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Michelin-Starred Taquería Launches Pop-Up in North Dallas

Atmosphere of a Michelin-starred taquería pop-up event

University Park, North Dallas, October 15, 2025

News Summary

El Califa de León, the world’s first Michelin-starred taquería, will hold a 14-day pop-up event in University Park, North Dallas, introducing authentic flavors of Mexico City street food to local diners. Scheduled from October 15-28, the pop-up will feature to-go and eat-on-the-spot dining options, alongside exclusive chef’s table experiences. Proceeds will support the Mexico Travel Safety Initiative, further enriching culinary tourism between the two countries.

University Park, North Dallas

El Califa de León is the world’s first and only Michelin-starred taquería. The taquería will host a 14-day pop-up event in University Park, North Dallas from October 15-28, 2025, presented by Melinda’s hot sauce. This marks the first appearance of El Califa de León in Texas. The pop-up is scheduled at a temporary site linked to the restaurant location listed as 6501 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, Texas.

What the pop-up will offer

The pop-up will bring flavors and formats typical of Mexico City street food to North Texans. The format of the pop-up mainly focuses on to-go and eat-on-the-spot dining, similar to typical taquerías in Mexico City. A limited number of more immersive experiences will also be offered. Diners can reserve exclusive chef’s table experiences for groups of four to six. Prices for the chef’s table experiences range from $340 to $460. Each seating lasts 75 minutes and includes a curated tasting menu. Melinda’s hot sauces, crafted in Mexico City, will be available for sale at the pop-up.

Community and charity component

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Mexico Travel Safety Initiative in partnership with the Arizona Chapter of the National Safety Council. The Dallas pop-up follows a successful event in Arizona earlier in 2025, and the current stop is presented as part of broader initiatives to introduce U.S. audiences to Mexico’s street food culture and to promote Mexico City tourism through gastronomy.

Signature dishes and reputation

El Califa de León was founded over 50 years ago in Mexico City’s San Rafael neighborhood and has become a popular destination for taco enthusiasts worldwide. The eatery’s reputation was strengthened earlier in 2025 when it earned a Michelin star. The taquería is known for its famous dish, the Taco Gaonera. The Taco Gaonera features thinly sliced beef filet, seasoned with salt and lime. Michelin Guide describes the Gaonera taco as exceptional and a key reason for the taquería’s enduring success.

Practical details for visitors

The event provides North Texans with a rare chance to experience authentic flavors from Mexico City without traveling abroad. Reservations are recommended for the chef’s table experiences due to limited availability. The pop-up’s primary service model will allow many visitors to purchase tacos to eat on site or take home, reflecting how taquerías operate in Mexico City. Melinda’s hot sauces will be sold at the location for guests who wish to take a piece of the pop-up home.

Context and significance

The pop-up showcases a cross-border cultural exchange centered on street food and culinary tourism. By staging a temporary, focused event in North Dallas, the organizers aim to highlight both the specific offerings of El Califa de León and broader aspects of Mexico City cuisine. The combination of a Michelin-starred taquería and a recognized hot sauce brand underscores ongoing interest in elevated street-food concepts and in presenting traditional formats—such as to-go counters and small-group chef’s table seatings—to U.S. audiences.

FAQ

Is El Califa de León Michelin-starred?
El Califa de León is the world’s first and only Michelin-starred taquería.
When and where is the pop-up?
The taquería will host a 14-day pop-up event in University Park, North Dallas from October 15-28, 2025.
Is this the restaurant’s first Texas appearance?
This marks the first appearance of El Califa de León in Texas.
What is the pop-up address?
The restaurant is located at 6501 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, Texas.
Are there chef’s table reservations?
Diners can reserve exclusive chef’s table experiences for groups of four to six.
How much do chef’s table experiences cost?
Prices for the chef’s table experiences range from $340 to $460.
How long does each chef’s table seating last?
Each seating lasts 75 minutes and includes a curated tasting menu.
Who benefits from the event proceeds?
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Mexico Travel Safety Initiative in partnership with the Arizona Chapter of the National Safety Council.
What is the dining format?
The format of the pop-up mainly focuses on to-go and eat-on-the-spot dining, similar to typical taquerías in Mexico City.
Will Melinda’s products be available?
Melinda’s hot sauces, crafted in Mexico City, will be available for sale at the pop-up.

Feature Detail
Event dates October 15-28, 2025 (14-day pop-up)
Location University Park, North Dallas
Address listed 6501 Hillcrest Ave, Dallas, Texas
Presented by Melinda’s hot sauce
Chef’s table Groups of four to six; $340 to $460; 75-minute seating with curated tasting menu
Format To-go and eat-on-the-spot dining, similar to typical taquerías in Mexico City
Proceeds Mexico Travel Safety Initiative in partnership with the Arizona Chapter of the National Safety Council
Signature dish Taco Gaonera — thinly sliced beef filet, seasoned with salt and lime
Origins Founded over 50 years ago in Mexico City’s San Rafael neighborhood; earned a Michelin star earlier in 2025
Product for sale Melinda’s hot sauces, crafted in Mexico City

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STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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