El Chico Cafe
True to tradition and an innovator of new tastes, El Chico is the Mexican food original, a legend since 1940.
Our story began when Adelaida Cuellar served tamales at a county fair in 1926. Her sons opened a cafe in Dallas in 1940, following their mother's recipes for enchiladas. With 70 locations, we still serve the favorites and new specialties of today.
10/11/2024
Veterans and active military eat FREE on Veterans Day!
08/11/2024
Nothing is better than a hot, sugary sopapilla!
06/11/2024
It's National Nacho Day today! 🧀🎉 Come celebrate with us and enjoy a plate of our delicious nachos, piled high with all your favorite toppings—because today, nachos are the star!
01/11/2024
Sip on our Mexican Sangria for a refreshing twist at your next meal!
31/10/2024
Happy Halloween! Kids in costume eat FREE today at participating locations. Did you know all kids' meals come with a beverage and cherry gelatin?
30/10/2024
Let us cater your next event! Book by November 30th to save 10% catering $100 or more.
29/10/2024
Kids in costume eat FREE on Halloween at participating locations!
Celebrate National Chocolate Day with our Brownie Skillet Sundae!
26/10/2024
Savor our Chicken Fajita Tacos, featuring tender chicken, fresh pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro, cotija cheese, and a subtle chipotle drizzle for a delightful flavor combination.
23/10/2024
Today is Enchilada Wednesday! Two cheese enchiladas with rice & beans for only $8.49 at dinner.
22/10/2024
Refresh your day with a Prickly Pear 'Rita, made with Campo Bravo Plata Tequila, triple sec, Prickly Pear Reál, and fresh lime and orange juice—it's a tropical escape in every sip!
21/10/2024
El Chico has been serving fine Mexican food for almost 85 years, and we have been franchising restaurants for over 55 years. It’s in our DNA. Our experience coupled with your passion can help you be your own boss! If you are an experienced restaurant operator interested in franchising El Chico, please contact Mike Flippo: [email protected]
17/10/2024
Check out our Chicken Cascabel Tacos...with spicy cascabel sauce, marinated onions, cilantro & cotija cheese.
16/10/2024
Grilled chicken with onions, mushrooms, green peppers, and melted jack cheese. Our Chicken Monterrey is lip-smacking good!
15/10/2024
Tuesday is 1/2 Price Fajita Night at El Chico! Combo Fajitas for 2 only $20.99 after 5 p.m. Excltax.
09/10/2024
If there's one dish that deserves to the spotlight of Mexican cuisine, it's undoubtedly Beef Enchiladas.
04/10/2024
Celebrate National Vodka Day with our refreshing Tito's Raspberry Mule! Made with Tito's Handmade Vodka, zesty lime juice, and luscious raspberries, all topped off with Fever-Tree Ginger Beer for that perfect fizz.
01/10/2024
It's National Taco Day! From classic crispy to carnitas... which are your favorite?
A Legend Since 1940
The story begins nearly ninety years ago, in 1926, when Adelaida Cuellar’s homemade tamales drew crowds at a county fair outside Dallas, Texas.
Adelaida and Macario Cuellar immigrated to this country from Mexico in the early years of this century. Like so many people who have come here, they were looking for a better life. And for that better life, they were willing to work very hard. The Cuellars had a little farm in Kaufman County where there was plenty of hard work for all, but not very much money.
So Adelaida Cuellar decided she was going to open a little stand at the Kaufman County Fair in that year, selling chili and tamales. You have to understand, Señora Cuellar made the best chili in the world and very good tamales.
Anyhow, the people who came to the fair ate them like they were going out of style. But the truth of the matter is, they were coming into style. The fair came to an end, but the demand for Mama Cuellar’s cooking did not. With the help of her twelve children, her crowd-pleasing recipes and unlimited patience, she opened a small cafe.
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