New Late-Night Taco Lounge Promises to be Cocktail Cool

Your New 4 am Hangout?

By Natalie Gempel // Apr 27, 2017

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Macho's Cantina knows that the only thing better than street tacos is street tacos with craft cocktails.

Macho's Cantina believes in late hours and cheap tacos.

Cedar Springs taqueria Quesa has relaunched as Q Tacos at Macho’s Cantina after getting a trendy makeover from Dallas bartender and restaurateur Michael Martensen. Owners Francisco and Patricia Cabrera enlisted Martensen to take the restaurant in a new direction, transforming the space into an upscale lounge while keeping Quesa’s laid-back approach to food.

Now, the bar and restaurant houses two of Dallas’ favorite things under one roof: Craft cocktails and street tacos.

The renovated space has more of a nightlife feel, thanks to moody Edison bulbs, loud music, and rows of tufted leather sofas along the exposed brick wall. Not to mention the considerable list of specialty drinks, including a signature frozen vodka Red Bull.

Martensen —co-founder of Proof + Pantry and the recently closed French-Mexican restaurant Madrina — took charge of the bar menu. Focusing on quality ingredients, he dreamed up a variety of cocktails made with fresh juices, fruit-infused liquors, and house-made syrup.

Martensen brought Proof + Pantry’s executive chef Nick Hurry on board to reimagine the taqueria menu. Hurry gave the tacos a modern spin, combining freshly made tortillas and traditional meats like barbacoa with bold flavors like pickled cabbage. The kitchen also offers a few sides, including street-style corn and queso. In true street-style fashion, you can only order food at the walk-up window, which stays open until 4 am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Most of the tacos are under $4, but you can score $2 specials on Taco Tuesdays. If you want an even better deal, stop by during happy hour (weekdays from 4 pm to 6 pm), when craft cocktails are half off.