As a Pacific Northwest-er turned Texan, you can only imagine my shock when I discovered the difference in the fish tacos here. If you don’t want it deep-fried and covered in creamy slaw, speak up! That first year in Dallas was a big learning curve. Queso, taquitos, catfish; Texas cuisine is it’s own genre for a good reason! But, as a dietitian and foodie, I’ve rounded up some great options for Dallas restaurants to try that serve BBQ + Tex-Mex options and can be made a bit more healthfully.
A Dietitian’s Dallas Dining Guide: BBQ + Tex-Mex in Dallas
Tex-Mex is one of the hardest options for healthful eating. There I said it. For both Tex-Mex and BBQ; you can’t forget your veggies! But, they can be harder to find! Get the side of fajita veggies or cabbage slaw to start with a fiber punch. And watch for sneaky sugars; that sweet bbq sauce and mambo taxis (frozen margaritas!). And, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! If you’re ordering a margarita because it sounds delicious, great, consider swapping out your carb-heavy entree of enchiladas for a fajita salad, instead.
Mi Cocina
Start with Ceviche or guacamole. But ask for a side of cucumber for dipping to get some extra veggies in! Fajita dishes are an easy option to get in protein, but the Pollo Moderno is my usual order here, or the rico salad without cheese (salsa or guac as dressing). 
Mesero
Start with guac or ceviche, ask for cucumbers to dip. Call ahead and ask for the Crispy Half Chicken – trust me. Or, the Corazon salad with an added protein.
Smoky Rose
Starters: smoked chicken wings, pork belly burnt ends. Entree: half chicken or smoked turkey with smoky rose slaw and side salad. The garlic green beans sounded good, but I personally wasn’t a fan!
Taco Deli
Start with the guacamole; it has so much cilantro, yum! Ensalada taco deli no cheese, add avocado and pico. The Mexico City or Mojo Salmon tacos on corn tortillas, no cheese. Start with chips and guacamole, not queso. Hot tip: the breakfast tacos here are a post-church favorite and I always do a build your own option so that I can stuff it full of protein and fiber in the form of veggies. Not to mention extra gut-loving cilantro!
Ten50 bbq
This North Dallas BBQ joint is perfect for family gatherings. The menu is expansive, the parking is easy and there is ample seating even on busy days. The restaurant acts like a cafeteria line with a la carte items to choose as you go; the line moves fast and everyone can satisfy their health goals. I usually do a roasted chicken or turkey with green beans and cole slaw. The pulled pork is a very popular option, though!
Cattleack BBQ
If you want true Texas BBQ, this is your best option. Go early because there’s almost always a line and the hours are odd. This place sells out almost daily. They have over 1900 Google Reviews! Health tips here are far and few between but at least pair your meat with a few slaw sides and their seasonal apple broccoli slaw!
Escondido
Although this is a tex-mex restaurant, I really love it for their arugula salad side that comes with every entree and the great variety of protein options. Between the Carne Asada and the Salmon, I’ve never left without heart-eye emojis. I like that this menu is fresh, with a lot of veggie and protein forward options instead of the standard fried on flour tortillas with cheese standard of classic tex-mex.
Odelay
Chicken or Shrimp fajitas to split here. Big portions so sharing is great. Otherwise perhaps the taco salad nix the tortilla strips and use salsa as dressing. I officially haven’t dined at this location yet but I feel like it’s great for a celebration based on the vast bar menu. Although Jose, right down the street, still reigns as my favorite.
Bandito’s
An SMU classic in Snider Plaza, Bandito’s isn’t a healthy spot but it’s famous, so it deserves a spot on the list. I’d usually do the chop salad and swap the dressing for salsa. Or, the fajita salad, nix the tortilla strips, add shrimp. The chicken margarita is a great option, along with the Pony Pescador. But, it’s college joint food so don’t expect some elaborate entree. Escondido is better for that!
If you’re local to the Dallas area, follow Whitness Nutrition on Instagram to hear of exciting in person events where you can learn more healthy habits and meet others who love a good fish taco or ceviche starter!
