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Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine Reviews List
Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Chef-Owners Raul and Olga Reyes come from Alvarado, Veracruz, a town built on a mile-wide strip of land with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and a brackish lagoon on the other. With the bounty of the sea close at hand, fresh seafood is a way of life in Alvarado.
It is this food that Raul and Olga brought to Dallas with their former restaurant, La Palapa Veracruzana, which the Dallas Observer named the Best Mexican Restaurant in Dallas and that Pegasus News called "fresh, flavorful, unique…a destination for people who like to eat food and talk about it a lot afterwards."
Mesa offers the same authentic coastal cuisine Raul and Olga have been cooking and eating since their childhood.
See more Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine details
It is this food that Raul and Olga brought to Dallas with their former restaurant, La Palapa Veracruzana, which the Dallas Observer named the Best Mexican Restaurant in Dallas and that Pegasus News called "fresh, flavorful, unique…a destination for people who like to eat food and talk about it a lot afterwards."
Mesa offers the same authentic coastal cuisine Raul and Olga have been cooking and eating since their childhood.
57 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 57 reviews
5 stars
(30)
4 stars
(18)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(41)
- fit for foodies(35)
- good for groups(17)
- special occasion(15)
- great for outdoor dining(11)
- romantic(8)
Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine Reviews List
Review 1 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My new favorite restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The four of us each ordered something different so we could try as many dishes as possible. Except for the rice pudding, everything impressed. I can't wait to go again."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Gem of a Find
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The welcome was warm & friendly. We got seated right away. We had margarita drinks and beer and both were excellent. We both had the Lobster Enchilada dish which was wonderful and the jasmine flavored rice was to die for tasty! I recommend this place. Was not noise or filled with loud music so you could easily talk. The waiters were very attentive and helpful. I will go back for sure, soon!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Definitely was a great experience. Would definitely visit again. And will be recommending it to friends and family."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 4 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyed Mesa
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Started with the Ceviche- plenty of chunky fish, great flavor - maybe a tad too sweet. Homemade chips were thick and crispy. The Cochinita Pibil Slow pork dish with side of jasmine rice, black beans and escabeche was well cooked and tasty- again a bit too sweet for our tastes , but very well done. The Guiso del Rey Seafood combination with jalapeños, mussels, clams, octopus, and shrimp. Cooked with Brandy and house chardonnay was perfect ! Don't change this dish! The house Margarita is strong and has a spicy kick- very nice touch. Will be back !"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great place- wish food was better
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a great place but I wish the food was better. The service was excellent. The margarita was amazing and the place has an excellent feel. I'm just so sorry that the food was not great. There were four of us who each had different dishes that were just ok. I wouldn't way the food was bad, but it wasn't what I expected give the reviews. I had chicken mole, which was a little blah. One of us had the carne asada, which didn't have great flavor either. The other 2 had fish dishes, one which they said was great, the other just ok. The people were so nice and the service was really outstanding. I wanted to love this place and was disappointed."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 6 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Mexican Food in Dallas
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mesa is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Dallas, by a long shot. A group of 4 of us had a wonderful meal last night. Don't be thrown by the "Coastal" in the name--no one at our table had seafood (I have had the ceviche before, and it's terrific), because the mole is fantastic, the citrus pulled pork dish I had was delicious, and the carne asada the best I have ever tasted. The service was a beat slow last night, but everyone working was attentive, good-spirited and helpful."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great drinks!!! They infuse
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great drinks!!! They infuse them with everything from coconuts to habanero and serranos."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Totally authentic. Love the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Totally authentic. Love the fact that it's in a Mexican strip mall. Food was outstanding. Would definitely return and send others to it. Nice atmosphere too."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
our second experience there,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"our second experience there, and both have been a nice evening. Will look forward to the next opportunity."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We sat in a small booth away
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We sat in a small booth away from the main dining area so it was very quiet . The main dining area was loud but seemed like a fun atmosphere. Would be great for brunch. Guacamole was great as was the spicy margarita ."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was very creative
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was very creative and delicious; everything was so tasty and unique. I highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic in everyway
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Me and my girlfriend loved the fact that the menu was not large but enough for us to choose from. We were able to try a descent amount of the items on the list which were all incredible and unique to the restaurant. It was also very nice and unusual to have the chef come out and greet us and check if everything was working out. Timing was great and the servers were helpful and seemed to enjoy their job which makes a huge difference on the service. Definitly nice for a date but also to go out with some friends."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome food and excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Awesome food and excellent service. we had a party of 10 and they handled our group with ease."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My father, husband and I went
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My father, husband and I went here for a little get together while my father was in town. We couldn't have been happier with our choice. The restaurant is small, so the noise levels were low, meaning we could hear each other over dinner.
The highlights of the evening were the spicy margarita, the guacamole, the chicken soup (it was the soup of the day), the arroz ala tumbanda, the carne asada, and the delightfully fat and fluffy corn tortillas, just like grandma used to make!
We plan on making this a regular in our dining out routine."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 15 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Kitchen could use some fine tuning
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We read about Mesa here on Opentable and decided to try it one night. It is in a sketchy Dallas neighborhood but since there were a few of us, we went anyway. The service was extremely polite and pleasant. The serving of the food though, was rather slow for some reason. When my mole enchiladas finally arrived there were ice cold so I sent them back for reheating. My friend's enchiladas were also cold but she was so hungry she didn't care. The other dishes were good - the best being the ceviche app."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2005
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Review 16 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely Mesa Veracruz
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have eaten here twice. Both times, the food was excellent and the service knowledgable and attentive. We enjoy sitting on the patio, even without a view. We'll be back!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I ate here with a group of
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I ate here with a group of 4 other girlfriends on a Saturday night. The food was wonderful and the same is true for the service and environment. Great find! I'll be taking my husband next!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 18 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Very disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I truly believe the restaurant staff and kitchen were not ready for the Valentine's Day traffic. The soup was cold and the salad was wilted. The main course was dropped off at the edge of the table before we were half finished with the salad. The main course was lukewarm, although fairly tasty. The servings of wine accompanying each course were skimpy, and we had to ask for one selection that the server forgot to deliver. Our table was next to a computer station which you could see through a screen. The area was a mess. The music was too loud. The atmosphere was frantic and it felt like the staff just wanted to turn the tables as quickly as possible. The original bill presented was for a different amount than what was run on my credit card."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
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Review 19 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Our waiter quit in the middle
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waiter quit in the middle of dinner and this made for a confusing night service wise"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had an early evening business
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had an early evening business meal. Arrived on a week night to an almost empty restaurant. Seated promptly and the service continued to be excellent throughout the meal. Appetizers, entrees, and desserts were all delicious and attractively presented. We will definitely return."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tex-Mex this is not. Instead,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tex-Mex this is not. Instead, totally fresh, lovingly prepared Mexican costal. And the margaritas...divine. GO."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service and friendly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great service and friendly atmosphere. Would go back."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was delicious, the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was delicious, the waitress was able to recommend a great wine and knew the menu. We were there for my mom's birthday and the waitress "overheard" us talking about this being a birthday celebration and when she brought out dessert she had a candle in the cake. We hadn't formally told her anything, but she picked up on it by our conversation. While eating the chef came to our table and made sure we were enjoying the meal and if there was anything he could do to assist us. This place was excellent and I would highly recommend it."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Really great cocktails and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really great cocktails and wonderful mole. Service was attentive, just right. We really enjoyed it."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First Impressions Don't Matter
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Don't let the first impression fool you. Inside this modest store front is a restaurant offering amazing food and excellent customer service. Every item was presented beautifully and exceeded expectations for taste and complexity.
Ceviche was outstanding. Lobster enchilladas were a taste surprise. Drinks were as satisfying and tasty as the food."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 26 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mesa had great food, well
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Mesa had great food, well balanced cocktails, and a wonderful outside seating option. Only food issue was my wife's seafood (snapper) was overcooked. All other items (carne asada, chicken mole, and an amazing pork dish) were perfect!
We didn't get too adventurous with the cocktail choices, but the menu has plenty of interesting options to bring us back.
We didn't get too adventurous with the cocktail choices, but the menu has plenty of interesting options to bring us back.
On our visit, there was a large (30+ people) party, with children, that made our experience more spirited than expected. It would have been good for the hostess to let us know a surprise birthday party was going to explode within five feet of our table BEFORE we were seated. It's the kind of thing we don't mind, but a comped drink or dessert would have been nice."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Got there at 10:45 and they
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Got there at 10:45 and they kept the kitchen open. We ate at the bar and had wonderful food as always."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food is excellent and freshly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is excellent and freshly prepared. Hope the location on Jefferson doesn't spell its demise, since food is sooooo good!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 29 for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mesa is an under appreciated
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mesa is an under appreciated gem of Dallas restaurants. I had the Huachinango al Veracruzana -- red snapper Vera Cruz style, marinated in lime juice and seasonings and topped with a tomatoes and green olives. It was completely delicious. The prices are really reasonable for the quality of the food, service, and ambiance. I cannot recommend Mesa too highly!"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Mesa Veracruz Coastal Cuisine
Based on the average of (28) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic