Right on !! It's not gourmet dining, just plain un-fancy Tex Mex, and I'll be back for some more Tilapia, and another fave, their sour cream chicken enchiladas! YUM !! NOTE - for all you Margarita lovers, their 1918 Marg is excellent, tasty, & strong ! One will definitely do you! Didn't imbibe today, as had later plans this evening but have enjoyed many in the past. Mex food without a marg is just not the same! read more

Lately I have been pretty hard on the other El Fenix locations that I used to frequent most often (Plano and Skillman). I have actually stopped going after 48 years. Today I found myself on lower Forest Lane and decided to give the first location I ever ate at, in 1970, another try. I am happy to report that this location is still right on! El Fenix has been drifting away from it's long established roots (1911 I think) in the last couple of years. Both food and service have been very inconsistent. Lunch at the Forest Lane location today, with exception of the dumbing down (mildness) of the salsa, was spot on historic El Fenix Tex Mex fare. Food good, service good, beer served in a big frozen schooner - good. El Fenix is it's own thing. Just as a Big Mac is not nearly the best hamburger sometimes you still have to have one. It is what it is, and it's a very good thing. Same with El Fenix. It is iconic Dallas, it is unique, and it is a very good thing, but... as the new corporate owner screws around with it's originality it continues to lose identity and drift toward the average. Need your "OEF" (Original El Fenix) experience??? The Forest Lane store is your best bet! read more

OMG the chips and salsa here are to die for! Seriously, I could just come here for them. I dined here with a huge group and the service was pretty quick. Or waiter was super friendly and got everyone's order pretty accurate. I tried their fish tacos which were incredibly yummy. It came with rice which I couldn't stomach to eat because it was just too much food. It wasn't the most authentic Mexican food I've tasted but it did not fail to disappoint. read more

I usually have enchiladas or fajitas or tamales which I love. Today I had the chicken tortilla soup for first time. To me it lacked flavor so I added salsa and a squeeze of lemon and the chicken seemed to have texture of canned chicken (probably my imagination). Guacamole was good (needed a tad of lemon juice and a small sprinkle of salt) and chips are the best in the world. I love El Fenix for good ol Tex-Mex! Staff at this location is particularly friendly and efficient! read more

WARNING! DON'T LEAVE YOUR PHONE HERE THEY WILL STEAL IT! Sunday a friend and I had a late afternoon lunch at the El Fenix on Forest Lane. Our waiter was rude and could not understand my order in English. After taking our order he walked away in huff. We both just looked at each other wondering what the heck? Since it was late afternoon they were not busy and the food was good as always. We left him a generous tip to try and cheer him up and not take his behavior personal. We drove down the road and I reached for my phone and realized I left it on the table. Within 20 minutes we called and came back to the restaurant. Not many patrons at all at this time 3:30/4 pm. Our table was cleaned and no phone. The Asst Mgr asked the waiter and busser's if they found it and all said No. They shrugged and said, "Oh it was probably a customer who took it." I said you haven't even sat this table since we left and no one is here. We immediately went to T-Mobile and they traced it to the last phone call was made at El Fenix to confirm I was right. Then the GPS on Find My Phone showed on a Google map it moving and it stopped at apartments near Walnut and Las Brisas Drive. On Google earth we saw the pictures of where it was and it was at some apartments there. I tried going back and talking to the Asst Mgr and sharing the photo's with no luck, still blaming customers took it. She got my phone # at my office and said the General Manager would call me. He never did, so I called him and he said no one lives at that address that works there. I said they could have gone to a friends, family etc and not live there. He said he would look into it further and call me back, and of course no return call. I contacted the police and they said you absolutely should file a report, phones are $600 and up these days. He asked if I spoke to management and if I escalated it from there. I did and wrote to El Fenix's Corporate Office and did not even receive a response at all. Our phone's in today's world are our safety devices and livelihood. This has been a nightmare and with such a huge established name in Dallas, TX I'm so discusted at how El Fenix shows no concern and would like to sweep this under the rug. I will never eat at El Fenix again due to the way I was treated and not so much as the respect to call and even "act" concerned that their employee's are stealing. read more

Went back to try the tortilla soup that my co-workers rave about. I tried it before and didn't like it but decided to give it another chance. Still don't like it. It's not horrible but it just taste like chicken broth and tomato of some kind and not fresh tomato, more like v8 or something out of a can. It has a little bit of seasoning but not 1 bit of kick to it. Luckily I had some crushed red peppers from the last time we ordered pizza. I just don't see what they like about it... A $8.65 disappointment. read more

This was a great experience. The waiters were extremely nice and service was fast. The brisket nachos were outstanding and the chips and salsa was even better. The restaurant wasn't very busy and not too loud. I would recommend this place to anybody. read more

I had the Chimichanga with picadillo beef and ranchero sauce. It was delightful! Chips were light and crispy, the salsa fresh. Service was fast and friendly. I couldn't empty my water glass nor my salsa bowl. read more

The worse soup I tried in my whole life ... this is my first time here ! My first and last time horrible food so salty never again!!!

We recently celebrated by buddy's Birthday here. The staff here is excellent! Great service, great food! I love this place! Great margaritas! read more

Drove from Austin to Dallas today, Veterans Day, with my wife. Arrived in North Dallas around lunch so we stopped at El Fenix for lunch. We were greeted and ask if we were vets I said I was and was informed my lunch would be free. I was handed a special menu and told to pick from it. Our service was good as was the food. When the check came my lunch showed as a charge when we went to pay I stated I was a vet and then the bomb. I was asked for proof I explained I had no proof and was from out of town and was not told I needed proof. No deal I needed proof, I paid the bill but how sad when I guess the Martinez family is so selective. If you go there and are offered something free make sure you ask what the catch is. US Army 1969-1970 read more

Puffed taco wasn't puffed. Dry and cold beef. Cold rice. Cold beans. Cold enchilada. Sour beer. I talked to the manager and walked the ticket. El Fenix is an embarrassment to Tex Mex. El Chico is a better option. read more

We have eaten here many times and enjoyed it. However, tonight was the complete opposite. Poor food and extremely poor service. Waited forever for our food and even longer for our check. read more

This El Fenix is the Mexican Restaurant closest to my house so it is VERY convenient. The food is always terrific and the Margaritas are great. The endless FREE chips and salsa are the best. They have recently undergone a face lift with new paint and tables so the decor is as nice as the food is good. Being close to home I get to "bump" into people from the neighborhood. It's amazing how many other magicians like in the area. Some of us will take time and "session" while we are there sharing the latest magic or our best moves...but usually we just make our food disappear. For more information on my show The Pure Magic of Dal Sanders go to www.StageMagic.com. read more

El Fenix on Forest Ln. is my absolute favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. I've been coming here for years and never been disappointed in the food or service. They greet you at the front door with a smile and it goes from greeter to waiter to check out clerk. I love all of their food but the El Fenix platter is my favorite because it gives a variety. I am crazy about the chips and hot sauce and they keep on refilling those even before the meal comes out (which is very fast and hot I might add). The enchilada Wednesday is my favorite day to come and I have to get my fix of this wonderful dish of enchiladas, rice and refried beans plus the chips and salsa. There are several Mexican restaurants in the area but I always come back here because the food is so wonderful. I would give this restaurant 5 stars if I could!! read more

The most disgusting El Fenix I've ever been to. There were flies everywhere and my quesadilla tasted like oil, no flavor. Only redeeming quality, plenty of parking and cash back on your purchase. Customer service was prompt and friendly. My favorite one is downtown. So many locations, I guess it's a hit or miss. read more

My favourite restaurant to eat at ever. Always my number one go to when I'm with a group of friends or family. The people are very well mannered and nice and you can never see an unfriendly face. The people who work there are incredibly nice and its surprising to see so many friendly faces every time you walk in. They never hesitate to assist your every need and there are no words to justify how great this place is. If i could give it 10 stars, i would. read more

Excellent joint. The chips are fresh and the salsa is delicious, thought it could use a bit more heat to it. The atmosphere is fine, though I could go for a little Tejano in the background while I'm eating Mexican food. The margaritas have an excellent lime flavor to it and are very tasty. I ordered the beef fajita nachos with a side of jalapeños. The jalapeños weren't very hot, but the food itself was quite tasty. The other two members of our party enjoyed their food as well. This place is definitely worth the visit if you're in the area. I wasn't a big fan of their combo meals, but there's something on the menu for everyone. Enjoy your meal read more

Typical run of the mill Mexican food. Nothing flashy here and no signature dish to brag about. The margarita was poured straight out of a premix bottle and the chili con carne was Wolf Brand Chili out of the can. The chips and queso were better than average but nothing to keep you coming back. My advice would be to find another restaurant or search for road kill. read more