Javier's

Dallas natives have very strong opinions on who serves the city’s best Mexican food, and among the top contenders is Javier’s, a Highland Park institution that, despite inconsistent quality and pretentious service, remains one of the city’s most-beloved—and busiest—spots. Opened in 1977, the restaurant is a huge complex of rooms spilling into yet more rooms, all of them low-lit with bric-a-brac decor and animal heads adorning the walls. The vibe is loud, gregarious and fun, especially when the flaming cocktails start appearing; Javier’s postdinner specialty is a concoction of brandy, Amaretto, Kahlua and coffee, all poured into a flaming glass with a caramelized sugar rim. The food is not inexpensive, but it is well-prepared, especially such meat dishes as carne asada à la tampiquena (filet of beef with bell peppers, guacamole, rice and black beans) and the large assortment of fajitas. Make sure you have reservations; despite its size, the restaurant fills up nightly.