Popular Mexico City style restaurant Meso Maya Comida y Copas has opened it’s second outpost in Dallas. The new location on McKinney Ave near the new Perot Museum opens today to the public. I was able to sneak in over the weekend during their VIP soft opening to give you all a peek inside the new digs and cute “La Ventana” or “The Window” Taqueria next door.

The uber cozy space lends itself well to the ongoing theme that Meso Maya started in North Dallas at their Preston/Forest original location. However, they turned up the passion and outdoor space for this Uptown sibling. A huge open patio is the place to be found on an afternoon where the weather is right or an evening dinner under a heat lamp. The dining room is also alluring. Pillars line one wall and an open bar is inviting on the opposite side of the room. Though a little echoey, the overall vibe is comfortable and suiting for this space.

Now lets talk food. This isn’t your run of the mill, stuff your face with chips, salsa and sweet&sour tainted margaritas joint. Meso Maya prides itself on authenticity and traditional Mexican and Maya cultural cuisine. Where your fast paced, over charged you for mediocre fake-mex food restaurants end..Meso Maya begins. A new, delicious leaf for what much of the Uptown-Downtown Dallas residents are attuned too.

We began our meal with a couple signature beverages. The Avocado Margarita (On the rocks, Avocado, Pineapple and Silver Tequila) blew my mind with the creaminess of the avocado blended well with the fruity punch…had me wondering what life was like before! The Viejito (Reposado Mezcal, Anejo Tequila, Agave Nectar and Orange Bitters) was a twist on a smoky rocks sipper that had my taste buds alert…not for the faint but you know I love a good mezcal drink.

With true Mexican style food, comes traditional appetizers like Queso Fundido (blend of Mexican cheeses, poblano rajas, spinach & mushrooms and Mexican chorizo) served with hot freshly made tortillas. A creamy, cheesy bite of queso blanco and cotija that pairs well with the chorizo and green peppers. And who doesn’t like hot, melted, gooey cheese? Another starter, the Sweet Corn Tamale with crema & queso fresco is like a Mexican cornbread made with masa and fresh sweet corn. Delicioso!

The entrees list at Meso Maya is extensive. From  the multi-tortilla layered Budin Azteca and Enchiladas to the grown up Pollo con Mole and Carne Asada. The mains are stand outs and made with love. We tried the Salmon de Coco (wood-grilled Scottish salmon with coconut rice, guajillo sauce and calabacitas) and it was a perfectly cooked piece of fish with a subtle tropical note and paired with a traditional winter vegetable mix. Also, the Enchiladas de Brisket (hand rolled  in blue corn tortillas with black beans, white rice) were juicy and flavorful without being overpowering and spicy.

You must save room for a real sweet treat. The capirotada, a new addition at the Uptown location, is a Mexican Bread Pudding made with cinnamon, piloncillo, cloves, raisins and apples and it’s damn tasty. Save room for this or the Pastel De Chocolate (a double layered Mexican chocolate cake with strawberry sauce & rompope) and you’ll be set.

Meso Maya

1611 McKinney Ave

Dallas, TX 75202

http://www.mesomaya.com/