Dallas, December 3, 2025
Several Tex-Mex restaurants in the Dallas area are planning to expand their reach with new locations opening by 2026. Establishments such as Cantina la Rosa, Muchacho, and Escondido are part of this growth, promising fresh offerings and unique dining experiences. Each restaurant aims to enhance the local culinary landscape by providing delightful Tex-Mex dishes and inviting atmospheres for customers to enjoy.
Dallas, Texas
Several Dallas-area Tex-Mex restaurants have announced new locations set to open in 2026, expanding their presence across the city and surrounding areas.
Cantina la Rosa to Open in Preston Hollow
Cantina la Rosa, a new Tex-Mex concept from the creator of Smoky Rose, is slated to open in Preston Hollow by mid-February 2026. The restaurant will occupy the former Fernando’s Mexican Cuisine space on Midway Road near Central Market. The menu will feature classic Tex-Mex dishes with a lighter approach, including in-house made chips and salsa, and a large patio seating 80 to 90 people. The covered patio will have drop-down siding and air conditioning for year-round use.
Muchacho Expands to Lakewood
Muchacho, known for its queso, margaritas, and fajitas, plans to open a new location in Lakewood in 2026. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant will be situated in the space previously occupied by Petra and the Beast. The expansion follows the success of Muchacho’s existing locations in Preston Center and Southlake.
Escondido to Open on Greenville Avenue
Escondido, a Dallas-born Tex-Mex restaurant, is set to open a new location on Greenville Avenue in mid-2026. The restaurant will occupy the former Blue Fish sushi space, marking the second Escondido in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The menu will feature fajitas, margaritas, and other Tex-Mex classics.
Chuy’s Relocates to Greenville Avenue
Chuy’s, the popular Tex-Mex chain, is moving its McKinney Avenue location to a new spot on Greenville Avenue. The new restaurant will be located at 1520 Greenville Ave., at the corner of Hudson Street, and is expected to open on April 28, 2025. The original McKinney Avenue location, which has been operating for over 30 years, will close on April 20, 2025.
El Molino Opens in Snider Plaza
El Molino, an upscale Tex-Mex restaurant, is set to open in Snider Plaza, Dallas. The restaurant will offer elevated fajitas and rare tequilas in an intimate setting. The menu will add creativity to Tex-Mex staples like fajitas and enchiladas.
Texano Cocina Opens in Former El Fenix Space
Texano Cocina has opened in the former El Fenix space at 5622 Lemmon Ave., in the Lemmonwood Shopping Center. The restaurant offers a variety of Tex-Mex dishes and is the latest addition to the Dallas dining scene.
Muchacho to Open in Frisco
Muchacho Tex-Mex, the authentic Tex-Mex restaurant from Big Dill Hospitality and award-winning chef Omar Flores, is opening in Frisco at 8600 Gaylord Pkwy. The new location is set to open in spring 2026 and will be the third Muchacho location, following the original in Preston Center and a second in Southlake.
Blue Goose Cantina to Open in North Richland Hills
Blue Goose Cantina, a beloved Tex-Mex staple, is opening a location in North Richland Hills at 9005 N. Tarrant Pkwy. The new restaurant is expected to open in January 2026 and will feature its famous fajitas, margaritas, and festive energy.
Mi Cocina Expands into McKinney
Mi Cocina, the Dallas-based Tex-Mex chain, is expanding into McKinney, Texas. The new location will be at 8600 Gaylord Pkwy., in the Craig Ranch development, and is set to open on June 26, 2023. The restaurant will feature a contemporary Mexican design and a menu of fresh, authentic ingredients.
Mi Cocina to Open in Houston
Mi Cocina is also expanding into Houston, with a new location in the River Oaks neighborhood. The restaurant will occupy the space previously occupied by Seasons 52 and is set to open in 2023. The Houston location will feature a quality staff and a menu of fresh, authentic ingredients.
Mi Cocina on the Park Prepares for Grand Opening
Mi Cocina is preparing to open its newest location at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. The restaurant is set to open on October 18, 2021, and will feature an inviting patio and dining area, a separate bar experience, and an outdoor walk-up service window. The design incorporates unique aspects of Mexican culture, including a custom art installation from artist Luis Sottil.
Jakes to Open on Greenville Avenue
Jakes, the iconic burger brand, is returning to its East Dallas roots with a new location at 4925 Greenville Avenue, within the Energy Square development. The restaurant is set to open in fall 2025 and will feature a lively indoor-outdoor space, a full bar, and design elements that reflect both the nostalgia and momentum of the brand.
Conclusion
The upcoming expansions and openings of these Tex-Mex restaurants illustrate the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in Dallas. Each new establishment represents not only an opportunity for culinary indulgence but also a testament to the resilience of small businesses in a supportive market environment. Community members are encouraged to visit these new locations and support local dining as these businesses contribute to the economic growth of Dallas. With such robust development on the horizon, it’s clear that Dallas’s food scene is more than thriving; it is evolving.
FAQ
Which Dallas-area Tex-Mex restaurants are opening new locations in 2026?
Cantina la Rosa, Muchacho, Escondido, and Blue Goose Cantina are expanding with new locations in 2026.
What is Cantina la Rosa known for?
Cantina la Rosa will offer classic Tex-Mex dishes with a lighter approach, including in-house made chips and salsa.
When will Muchacho open in Lakewood?
The new Muchacho location in Lakewood is planned to open in 2026.
What does the menu at Escondido feature?
The Escondido menu will feature fajitas, margaritas, and other Tex-Mex classics.
Key Features of Upcoming Tex-Mex Restaurants in Dallas
| Restaurant Name | Location | Opening Date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cantina la Rosa | Preston Hollow | Mid-February 2026 | Light Tex-Mex menu, large patio |
| Muchacho | Lakewood | 2026 | Known for queso, margaritas |
| Escondido | Greenville Avenue | Mid-2026 | Fajitas and margaritas |
| Blue Goose Cantina | North Richland Hills | January 2026 | Famous fajitas, festive environment |
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