New Late-Night Taco Lounge Promises to be Cocktail Cool

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.

Q Tacos at Macho’s Cantina, 3900 Cedar Springs Road, 214.443.8351.