Best Tex-Mex in Fort Worth: A Spicy Culinary Tour

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Creamy cheese sauce and fiery jalapeno fuse together to compliment sweet BBQ brisket and citrus margaritas... this is Texas. Plain and simple, The Lonestar State is king when it comes to dining. With a population climbing past 30 million, the food offered in this melting pot is influenced by a sea of cultures and demographics. 

One of the State’s most popular flavor profiles combines traditional Mexican spice with bold Texas flavors; appropriately named Tex-Mex. We’ve broken down the top spots to snag a TexMex dish that will have you shouting “delicioso” before you even get back home. 

Flavor Fusion: Exchanging Traditions

Despite their striking similarities, Tex-Mex is a distinct genre of food, separate from authentic Mexican dishes. So what’s the difference? Grab some chips and salsa and let's “dip” into the origins of TexMex.

From colorful Cinco de Mayo celebrations and Fiestas Patrias to the spooky Dia de los Muertos holiday, you can feel the cultural influence of Mexico everywhere in Texas. In the early 1800s, before Texas was a State, Mexicans, American settlers, and Native Americans lived together, exchanging culinary traditions. As they continued to share recipes, cooking methods, and ingredients, Tex-Mex cuisine evolved and grew.

First Tex Mex Dish: Chili Con Carne

The emergence of Tex-Mex cuisine saw its initial star in chili con carne, a flavorful stew combining Native American culinary traditions with Mexican influence. This fiery dish gained popularity in the 1880s as street vendors in San Antonio began selling it. However, the scarcity of chilies during certain seasons prompted innovation, birthing the evolution of Tex-Mex.

Modern Day Tex-Mex

As you can imagine, the aroma of warm flour tortillas, spicy salsas, and piquant meats began climbing in popularity and the residents of Texas quickly embraced this new style of food. New Tex-Mex restaurants began popping up and many traditional Mexican restaurants also began serving it to delight their eclectic guests.

Differences Between Tex-Mex and Traditional Mexican Food

Ingredients

One of the main differences between the two is the utilization of ingredients. Tex-Mex cuisine often incorporates ingredients not commonly found in traditional Mexican cooking, such as yellow cheese, beef, flour tortillas, and sour cream. 

Spices 

Conventional Mexican food often relies on natural heat from fresh chilies such as serranos and jalapenos. Whereas Tex-Mex dishes tend to be zestier and use more chili powder and cayenne pepper for heavier spice.

Techniques

Tex-Mex dishes usually involve Americanized cooking techniques, such as baking and frying. Authentic Mexican food, on the other hand, is generally made by methods like simmering and braising. 

The Best Tex Mex in Fort Worth, TX

Has all this talk of bold flavors and warm tortillas made you hungry for some zesty Tex-Mex? We’ve got you covered with our top Tex-Mex restaurants in Fort Worth, only a short drive from our campground in Jacksboro, TX.

Chimy’s

Specialties: Margaritas, customized dishes and a salsa bar

Started by the Wright family in the college town of Lubbock, Chimy’s has 4 premier locations across Texas. The restaurant’s to-go margaritas are legendary and draw in tourists from all parts of the State. Guests can complement their refreshing margarita with a customized enchilada plate and a trip to the DIY salsa bar.

Mercado Juarez

Specialties: Mesquite-fired meats, fresh ingredients & bar drinks

This beloved Mexican cafe specializes in Tex-Mex dishes and has 2 locations in the state. They’ve been delighting customers and serving up craveable dishes for over 25 years. 

Indulge in Mercado Juarez’s famous and affordable frozen margaritas served in large schooners, perfect for a night out with the girls or a romantic evening for two. Be sure to try the “Guiso de Res”, a mouth-watering dish made with beef tips simmered in gravy and chipotle peppers. 

Torchy’s Tacos

Specialties: Breakfast & dinner-style tacos & margaritas

Started by Mike Rypka in Austin, Texas, Torchy’s Tacos developed out of a humble food truck. Fast forward to today and Torchy’s can be found across 90 locations in the United States. As you can imagine, Torchy’s main specialty is tacos-and awesome ones at that. They do have other options but serving up mouthwatering tacos has given them quite the reputation and loyal following.

The Best Authentic Mexican Food in Fort Worth

If Tex-Mex doesn’t hit the spot and you’re craving a true Mexican dining experience-you’re in luck! Here are some of the best Fort Worth spots to sink your teeth into:

Joe T. Garcia’s

Specialties: Relaxing outdoor dining, simple menu, and Mexican scratch cooking

The origins of Joe T. Garcia’s is one of inspiration and pioneer ancestry. The restaurant was started by the family’s matriarch in 1911 when she bravely immigrated from Michoacán, Mexico, to Fort Worth. One of the biggest draws of this family restaurant is its relaxing atmosphere including a bubbling fountain, vibrant garden, family pool, stone patio, and lush greenery. 

Cafecito

Specialties: Authentic, Mexican breakfast tacos & burritos

Cafecito is known for one thing and one thing only; a fresh and authentic Mexican breakfast.

Started by a powerful mother & daughter duo, this woman-owned business is a true favorite amongst locals and does not disappoint. 

Splurge on Cafecito’s iconic breakfast tacos and fresh burritos filled with a variety of egg, potatoes, ham, chorizo, and brisket combinations. If you’ve got a packed day you can treat yourself to a quick grab-and-go experience, just be sure to call ahead first.