Bishop Arts’ Tejas Transforms With a New Menu and Sultry Vibes

If you ever stopped by the casual taco and burger joint Tejas before the pandemic, you’re in for a pleasant surprise when you visit the recently reopened and remodeled version in Bishop Arts.

Tejas originally opened last year as part of Exxir Hospitality’s re-development of the area, which also includes The Botanist, and Paradiso. The formerly counter-service-only Tex-Mex spot has been completely transformed during the pandemic into a sit-down restaurant, with comfortable booths, tables, and moody lighting.

The cocktail menu has been revamped with agave-forward spirits and includes several new signature drinks. Created by Iluggy Recinos, the menu features the Tex-Mex Railway with habanero tequila, tamarind (giving it a bright yellow hue), ancho chili, lime, minted Pimms, and ginger ale. I gave the Eres Mi Chingona a go on a recent visit and the mixture of sotol, black pepper, strawberry, sherry, chamomile-infused white vermouth, and lemon was unique and tasty.

Chefs Nicholas Hurry and Diego Montoyo have concocted some new dishes including “skinny” fajitas, which are served with gluten-free corn tortillas, cauliflower rice, other fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein. Mix-and-match mini tacos are another new dish on the menu and can be filled with meat or squash. A guacamole trio that comes with the classic, Guajillo, and Baja guacs is also highly suggested. And if you were a huge Tejas 1.0 fan, don’t worry! You can still order from the original menu at the walk-up window at Tejas Back Porch (opening in November).

When I saw Piñata Cake on the menu, I knew I had to get it — I’m easily attracted to these kinds of things. And it’s pretty much what it sounds like: a tres leches cake with an extra dash of rainbow star sprinkles. It’s also the only thing I remembered to take a photo of the entire meal.