b'goodEATSChihuahua cheese and topped with mild chile mulatto sauce or the Barracilantro, and New Mexico red chile. The Plano locations outdoor patio area de Navidadgiant shrimp in a delightful diablo sauce.is a perfect spot to enjoy one of their more than 25 different margaritas,Seafoodmaybe one of their craft cocktails, or a tequila flight. 4912 Cole Ave. | Dallas 3310 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 105 | Plano Dive Coastal Cuisine(214) 521-4211 (972) 403-7474 Yes, Dive, located in Snider Plaza, attracts ladies who lunch. And ravenous, www.javiers.net yet well-heeled SMU students. But what packs in customers for lunch and 1295 S. Main St. | Grapevine dinner Monday through Saturday is the food. Its really good, and portions Hula Hut (817) 421-4747 are surprisingly generous. Think the-Hamptons-meets-shabby-chic with Located on beautiful Lake Lewis- www.midiafromscratch.com convenient counter-service and a strong commitment to seasonal, organic ville, a visit to Hula Hut feels a lotingredients. As the name suggests, theres a strong bent toward seafood like a mini beach vacation: thinkMi Cocina with freshly-shucked oysters, mussels and daily fish specials served with tiki torches, bamboo huts, grass- Great chips, zippy salsa, friendly service, and the infamous Mambo Taxia choice of sauce and two sides. But thats just the beginning. Not feeling thatched bars and hanging colored(an intoxicatingliterallyblend of Sauza Silver tequila, lime juice andfishy? Try the South Beach Turkey Burger with sriracha aioli or the Grilled lights galore. Mexonisian-style cui- house made sangria with Pinot Noir, brandy and fruit juices) have ensuredChurrasco Steak Wrap. One of our faves is the trio salad sampler featuring sine (i.e. traditional Tex-Mex withthat every single person in Dallas (or so we imagine) has been to Mi Cocinasoba noodles topped with perfectly cooked salmon, agave chicken salad aPolynesiantwist)meansthatat least a dozen times. While the Brisket Tacos are legendary, and the Quesoand raw artichoke & herb salad. Cocktails, beer, wine and seasonal sangria theressomethingforeveryone,Blanco with Picadillo Beef is the bomb, for the fitness-minded, the houseround out your swim. should you choose to bring a group. While you and your significant othermade soups and hearty salads are also excellent.Feeling fishy? The seared3404 Rankin St. | Dallasare kicking back with a fishbowl-sized Hu-La-La signature cocktail madeTilapia Filet with Orange-Garlic Mojo is solid. Well also take anything they(214) 891-1700for two with three different types of rum (hello, Uber!), nosh on some Palmoffer, as long as its smothered in Mi Cocinas silky-smooth mole sauce. www.dive-dallas.comTree Hugger Nachos loaded with cheese and other goodies. There are plen- Multiple locations throughout DFWty of options for vegetarians, and Fajitas and Tubular Tacos are intenselywww.micocinarestaurants.com Fish & Fizzsatisfying as well. In2018,NickandKelliBarclay 210 E. Eldorado Pkwy. | Little Elm Mr. Mesero opened this little gem of a fine-ca-(214) 618-4852 Featuring both American standards and Mexican classics, this cozy, butsual fish and chip shop as a way to www.hulahutlittleelm.com popular, McKinney Avenue spot is favored by the in-crowd, making it abring a bit of seaside to the city, wonderful place for a date night or meeting up with friends. During non- without the seagulls, and many Meso Maya peak times, its also a nice family destination. When the weathers nice, thesay its the most authentic English Chef Nico Sanchezs passion for food reflects beautifully in his regionallyoutdoor patio is especially popular to enjoy a Micorita, a house specialtyfare around. Responsibly-sourced prepared dishes, such as Pescara Veracruz and Mexico City-style Pozolemade with Herradura Jimador tequila. Other favorites include Brisket Tacoscod is perfectly battered and fried, Verde. Flavors are both bright and complex; for example, Pollo con Moleand the flat grilled Mico 12 Strip Steak, served with serrano and grilledserved atop fat chips on a newspa-with a hand-seared bone-in chicken breast, topped with rich sauce andcherry tomatoes. If you have a hankering for a hot dog, this is the place toper-lined tray, and youll find all served with sweet plantain. Margaritas are stellar (try the avocado versiongo. The Big D Dog is made withpound of Kobe beef, topped with chile,the traditional English trimmings such as curry sauce, mushy peas, and with fresh pineapple and lime juices), and theres also an award-winningcheese, and onion on a brioche bun.malt vinegar. Other Brit favorites include bangers and mash, flaky Cornish selection of tequilas for those in-the-know. Serving lunch, dinner and a4444 McKinney Ave. | Dallas pasties, and bubble and squeak. The fizz part includes a lovely selection very popular weekend brunch, Meso Maya can accommodate both small(214) 780-1991 of adult bubblies (bruts, ross, proseccos) and both local and European and larger parties in a relaxed atmosphere.www.mrmesero.com beers, pairing perfectly with the fish.Multiple locations throughout DFW 400 N. Coit Rd., Ste. 1908 | Richardsonwww.mesomaya.com Torchys Tacos(469) 687-0022What better meal than one including the best queso and chips in town?www.fishandfizz.comMexican Bar Company This Austin-based eatery offers what most would call gourmet tacos in This open dining concept where dining room meets bar, patio and loungea fun, casual, non-gourmet setting. Their taco of the month is always de- Fish City Grillarea features vibrant original murals and a lively atmosphere. Its one oflicious and might include ingredients like pumpkin seed crusted chickenGreat seafood at affordable prices may seem like an impossible combi-several destination restaurants located in the new Willow Bend food dis- tenders or escabeche carrots. They also offer hearty breakfast tacos, perfectnation, but not at Fish City Grill. Start with an order of Oyster Nachostrict (where the former Saks Fifth Avenue sat), and already its a hit. Startfor out-of-town guests. plump fried oysters nestled atop crispy tortilla chips, drizzled with chipotle with a mix-and-match of the unique guacamoles and hop right into theMultiple locations throughout DFWtartar sauce and fresh pico de gallo (make that two orders; theyre that Born in Texas tacos on freshly made tortillas (the pancita/pork belly iswww.torchystacos.com good). Chargrilled Oysters with lemon pepper butter and parmesan are fantastic). Youll find all your other favorites, too, including spicy chorizoalso scrumptious. Gumbo is authentically rich and filling, and Roasted Ja-flautas, enchiladas and several options if youre feeling seafood-y. NiceUrban Rio Cantina & Grill lapeo Soup is nothing short of over-the-top delicious. Seafood dishes can cocktail menu (dont miss the Big Nose on fire) including a good selectionAs the younger sister restaurant of downtown Planos popular Urbanbe light (Grilled Catfish) or decadent (Shrimp and Crab-Stuffed Flounder of tequilas. Crust Wood-Fired Pizza, Urban Rio opened with high expectationsandwith caper dill beurre blanc)its your call. A curated selection of wine, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Ste. RS-10 | Plano doesnt disappoint. Tortillas and tamales are made with hand-groundbeer, and cocktails makes Fish City Grill a wonderful place to visit.(972) 972-4466 masa, and even the bolillo rolls for the tortas (sandwiches) are made in- Multiple locations throughout DFWwww.mexbars.com house. Start with either Fried Guacamole Bites or a rich bowl of the Riowww.fishcitygrill.comQueso with or without chorizo-style beef. Heads upyou might not want Mexican Sugar to share. Quesadillas are a signature dish, served double-stacked clubLeftysLobsterandChowder If Mexican Sugar doesnt make you want to book a vacation south of thestyle and stuffed with house-smoked brisket, Chimichurri grilled chickenHouseborder, pronto, we dont know what will. Chic, hacienda-style design, re- or sauted veggies. Cocktails are refreshingly unique, and the open-air barLong considered a neighborhood plete with arched doorways and hardwood floors, showcases perfectly theis a great place to enjoy live music and a lovely view of historic Plano. gem,Leftysservesthekindof Latin food and flavors of this Shops at Legacy gem. Fresh, local ingredients1000 E. 14th St., Ste. 100 | Plano seafood youd expect to find some-and plenty of lighter fare, too, help make this place a date night/family/ (972) 422-4466 whereontheEastCoast:clam crowd pleaser. Dont miss the stellar ceviche and shrimp/crab/avocadowww.urbanrio.com chowder,lobsterbisque(Cant cocktail alongside heartier items like enchiladas and a fantastic hambur- decide between the two? Ask for guesa with chile bacon, roasted poblano and pickled jalapeo. For carbVelvet Taco half and half), whole main lobster watchers, all of the fresh tacos can be served with lettuce cups rather thanWhen it comes to Texas cuisine, ta- (Leftys uses cull lobsters that have tortillas. Beautifiers (aka killer cocktails) are worth the trip alone. Wecos are tops (along, of course, withone clawhence, the name) and fried shrimp. Hearty salads are made cant get enough of the Smoked Pineapple Margarita and Basil Limonada.barbecue) and in Dallas, Velvet Tacoheartier with the addition of chicken, salmon, shrimp or lobsterand if Love the Legacy Tequila Flight, too. is a favorite. Multi-cultural ingre- youre simply not feeling fishy, go for a perfectly cooked filet mignon or 7501 Lone Star Dr., Ste. B150 | Plano dients allow diners to experienceburger. Leftys numerous accolades speak for themselves, and it gets a lot (972) 943-0984 a little bit of Mexico, India, Cuba,of regulars, especially on weekendsso be sure to make a reservation www.mexicansugarcocina.com Japan and moreall wrapped inonline. Open for lunch and dinner, and the bar stays open late.a house made tortilla. Start with4021 Belt Line Rd. | DallasMia Dia From Scratch the Red Curry Coconut Queso with(972) 774-9518While folks who like Tex Mex food tend to prefer Tex Mex, and those whopickled onion, Thai basil and crispy blue tortilla chipsits sublime. Thenwww.leftyslobster.comlike Mexican food tend to prefer Mexican, Mia Dia offers the best of bothgo straight into what you came for: tacos. Seriously, theyre all good, worlds. The name says it all:from scratch.From tamales lovingly stuffedbut stand-outs include Annatto Shredded Pork with grilled pineapple onSea Breeze Fish Market & Grillwith pork and then topped with New Mexico red and green chile sauces,a hibiscus tortilla and Fried Paneer with tomato chutney and tikka sauce.Finding truly fresh fish in Dallas can be challenging, but Sea Breeze makes Oaxacan salsa with crema and pasilla, silky Negra Modelo Glazed Sea BassTheres no drive-thru, per se, but most locations offer online ordering and ait sooo easy. Selections are flown in daily, representing only the freshest to the crowd-pleasing Applewood Smoked Bacon and Chipotle Fajitas,quick pick-up window, making Velvet all the more enticing on busy week- seafood available. Part retail fish market, part sit-down restaurant with full each dish is prepared using mouthwatering ingredients with a flair. Signa- nights. bar, at Sea Breeze you can purchase fish to prepare in your own home.ture items include Chipotle Ribs and wonderful Sopescorn masa boatsMultiple locations throughout DFW or let the experts do it for you while enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail. 5p6peGdo woditLhi fOeaFxaacmani lbylMacak gb.ecaonms,p AoPrkR bILe l2ly0, 2q0ueso fresco, crema, microwww.velvettaco.comto'