There’s something about a sizzling fajita platter and a tajin-rimmed margarita that feels like home to Dallasites, and this season, there’s a stylish new spot to indulge in both. From the team behind some of the city’s most beloved dining destinations, Vandelay Hospitality Group introduces El Molino, an intimate, elevated take on Mexican cuisine in the heart of Snider Plaza.
Bathed in moody candlelight and framed by rich wood accents, deep red banquettes, and crisp ivory tablecloths, El Molino brings a touch of old-school glamour to the neighborhood. Designed with the same sultry sophistication that defines Vandelay favorites like Drake’s and Jack & Harry’s, the restaurant marries the vibrant energy of Mexico City with the elegance of French design—perfect for margarita-filled dinners that linger late into the evening.
Anchoring the menu is an impressive wood-fired fajita program, sizzling with premium cuts like filet mignon, grilled adobo chicken, pineapple ribeye, and guajillo-marinated shrimp, all paired with classic accompaniments and signature sauces. Beyond fajitas, the kitchen showcases an exciting blend of comfort and innovation, where refined presentation meets unexpected flavor combinations. Highlights include the Branzino Diamanté, offered Veracruz-style or with lemon garlic, and the Las Vegas ribeye marinated in guajillo pineapple nectar.
“Our menu leads with creativity, with an underlying tone of fan favorites presented in a slightly upscale format,” says Hunter Pond, CEO of Vandelay Hospitality Group. “Fun touches—like Fried Chicken Tenderito fajitas—live alongside timeless dishes like crab and shrimp enchiladas, while our cocktail program pays tribute to how I like to have my margaritas: strong and filled to the brim.”
Behind the bar, the restaurant’s signature drink, the Flaming Frozen Margarita, makes a dramatic entrance, while the Spicy Margarita with Fortaleza Reposado delivers just the right kick. For tequila lovers, a curated lineup of rare bottles and house Chupito shots—like the smoky Palo Santo—reflect El Molino’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
Pond describes El Molino as “an ode to if Javier’s and Drake’s had an offspring,” and the vibe lives up to the vision. It’s cozy yet cosmopolitan, refined yet fun—the kind of place where every night feels like a special occasion. So as the new year settles in, make your reservation, raise a glass, and toast to good company, great flavor, and another Dallas classic in the making.