Located in Farmers Branch, El Refrán Mexican Buffet offers more than just a meal—it serves a full-on celebration of Mexico’s rich and varied food traditions. From the moment you walk through the door, the warm hum of conversation and the aroma of slow-simmered meats and roasted chiles welcome you like an old friend. The space itself is bright and casual, with tiled floors, rustic décor, and just enough color to echo the spirit of a family kitchen in Guadalajara or Puebla. But the real showstopper here is the buffet—a sprawling, no-frills spread that’s both generous and genuinely rooted in tradition.
At El Refrán you’ll find the classics, of course—pillowy tamales wrapped in corn husks, rich mole poured over tender chicken, and enchiladas doused in either tangy verde or smoky roja sauces. But you’ll also find dishes not always seen outside of abuela’s table: caldo de res, a deeply comforting beef and vegetable soup; nopales con huevos, cactus paddles scrambled with eggs and spices; and birria that’s fall-apart tender, fragrant with chiles and herbs, perfect with a warm tortilla.
For breakfast, the buffet shifts gears early in the day with chilaquiles—crisped tortilla strips swimming in sauce, topped with crema and queso fresco—and mountains of eggs prepared a dozen ways. If you happen to stop in on the weekend, you may encounter menudo, the hearty tripe soup revered as a hangover cure and Sunday ritual, served steaming with fresh lime wedges and chopped onions on the side.
The vibe here is as important as the food. Families fill long tables, chatting in a mix of Spanish and English, while solo diners read the paper over plates piled high with carnitas and beans. The staff is welcoming, attentive, and quick to point out a fresh batch of empanadas or a dish that just came off the stovetop. There’s no pretense—just a sincere love of food and culture, expressed in heaping portions and soulful cooking.
