Mercado Juarez Review: Arlington Highlands Tex-Mex, Worth It?

Mercado Juarez in Arlington is a GO for me: 4.25 out of 5. I went to the location in Arlington Highlands, right off I-20, and every single plate we ordered was packed with flavor. One thing to know before you go, though: this is Tex-Mex, not authentic Mexican food. If you go in expecting Tex-Mex, you're going to have a really good lunch.

Tex-Mex, not authentic Mexican

I want to say this upfront because I think it matters. Mercado Juarez is a Tex-Mex restaurant. Think creamy sauces, melted cheese, rice and beans on every plate. That's not a knock on it at all. It just means you should pick it when you're craving Tex-Mex, not when you're looking for the kind of food you'd get at a taquería or at your tía's house.

The food

Food gets a 4 out of 5 from me. What I liked most is how much flavor was in every one of their dishes. We ordered four plates, and here's how they went:

Camarones a la crema. This was the star of the lunch. It's so creamy and so flavorful, and my favorite part was that the leftover cream ended up all over the rice. Don't let any of it go to waste.

Chile relleno. Cheesy and flavorful. A solid pick if you love a classic Tex-Mex plate.

Mushroom and spinach enchiladas. These were creamy, and the cheese wasn't overpowering, which let the rest of the meal shine. If you want something without meat, these are a great choice.

Flautas. They were good, just not the star of the lunch. I'd get one of the other three first.

The portions

The special thing about Mercado Juarez is the portions. They're big, and the flavor is there in every bite. Every plate came with rice and beans on the side, so come hungry or plan on taking leftovers home.

The vibe

Ambience gets a 4 out of 5. The pink building is hard to miss, and it's an easy stop if you're already out at Arlington Highlands.

Drinks

Drinks also get a 4 out of 5 from me.

Service

Service was the best part of the visit after the food: 5 out of 5.

What could be better

I really wish they had some sort of brunch or breakfast menu. With food this flavorful, a weekend brunch here would be amazing. For now, it's a lunch and dinner spot.

The verdict

Mercado Juarez is a GO, as long as you know what you're walking into. It's Tex-Mex, it's $$, the portions are big, and the flavor is there in every dish. Order the camarones a la crema, and add the chile relleno or the mushroom and spinach enchiladas if you're sharing. It's a great pick for lunch with friends or family in Arlington.

If you go, tell me what you ordered! Follow @francia.eatz on TikTok and Instagram for more honest DFW spots.