Mexicali doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside this neighborhood dive are cheap eats and a friendly, low-key atmosphere. “You don’t have to wait an hour and half for a table,” owner Justin Morales says. “We want people to come in here and eat and get to know the neighborhood. You can even come in here and get a table for one and not feel weird about it.” His dad, Joshua, opened Mexicali in the shopping center at Northwest Highway and Jupiter 13 years ago, having worked in some of Dallas’ major Tex-Mex restaurants such as El Chico. He applied some of that knowledge to his own place. “We’re small, but we’re standing on their shoulders,” Morales says. “We use chili in a lot of our food. We just do Tex-Mex — not Mexican. Mexican tends to be just tacos with cilantro.” Popular dishes include quesadillas, fajitas and nachos. Mexicali also continues the Dallas tradition of the $4.50 enchilada special on Wednesdays — cheaper than most fast-food joints. In fact, there’s a $4.50 lunch special every day of the week. The most expensive items on the lunch menu are fajitas, which top out at a whopping $6.75.
Mexicali
Jupiter & Northwest Highway
214.341.9405
A diner, a dive and a drive-thru
1 Bee Gees
At a glance, you might think this unpolished eatery is closed — sure the signage is pretty beat up and the décor is less than contemporary, but for a greasy plate of eggs and sausage or bacon, mostly under five bucks, this northeast Lake Highlands mainstay is tried and true.
9025 Forest
972.669.0809
2 King’s X
This hole has been tucked snugly in a wall in a strip at Forest Lane just north of Greenville for as long as we can remember. No-nonsense barkeeps serve up no-frills cocktails or beer, and the band Bet-N-Man plays Saturdays.
9191 Forest
972.234.9064
3 Big Mama’s Chicken & Waffles
This cash-only fried chicken drive-thru recently has gained something of a cult following. During peak hours, the line might wind around the lot, but the freshly fried birds and accompanying thick waffles (or fries if you prefer) are worth a little wait.
9810 Forest
214.340.3035
