La Lupita Taco & Mezcal, one of the best-known restaurants in Los Cabos, opened its doors on June 2 in the Design District, marking the start of its expansion into the United States.  

This concept arrives in Dallas after the first La Lupita restaurant opened in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, and expanded a year later to Cabo San Lucas.  

Carlos Ramirez, CEO of La Lupita Hospitality Group, explained that the chain decided to open its first restaurant in Dallas due to the region’s economic and population growth.  

“There is a very special connection between Dallas and Cabo. Thousands of Dallas residents visit Cabo every year, and many of them already know and love La Lupita,” Ramirez told The News. “That community gave us the confidence to take this step.”  

The restaurant features an open space with colorful tables and chairs and authentic Mexican décor, including papel picado and string lights, as well as an open kitchen. 

One of its signature dishes is its al pastor tacos, served in a traditional corn tortilla or on a cheese crust as a substitute if you’re watching your carb intake. 

The tortillas are homemade, following the process of nixtamalization of corn — a culinary tradition in Mexico dating back to before the Spanish conquest, in which the corn is cooked in a lime-water mixture and left to rest before being turned into the masa used to make tortillas.  

“For over a year, we worked to certify and standardize ingredients under U.S. regulatory standards,” Ramirez said. “We didn’t want to create an Americanized version of La Lupita. We set out to bring the original experience.”  

Drinks are also part of the experience. The bar focuses on Mexican spirits, particularly mezcal, as well as cocktails inspired by Mexican ingredients. As a snack, La Lupita serves grasshoppers, a popular food in Oaxaca.

La Lupita features live music every day, a tradition also carried over from its Los Cabos locations.  

“We didn’t come to open just another Mexican restaurant in Dallas,” said Ramirez. “We came to be part of the growth of a great city, bringing an experience that has already proven successful in Los Cabos.”  

The chain is already working on opening a second U.S. location in Scottsdale, Ariz., a restaurant that will also open this year.  

La Lupita Taco & Mezcal is located at 1201 Oak Lawn Ave., #160, Dallas. Lalupitagroup.com.