Avila's Mexican - Dallas

I so want to give this restaurant a five star review. Their food is delicious. The service is great. The vibe at the restaurant is terrific and they do delivery food with nice extra touches as well. So why can’t I give this place the five star rating it deserves? It’s the salsa. For me, the deal breaker at any Mexican restaurant I frequent, and for me good Mexican food is an obsession since I was a sentient being. I love spicy. In no way could I be characterized as a wimp when it comes to heat in any of the foodie genres I love, whether it be Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese or Indian. However, when I want to go out with friends to have a great time and a fantastic meal, the last thing I want is to have my clothes drenched in sweat and my tastebuds fried beyond function before I even get to the appetizers and my first margarita. Who knows what pepper they put in this stuff—Serrano, Habanero, ghost peppers, who cares? The flavor of the sauce is lovely, the color is perfect, the consistency is sumptuous—for about five seconds. After that I couldn’t tell you what anything tastes like because my mouth is on fire, I’m going through boxes of Kleenex, my shirt is soaked and I’m seriously miserable. Who knows why talented people put their hopes and dreams into an fine eatery like this one, devote so much loving care and effort to their recipes and dishes and offer such a warm welcome, only to punish their customers before they ever get to appreciate the results? Dozens of other reviewers have offered similar complaints, but their owner/manager seems to be either MIA on the issue or perhaps just sadistically enjoying the suffering for who knows what reason. It’s really a shame, because I’m forever in search of a kitchen away from home to replace my former favorites Cafe Cancun and Mario and Alberto’s that have provided me with so much comfort and joy ever since I was in high school in Dallas in the early eighties. This place comes so close—in just about every other way it’s sublime—but until their chef actually tastes the poison being served to customers and recognizes that this is an American restaurant and not Guantanamo Bay, I’m going to have to look elsewhere. Sucks.

Came in with my two kids, and my wife. We were ignored, felt rushed to get a drink order in and an appetizer. Meanwhile the table next to us gets all their starters while we haven’t gotten anything but a bowl of chips thrown on the table (many falling onto the table) and salsa that was so spicy it did not have much taste at all.

Delicious food, refreshing drinks, and outstanding service. Always!

This is a fantastic Mexican restaurant. Tons of vegetarian choices plus a bar for drinks. The Sal's is top notch.

Always friendly and the food is always good. Nice and clean space, love the soups, chips and salsa, refried beans, and their mixed veggies. I also love their tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas. This continues to be one of my faves.