El Fenix Mexican Restaurant has indisputably claimed Dallasites’ hearts and appetites with its consistently delicious and affordable food. In fact, it’s so good that it recently celebrated its 99th year of operation! In a time where downtown Dallas restaurants come and go as tastes and trends change, El Fenix remains in its original location, which opened in 1918 (although additional restaurants have since been added). Today, its humble beginnings and rich history has earned it and iconic status in Dallas and is credited as “the original Tex-Mex.”
Miguel (Mike) Martinez arrived to the Dallas scene in 1911 from Mexico.
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant/Facebook In addition to marrying and raising eight children, he decided to open up his own restaurant in 1916 at the corner of Griffin Street and McKinney Avenue in a part of Dallas then known as “Little Mexico.” Martinez originally called his restaurant “Martinez Café.”
Martinez’ experimentation with Mexican-inspired dishes became a huge hit with patrons, and he decided to change his style to focus on “Tex-Mex” in 1918.
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant/Facebook He chose the name El Fenix because it meant “The Phoenix,” a philosophy that transforms setbacks into assets, like a mythological phoenix rising up again from its own ashes.
The size and look of the restaurant has evolved through time, but the original location remains an ideal eating spot for Dallasites.
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant/Facebook
Keith H./Flickr Today, El Fenix is nestled amongst Dallas high-rises and within walking distance to the popular American Airlines sports and entertainment center.
The outside of the restaurant is nondescript and easy to overlook to the unknowing, but its sign beckons to passersby.
David Harrell/Flickr
The inside is full of traditional Tex-Mex charm.
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant - Dallas /Yelp
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant - Dallas /Yelp The outside patio is a pleasant surprise and provides sunny seating options for nice days.
Night is when the outdoor area really turns on its charm.
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant/Yelp It is often filled with sports fans and hungry revelers, both before and after Dallas Mavs and Stars events or other Dallas activities held nearby.
Elisa M./Yelp The Tex-Mex classic - the staple that El Fenix still serves today - is the two cheese and onion enchilada with chile con carne sauce served with Spanish rice and refried beans. Of course, complimentary and unlimited chips and sauce always start the meal.
Michael Coté/Flickr The restaurant’s hot sauce became so popular with customers that it is now mass-produced and even sold in certain chain stores, such as Walmart.
Elliot/Flickr Menu items have become more varied through the years, while always remaining true to their Mexican roots, such as these puffed-up and crispy Picadillo meat-filled corn tortillas.
The pan seared fish tacos are another favorite of El Fenix fans.
Charlotte J. /Yelp
You simply must save room for dessert when eating at El Fenix.
Ellie L. /Yelp The sopapillas are to die for.
Cher’on A. /Yelp The pralines are so good that many patrons buy extras to take home for later!
Laurie D. /Yelp The famous El Fenix margaritas continuously win “best margarita” awards and are sometimes referred to as “1918 martinis.”
El Fenix offers many variations of the classic margarita, such as the Rita/Sangria Swirl.
Corazon D. /Yelp
Elisa M. /Yelp The restaurant celebrated its 99th year in September 2017 with throwback prices and specials. Just imagine what the 100th anniversary will bring!!
El Fenix is proud of its history and proudly showcases its “since 1918” legacy.
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant/Facebook Today, it boasts of 11 locations across the Metroplex, but you can find the original downtown location at 1601 McKinney Avenue in Dallas.
Have you eaten at the original El Fenix? If so, when did you first experience this Dallas Tex-Mex icon? What is your favorite meal on the menu?
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant/Facebook
In addition to marrying and raising eight children, he decided to open up his own restaurant in 1916 at the corner of Griffin Street and McKinney Avenue in a part of Dallas then known as “Little Mexico.” Martinez originally called his restaurant “Martinez Café.”
He chose the name El Fenix because it meant “The Phoenix,” a philosophy that transforms setbacks into assets, like a mythological phoenix rising up again from its own ashes.
Keith H./Flickr
Today, El Fenix is nestled amongst Dallas high-rises and within walking distance to the popular American Airlines sports and entertainment center.
David Harrell/Flickr
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant - Dallas /Yelp
The outside patio is a pleasant surprise and provides sunny seating options for nice days.
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant/Yelp
It is often filled with sports fans and hungry revelers, both before and after Dallas Mavs and Stars events or other Dallas activities held nearby.
Elisa M./Yelp
The Tex-Mex classic - the staple that El Fenix still serves today - is the two cheese and onion enchilada with chile con carne sauce served with Spanish rice and refried beans. Of course, complimentary and unlimited chips and sauce always start the meal.
Michael Coté/Flickr
The restaurant’s hot sauce became so popular with customers that it is now mass-produced and even sold in certain chain stores, such as Walmart.
Elliot/Flickr
Menu items have become more varied through the years, while always remaining true to their Mexican roots, such as these puffed-up and crispy Picadillo meat-filled corn tortillas.
Charlotte J. /Yelp
Ellie L. /Yelp
The sopapillas are to die for.
Cher’on A. /Yelp
The pralines are so good that many patrons buy extras to take home for later!
Laurie D. /Yelp
The famous El Fenix margaritas continuously win “best margarita” awards and are sometimes referred to as “1918 martinis.”
Corazon D. /Yelp
Elisa M. /Yelp
The restaurant celebrated its 99th year in September 2017 with throwback prices and specials. Just imagine what the 100th anniversary will bring!!
Today, it boasts of 11 locations across the Metroplex, but you can find the original downtown location at 1601 McKinney Avenue in Dallas.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
