New Tex-Mex Spot That Your Dad Will Love

New restaurant alert just in time for Father’s Day — and yes, your dad is gonna love it. Because what do dads love? Meat that’s been trapped in a smoker for 12 hours. The smokier it is, the more respect they give it.

Los Charros just opened inside the old Hotel Lumen (now poorly renamed The Graduate — bleh). It’s a Tex-Mex + BBQ mashup, and I know what you’re thinking: "I'm going to need a Pepto and a prayer." But no — this isn’t your uncle’s soggy backyard brisket drowning in sauce. It’s clean, elevated, and unexpectedly gourmet.

I ordered the Berkshire Secreto — smoked pork so tender it practically collapsed at the sight of a fork. Imagine pork ribs disguised as fajita meat. As a born-and-bred Texan raised on BBQ religion, I’ve had a lot of meat whisper sweet nothings to me — but this? This was different. This was love at first bite. It came with tortillas and toppings, but I didn’t touch them. The meat was so good, dressing it up felt disrespectful. It was like smoking a brisket-flavored cigarette — rich, addictive, and impossible to put down.

I was already impressed, but had to try the traditional Tex-Mex too. We ordered the Death Penalty — enchiladas, crispy beef taco, and a chicken flauta. Every bite hit. That flauta? Crispy and gooey. Never had one like it. This place means business.

Now, the drinks. I’m not a margarita girl. My GI tract can’t handle the acidity in classic marg mix, so I usually steer clear. But these were different — crisp, clean, and clearly made with real ingredients.

The Mi Casa was my favorite. Tasted expensive. Even the watermelon marg leaned fresh, not syrupy. Big thumbs up. Also I only had 2 and decided to leave my car, so sip responsibly.

While the food here is top-tier, just know they’re still getting their footing — and it shows. I’d heard lunch was pretty limited, so I played it safe and booked a 5 p.m. dinner. Good call. The place was already packed, the full menu was rolling, and everything delivered. When I asked about lunch improving anytime soon, the response was: “We’re still figuring that out.” Fair enough.

So here’s the move: go for dinner. The space is spotless, the food’s incredible, and you’ll leave full — not smelling like a smokehouse.