There is no shortage of tacos in Dallas, but the city’s newest taqueria is worth a visit. TacoLingo comes from the minds behind Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar and joins new downtown entrant The Henry at The Union Dallas. It takes the classic taco and remixes it with an upscale, nontraditional flare. Inside, the raw industrial interior and warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere. Vinyl spins at the bar.
The tacos, which range from $4 to $7, are ensconced in soft, tender house-made corn tortillas (with flour as an option). For ingredients, think pork cracklings topped with pickled onions or grilled chicken topped with red onion jalapeño marmalade. These are only a few of chef Huberto Lira’s creations, ones that could interest even the snobbiest of taco aficionados. Compliment with house-made chips and guacamole or jalapeño-glazed Brussels sprouts with a sunny-side egg on top. Finish with churro doughnuts accompanied by brûlée marshmallow, a rich chocolate sauce, and spicy Mexican hot chocolate.
No order is complete without a taste of cocktail wizard Andrew Stofko’s finely crafted list of margaritas, running the gamut from traditional to obscure, like the Elote, a mix of smoky mezcal, house-made elote cordial, fresh pineapple extract, lime, and angostura. That savory concoction is joined by fruitier options: fresh mango, watermelon, spicy melon, and strawberry tamarind round out the marg list. The Stetson, Stofko’s spin on an Old Fashioned, uses a toasted sesame bourbon that adds an unexpected depth.
TacoLingo opens Thursday. Go for the tacos and the churro doughnuts. Stay for the booze.
