Tacqueria La Paisanita

2505 Inwood Rd
Dallas, TX 75235

(214) 351-3232

Finding quality food open on Thanksgiving was a task in itself. We opted to skip the overpriced generic turkey offerings at several hotels, so Mexican restaurants and diners seemed to be the sole options. I read about Tacqueria La Paisanita in the Dallas Observer, it was award the best tacos al pastor and a quick confirmed they were open on Thanksgiving.

 

We headed out on our way to the Cowboys game and grabbed a taco and a gordita. 

$1 Taco Al Pastor (8)

The taco came garnished with cilantro and onions.  The pork was moderately tender. It came prepared in chunks, rather than sliced that we ubiquitously see in Los Angeles. The highlight, though, was the greasy homemade corn tortilla. I can't remember the last time I had an al pastor taco this good. Well, actually it was week earlier at Tacos Leo in LA.  Nonetheless, this version was a worthy representation. 

$1.95 Barbacao Gordita (7)

We order another item to get us through the game.  The barbacao gordita sounded like the next best item on the menu and it satisfied. A homemade bun layered with cooked down brisket and marinated onions. Simple, good ingredients, and greasy enough to suffice on gameday. After all I had to give a speech later on in the day to rally the troops at halftime.

Wingfield's Breakfast and Burgers

2615 S Beckley Ave
Dallas, TX 75224

(214) 943-5214

  
It was our first day in Texas, we woke up early and raced three miles, loser paid for dinner at Pappas Bros later that night. We got dressed and headed out for our first meal, a light snack at Wingfield's. I first read about Wingfield's on Chowhound. I was frequently mentioned on the Top 10 dishes to try in Dallas. It was awarded Best Burger by the Dallas Observer in 2009 and on their 100 Favorite Dishes, landing at #67.

We had just tried a few burgers back in Los Angeles and we eager to try the Lonestar state's offerings. Wingfield's was in a rougher part of town and we called ahead to get our order started. At 11AM, it took 20 minutes to prepare a bacon cheeseburger.

Once inside, there is limited room, so we got our burger to go and ate it in the car. The patty was huge, but lacked flavor and was substantially overcooked. The bacon matched the patty in size and in flavor. No sweet bacon grizzle flavor was present. The whole thing is a mess and I can see why people suggest bringing your own napkins as none were provided. I think Wingfield's survives on a local following craving their portions, rather than good quality meat.