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.
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.
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.
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The size and look of the restaurant has evolved through time, but the original location remains an ideal eating spot for Dallasites.
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.
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.
