Tulum

The dining room at Tulum is sexy, but a little bright for our taste. Insiders know that the bar and lounge area is where the majority of sweet nothings are whispered (or should be). With comfy couches, dim lighting, and a sense of being stashed far away from the main action, you can enjoy a tasty meal from the bar menu, even better if you hit it up during happy hour. After all, a hot date doesn’t have to be an expensive one.

Whether you have people in from out of town or a bunch of your everyday neighborhood pals, Mexican food’s always a crowd-pleaser. And Tulum makes it super easy as one of the best restaurants for group dining. Heck, the chefs have even got a designated four-course experience specifically designed for larger gatherings. It’s only $60 per person and includes plenty of choices, including elotes, fancy guac, Cozumel enchiladas with beef, and onion ash-dusted salmon.
How to book: Reserve a spot for up to 20 people on OpenTable.

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.