Tacos & Pupusas El Cantón: A Hidden Gem in Oak Cliff

The best taco experiences often happen where you least expect them, and Tacos & Pupusas El Cantón is a perfect example. Tucked inside a nondescript convenience store off Hampton and Clarendon, this Salvadorean-Mexican hybrid spot is easy to miss. Yet for those who venture in, it delivers one of the most soulful, satisfying taco meals in Dallas.

Ordering here is an adventure. English is scarce but smiles are plentiful. With a little broken Spanish and plenty of good humor from the lady behind the counter, I navigated a menu full of pupusas, tacos, and daily specials. The bean-and-cheese pupusa arrived first: a golden, hand-patted disk of masa oozing with melted beans and cheese, served with curtido, the tangy pickled cabbage and carrots that add crunch and acidity. It was quite simply outstanding.

Then came the tacos. I went for deshebrada (shredded beef) and barbacoa, street-style and “con todo.” The tortillas were warm and fragrant, the meats tender and seasoned to perfection with layers of spice and richness that speak of long, slow cooking. A small pile of grilled onions on the side was a brilliant touch, adding sweetness and depth to each bite and creating a nostalgic nod to old-school taco stands.

The salsa bar seals the deal. All three — the classic salsa verde, the deep red, and especially the creamy tomatillo — are fresh, balanced, and vibrant, each transforming the tacos in its own way. The creamy tomatillo, in particular, was a revelation.

Tacos & Pupusas El Cantón is not fancy. It is not yet an Instagram darling. But it is the kind of place you hope never changes: a true neighborhood kitchen where flavors shine brighter than signage. On my personal Dallas taco list it now sits just behind Mami Coco with a completely different flavor profile but the same sense of discovery.

Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5), a hidden gem that is absolutely worth the hunt.

Delicious 🤤 Delicioso 😋
Home made food and made at the moment
Comida casera y al instante

First time trying and it’s so delicious!!! I got the chicken quesadilla

I like many things from their menu.One would be the Gorditas they have variety of meats,recently found out about the rajas, so delicios and full or flavor, their aguachiles are as well delicious. THE AGUAS FRESCAS ALWAYS TRYING NEW FLAVORS !!!The service is awesome. 100 % recomend!

the tacos and the pupusas were so yummy!! Great service too ❤️