Often times Americans think of Cinco de Mayo as Mexico’s Independence Day when in actuality it is September 16 (Día de la Independencia). Independence Day (September 16) celebrates the day Miguel Hidalgo is believed to have made the cry of independence (El Grito de la Independencia) in the town of Dolores, in the north-central part of the Mexican state of Guanajuato. Hidalgo was one of the nation’s leaders during the War of Independence in Mexico.
Mexicans celebrate their country’s Independence Day with fireworks, parties (fiestas), food, dance and music on September 16. Flags, flowers and decorations in the colors of the Mexican flag – red, white and green – are seen in public areas in cities and towns in Mexico. Whistles and horns are blown and confetti is thrown to celebrate this festive occasion. “Viva Mexico” or “Viva la independencia” are shouted amidst the crowds on this day.
You may celebrate this auspicious day in DFW by enjoying the following:
Dine Well
Javier’s
Open since 1977, this perpetually popular restaurant offers a taste of modern Mexico City which means you won’t find any Tex-Mex fare here. Instead, the real stars of the kitchen include dishes like cabrito fajitas, Mayan-style slow-roasted pork and ancho chile marinated charbroiled quail. Start with grilled cheese and chorizo panela prepared tableside and end with an order of cajeta crepes. If cigars are your thing, be sure to check out Javier’s super swanky cigar bar after dinner.
Herrera’s
Serving amazing TexMex since 1971 Herrera’s is the backbone of Dallas’ exploding Mexican food scene. We recommend the 2C which will allow you to taste most of the menu without breaking the bank. The enchiladas are amazing. The margaritas are killer.
Revolver Taco Lounge
This family-run Deep Ellum spot with counter service ordering and communal seating is an oasis for taco connoisseurs. Corn tortillas are handmade and grilled to order, and toppings run the gambit from seared duck breast to roasted baby goat and grilled premium wagyu beef. Tacos aren’t the only reason to come. Hidden in the back is a 14-seat dining cove (the Purépecha Room) where guests can tuck into an eight-course modern Michoacán-style feast prepared by the owner’s mother. It’s one of the most unique tasting menus in town, but it will also set you back $120.
Tequila
Corralejo Tequila Reposado 35.00 Jenny Harris, bar manager of San Diego’s Point Loma Fish Shop, says “you can’t lose” with this reposado produced at Tequilera Corralejo. Located east of Jalisco in the neighboring state of Guanajuato, this distillery is rated among tequila’s top 100 by the Sanschagrins’ Tequila Matchmaker user base. This reposado is aged in American oak barrels, giving off an oaky profile that Harris particularly likes—along with flavors of peppercorn, honey, and, of course, agave. It’s a tequila that starts with a woody, nutty aroma, rolls sweetly over the palate, and finishes with a slightly bitter spiciness.
Pueblo Viejo 25.00 Tequila’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, and the top bottles now command cultish prices formerly reserved for the rarest of Scotches and small-batch bourbons. But there are still plenty of great values for those with the patience to seek them out—and it’s hard to think of an inexpensive tequila that over-delivers on quality quite like Pueblo Viejo. A secret favorite in the mixologist community, Pueblo Viejo blanco is crafted using 100 percent blue Weber agave, which is cooked in stone and brick ovens and crushed by a traditional rolling mill called a tahona. The classically made tequila boasts a nose of white pepper and a rustic, unapologetic palate replete with bright agave and fresh mint.
Margaritas
Mariano’s The frozen margarita madness put Dallas on the margarita map and was started by Mariano Martinez — a man with a dream and a soft-serve machine. In 1971, before anyone knew what a margarita machine was or how much it could do, Martinez’s customers were dissatisfied with their blended margaritas. This is the gold standard of frozen ritas.
E Bar Tex-Mex From the home of damned good Mexican grub you will also find some mighty powerful margaritas. Taste them judiciously.
La Viuda Negra Tucked behind a bridal shop, La Viuda Negra is a speakeasy run by brothers Javier and Luis Villalva. The very tiny bar is stacked with a bevy variety of agave-based spirits, tequilas, and mezcals. If arriving late night, it may be a struggle to grab a cocktail, so we suggest ordering two then hightail it to the narrow outdoors tucked away between El Come Taco shop and the cocktail hide-a-way.
