TEXANO Cocina Opens in Dallas With Mexican Comfort Food, Mezcal, and Warm Neighborhood Vibes

DALLAS, TX — Some places don’t just open — they settle in. That’s exactly how TEXANO Cocina feels, the newest addition to Lower Greenville’s ever-evolving food scene. With its warm lighting, handcrafted decor, and the gentle aroma of roasted chilies and cinnamon mole, it feels less like a new restaurant and more like it’s always been part of the block.

TEXANO just opened its doors in the former Gallo Nero space at 1905 Greenville Avenue, and I stopped by on day three, unsure what to expect — but I left with a full belly and that rare feeling that you’ve found something quietly special.

Neighborhood Soul With a Side of Spice

 

The space itself is intimate but not cramped — a mix of exposed brick, low ceilings, and earth-toned walls covered in family photos and local artwork. The music was soft but lively, with Mexican guitar instrumentals weaving between the clink of mezcal glasses and quiet laughter from booths near the back.

There’s no showy neon, no gimmicks — just comforting hospitality. You get the sense that TEXANO wasn’t built for hype. It was built for return customers.

I grabbed a corner table near the front window and immediately noticed something rare in new spots: calm confidence. They weren’t trying to impress me. They were just doing what they do.

Slow-Cooked, House-Made, and Honest

The food here leans deeply into Mexican home cooking — not Tex-Mex, not street food, but slow, soulful cuisine that tastes like a passed-down family recipe. I ordered the chicken mole negro, which came with rice, beans, and fresh tortillas on the side. The mole was dark, rich, and spicy-sweet, with layers of flavor I couldn’t quite pin down — which, in my book, is a good sign.

They also serve chile rellenos, caldo de res, carnitas tacos, and a few specials that rotate weekly. Everything I saw come out of the kitchen looked intentional, like it was made with pride.

And it wasn’t just the entrées — even the tamarind agua fresca had that freshly squeezed, just-made-today vibe. Not syrupy. Not artificial. Just honest.

Mezcal Moments and Late-Night Potential

Let’s talk mezcal. TEXANO Cocina boasts a tight but thoughtful selection of small-batch mezcals, along with a few natural wines and beer options. I asked for a rec, and the bartender served me something smoky with a citrus edge — no frills, just poured right with a slice of orange and a dash of sal de gusano.

There’s a small bar counter tucked into the back, perfect for late-night sips or solo dinners. Word is they plan to start hosting mezcal tasting nights soon, and I’ll be first in line when they do.

My Take? It’s Not Just Another Mexican Spot

We’ve all seen new “Mexican-inspired” restaurants pop up with modern menus and minimalist decor, but TEXANO isn’t chasing trends. It’s a place that respects the plate, the history, and the feeling of eating something made slowly, intentionally, and with love.

This isn’t the place you hit for fast tacos at 11 p.m. It’s where you take your time — order an appetizer, sip something smoky, and let a mole dish remind you why slow cooking still matters.

Have you tried TEXANO Cocina yet? Got a comfort-food gem hiding in your neighborhood? Drop a comment and let me know — I’m always chasing what feels like home.