Tulum

If you were blindfolded and presented a plate of food from this Oak Lawn favorite, your first guess upon inspection would be that you were at one of Dallas’ top fine dining establishments. And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong—the chef-driven dishes here tantalize the senses while thwarting any preconceived notions you have about what Mexican food should be. Among the stellar offerings is Grilled Octopus swimming in zarandeado sauce, black bean puree, kohlrabi slaw, and toreado onion, as well as the Lamb Chops served on a bed of mint rice, mole manchamanteles, and arugula. And don’t sleep on their signature Frozen Coco Loco Margarita, which drinks like a lighter, fresher piña colada with a tequila-fueled kick.

The dining room at Tulum is sexy enough, but insiders know that the bar and lounge are where the majority of sweet nothings are whispered. With comfy couches, dim lighting, and a sense of being stashed far away from the main action, you can enjoy a full meal or hit it up during happy hour for half-off tacos, enchiladas, wine, and cocktails. After all, a hot date doesn’t have to be an expensive one.