El Carlos Elegante
1400 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas
(214) 277-1800
Recent Reviews
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Went for belated valentines dinner. The food was great! We did the tasting menu but I am still curious about the rest of the menu so I wanna go back!
We enjoyed a very special birthday dinner with friends last night. Our server, Tyler, was great to help us narrow down our food choices and he took excellent care of our group. This was our 2nd time to visit El Carlos and we look forward to returning.
Such amazing service and the best food. Definitely a gem of a find in Dallas and my favorite for delicious Mexican . Consistently great
We have been wanting to check this place out for a while and let me say it did not disappoint. We did the elegante experience and wow. One reviewer complained that the portions were full sized entrees not prix fixed portions (and honestly, I'm not sure why she would complain about too much food). Yes, you get a healthy portion and you will want to eat every last morsel. Each dish was presented beautifully and the flavor balance was on point. We added the duck cherry mole because I wanted to try a mole dish. Absolutely, fantastic -- from the ambiance, the staff and the food. This is a must for any foodie.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Don't let the waiters fool you, definitely not family sized portions. But the food is delicious.
Very Disappointing Experience – Poor Management Handling
I made a reservation more than two weeks in advance and flew in from out of town specifically to dine here. This was particularly disappointing because I have dined at this restaurant before and previously had a good experience.
Upon arrival, the check-in area was extremely crowded and chaotic. When we were finally seated, we were assigned a table right next to the check-in line, at the patio entrance door, exposed to cold weather. This was clearly not an appropriate table given the reservation timing and circumstances.
The concierge was professional and genuinely tried to help, attempting to move us to a standard table in the main salon. Unfortunately, a manager intervened, overstepped the concierge, and shut the request down abruptly. The manager’s attitude was rude, arrogant, and dismissive, simply stating that there was “nothing to do,” without offering any alternative or showing basic courtesy.
Given the poor seating, the cold conditions, and the way the situation was handled, we had no choice but to refuse the table and cancel the reservation.
Food quality aside, restaurants at this level are judged by hospitality and management behavior. The concierge handled the situation professionally; the manager did not. This experience completely overshadowed what should have been an enjoyable return visit.
The drinks were excellent, well balanced and thoughtfully crafted. The food was full of flavor. The carne asada was perfectly cooked and packed with bold, smoky taste, and the octopus was a standout—tender, beautifully charred, and seasoned just right. The menu feels elevated but still approachable, and everything we tried felt intentional and refined. Overall, a classy spot with tasty mexican food and a great atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Omg where do I begin, my boyfriend and I came for the elegante experience and it was FANTASTIC. The servers were very informative and explained to us what each of our dishes were. They told us that some of the dishes were on the menu and some were chef’s picks so the menu changes often. My boyfriend and I were blown away with each dish everything was so delicious and unbelievable. In between courses they even brought us a sorbet palette cleanser which I didn’t expect and was a nice touch. The vibes and the atmosphere were 10/10 the playlist that evening(which I learned was the bartender’s playlist) was SO GOOD. The bartender was such a vibe. We are definitely coming back for this experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious upscale Tex mex. The Cesar salad, beets and El machete were our favorites. Had the most wonderful waiter, AB. Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food! Some of the best I have had in Dallas
Restaurantji Recommends
I had the amazing time with my office Christmas party on December 18th. We had a private room, we had the elegant experience and it was phenomenal! Service was impeccable! From the moment we pulled up to the door and valet our car to the moment that we were done and I had called for the car. The car was right at the front door waiting for us!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We dined at El Carlos Elegante for our anniversary, and it was an excellent experience. Henry went above and beyond and treated us to a complimentary drink for a toast. The menu is limited but top-notch, featuring traditional Mexican cuisine. We enjoyed all the dishes, especially the Carne Asada and Garbanzo Sopa. Overall, it was an awesome experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Exceeded every expectation. The food was absolutely amazing—every single dish was thoughtfully prepared and packed with flavor. We did the Elegante Experience, where the chef curates a selection of dishes, many of which aren’t even on the menu, and it truly felt like a one-of-a-kind, elevated dining experience.
The restaurant itself has an incredible vibe—beautiful decor, great music, and a very upscale yet welcoming atmosphere. It’s perfect for a date night, girls’ night out, or even a fancy dinner with family.
The staff was outstanding and made the night even more special. A huge thank you to Joseph and Michelle for making the evening unforgettable.
Highly recommend—this is a must-visit spot if you’re looking for something special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Outstanding Mexican food! The restaurant and staff were above and beyond from the moment we walked in. I highly recommend this place and look forward to coming back soon.
Really enjoyed this place, great food and one of the most extensive tequila lists around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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