This post wasn’t actually ever going to happen, but because food is {apparently} my love language here it is.
You’re welcome!
Who doesn’t love a good chip and guac combo, steak fajita nachos or cheese enchiladas?! Being from Texas all my life this is all I’ve ever known and I thank my parents for that. But a little background on Tex-Mex before we get into the meaty stuff (see what I did there?). Mexican food and Tex-Mex food are actually two very different things <gasp!>. Traditional Mexican food doesn’t typically contain ingredients like beef, yellow cheese, wheat flour, black beans, canned veggies or cumin. So, if the “Mexican” dish you’re indulging in does have one, two or all of those ingredients chances are you’re actually eating Tex-Mex. Rightfully so, we are in Texas y’all! It’s practically its own food group around here.
And now, on to the GOOD stuff.
With the help of some Collin County Moms Blog contributors I’ve compiled a guide of our top 10 Tex-Mex restaurants in Collin County to help you maneuver your next Taco Tuesday, Fiesta Friday or whatever occasion it may be to get you through the week. Momming is hard. Tex-Mex food is here is make it all better!
1. La Finca Chiquita
107 N Butler Dr. Allen
This is one of those places I lovingly refer to as a “hole in the wall” restaurant. It is locally owned and has some of the most delicious recipes passed down from generations (my absolute favorite ever being the Chile Relleno). One of the many specialties of this place are their signature 3 salsas. YES, you read that correctly, they bring THREE salsas for you to enjoy with your chips. Also, they are a BYOB establishment. So if you’re on a date night, double date night or just want to enjoy a cold one or glass of your favorite wine, bring it on over. On Tuesdays from 5-9pm kids ages 12 and under eat free with purchase of an adult meal of $10. Wednesdays from 5-9pm are Enchilada nights: 2 enchiladas filled with cheese, chicken or beef served with rice and beans for $5.99.
2. Salsa Tex-Mex
3020 Legacy Dr. Plano & 3245 W Main St. Ste. 201 Frisco
This is a family owned restaurant which means their recipes are passed down from abuelita {grandma} so you know it has to be good. It’s a local spot and has two convenient Collin County locations: Plano and Frisco. The salsa is as fresh as you can get it. And they make their own tortillas. If a place makes their own tortillas you can guarantee it’s going to be good. Happy hour is ALL DAY Sunday through Thursday and from 3-6pm on Friday. I can totally vouch for their Mango Margarita- just sayin’!
3. Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
152 Fountain Court Fairview & 8600 Gaylord Pkwy Frisco
This fine restaurant is actually a mix of Salvadorian and Tex-Mex deliciousness. Some traditional Salvadorian foods include pupusas and platano frito {fried ripened plantain}. I usually opt for the three pupusas. Yes, I know they are on the appetizers section of the menu. Yes, I’ll have them as my entree. Don’t judge me. What are pupusas? Delicious is my answer to that question, but if you want to get technical, they’re a thick handmade corn flour tortilla stuffed with cheese, pork or both (so I get one of each!). They’re Tex-Mex options are just as good. Try the sour cream enchiladas or the fish tacos. Just try it all, really. The frozen margarita at Gloria’s (I’ve been to 5 of their 18 Texas locations) are the REAL DEAL. Oh, and we never leave there without having a slice of vanilla flan.
4. Taqueria Hernandez
1105 N Tennesee McKinney
This is a quaint family owned restaurant just north of Historic Downtown McKinney. It’s one of those places you may just pass up if you’re looking for something more glamorous. It’s a humble little building with genuine staff on hand to serve. I stumbled upon this place and am so glad I did. It’s quickly become a family favorite. No fuss, just authentic, delicious Tex-Mex food. I always get the chicken enchiladas, because I’m a creature of habit. But we’ve had the tortas and tostadas- all good!
5. Frankies
7218 Hwy 78 Sachse
First things first- QUESO. Not enough can be said about Frankies jalapeño white queso with spinach. Trust me- just try it. You’ll want to devour a bowl of it after it’s all said and done. If you’re here for dinner, lunch or brunch they’ll have you feeling like family- that’s their goal. This is another restaurant on the family-owned spectrum. A lot of their recipes have been handed down from generations. Those are always the best, aren’t they?
6. Blue Goose
2020 N Central Expy McKinney & 9320 Dallas Pkwy #140 Frisco & 4757 W Park Blvd Plano
Blue Goose has seven area locations, three of those are right in Collin County. I love when my kids have options on their menu. I love the Blue Goose for that reason and because their food is so good. No matter the time of day you are planning on enjoying their yummy Tex-Mex fare you’ll have options as well as a fun, colorful atmosphere. Oh and if you’re searching for a $2 frozen margarita on any given Tuesday go here and check out the rest of their daily specials.
7. Chuy’s
3908 Dallas Pkwy Plano & 3408 Central Expy Plano
When a restaurant has 83 locations nationwide (with 7 being currently under construction) and 2 of them in our own Collin County that speak volumes. I could go on and on about the fresh veggies they use in their dishes or the super cool and colorful fun ambiance you get to experience or even their 10 signature sauces but since food is my language I’ll just say this: hand-rolled TORTILLAS. I’m a sucker for a good tortilla. To say they’re extremely good is an understatement.
8. Nom Noms
6840 Virginia PKWY Suite 125 McKinney
“You have to take your boys there!” Is the response I’d get when I’d ask someone about trying out Nom Noms. I love how super convenient it is to place my order and have it made in front of me. But as most Nom Noms indulgers know it’s the homemade ice cream thats the star of the show. Just give me my burrito, quesadillas, taco basket and avocado ice cream and I’ll be on my way. (And in case you were wondering, no, not all of it is for me just the burrito and avocado ice cream!)
9. La Hacienda Ranch
4110 Preston Rd Frisco
By show of hands, who’d like a frozen margarita? Well it you visit La Hacienda Ranch in Frisco (or any other Tex-Mex spot around DFW) chances are that you’ll be able to indulge in that refreshing tequila drink. Fun little back story though: the first frozen margarita machine was invented in 1971 by Dallas restaurant owner Mariano Martinez. The same Mariano Martinez who owns La Hacienda Ranch. Their menu also offers so much to enjoy from chicken enchiladas to Tex-Mex cobb to my favorite brisket quesadillas.
10. Mattito’s
6129 Main St Frisco
Mattito’s has five area locations. One of them is in Frisco square and makes it a convenient restaurant to frequent when you want to enjoy some traditional Tex-Mex. Something really special about Mattito’s is the vegetarian options they offer on their menu. Also, moms and dads: kids eat free with purchase an adult meal after 5pm, 12 and under. And last, but certainly not least they have lots of happy hour specials daily and a “Be Happy Cart” with FREE APPETIZERS M-F from 4-6pm in the bar.
And there you have it for Tex-Mex restaurants in Collin County. I hope I haven’t made your decision too difficult.
What are some of your favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in Collin County? Reply down below, I’d love to have some new places to try out.
