El Destino is Dallas’s newest Mexican restaurant, bar and party destination. It’s located at 10261 Technology Boulevard in the space that once housed Gas Monkey Bar & Grill and then Amplified. El Destino hosted its grand opening on Friday, March 8 with El Chiquillin from La Grande 107.5 FM.
El Destino comes from longtime restauranteur and founder of The Cernadas Consultancy, Mario J. Cernadas, who formerly served as COO for Ojos Locos, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion, and Applebee’s. He’s joined by Managing Partner and bartender Mayra Duran, and chef Jaime Garcia, a 32-year restaurant veteran.
“We’re Mexican, through and through,” said Cernadas in a statement. “The food and drinks we serve are made of authentic Mexican ingredients and recipes, and the staff who make and serve them are native Spanish speakers. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely dinner with loved ones, a quick lunch catch-up with friends, or a solo meal at the bar, El Destino offers a relaxed setting where laughter flows as freely as the conversation. Our interiors awaken memories of Mexico, and the music could make even a Gringo dance.”
The owners invested more than $1.2 million to transform the space, with the goal to transport diners to Mexico. Artwork by Diego Rivera and hand-painted murals of agaves and Mayan and Aztec designs adorn the walls, and the custom furniture, millwork and fireplace exude the cozy ambiance of a Mexican home. Multiple garage doors open to the patio, and windows let in plenty of natural light. A fountain lights up in the colors of the Mexican flag.
“When we created the brand DNA for El Destino, one of the guiding tenants was for the space and the experience to be akin to a Mexican wedding party,” said Royce Ring, Principle of Plan B Group. “We designed the space so that music, dancing, great food and lots to drink would seamlessly flow; where lighting and color and energy played a role in making the night happen in a contagious way. We had a great, vast space to work with that is ideal for any type of party. El Destino is where every night is Friday night.”
Throughout the space, you’ll find massive TVs, projectors, video walls, five bars, three patios and two stages — one inside and one outside. El Destino accommodates nearly 200 inside, while the La Playa patio has 70 seats and the stage patio adds another 80 seats. There’s also a VIP section upstairs, with its own patio, full bar, tables and restrooms. The adaptable venue is equally adept to serve soccer and UFC fans to watch a match. On weekend nights, bands will take the stage and the dance floor will move with the music.
Chef Garcia and his culinary team have created a menu focused on scratch-made Mexican specialties. Signature dishes include a whole fried snapper, carne asada, street tacos and Mexican shrimp cocktail, while the brunch menu adds chilaquiles, menudo and cajeta French toast. The bar is pouring two dozen draft beers, craft cocktails including Margaritas and a tequila-spiked take on the Espresso Martini, a wide selection of Mexican spirits, and six different Micheladas.
El Destino opens at 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and closes at 10 p.m. On Friday, doors open at 3 p.m. and close at 2 a.m. while Saturday begins at 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. and Sunday opening at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. El Destino is located at 10261 Technology Boulevard East in Dallas, TX.
