The Casa Rosa Story

In 1980, Gilbert Cuellar Sr. turned to his son, Gilbert Jr., and asked, “What do you want to do now?”

Gilbert Sr. was looking for something new after he and his four brothers had just sold their family business turned tex-mex empire, El Chico.

The younger Gilbert thought for a moment and replied, “I want to open my own place”.

He was envisioning something he couldn’t find in Dallas: A more refined tex-mex dining experience. Gilbert’s travels to Mexico City, Santa Fe, and his favorite haunts in San Antonio had provided a wealth of ideas on what he was looking for.

Gilbert set off to create an homage to his inspirations. The design was boldly minimal at the time and the bright skylight and lush centerpiece evoked the spirit of Spanish and Southwestern courtyards. The name and the standout color were a nod to a pink house owned by his parents in central Dallas: Casa Rosa.

Casa Rosa quickly became the place to be. It was a weekend staple in the park cities, and a foodie’s destination far and wide, thanks to the commitment to premium, uncompromised ingredients, excellent service, and the introduction of a brand new dish called Fajitas. It was a celebration every night. And it helped inspire a new generation of restaurants that strived to rise above the traditional Mexican fare.

The Dallas Observer at the time said, “It Doesn’t have to be this good”. It didn’t, but it couldn’t be any other way.

So when the opportunity to reopen Casa Rosa in an excellent location not too far from the original, Gilbert Jr. decided to reintroduce his first creation to Dallas.

With the same ownership comes the same commitments to excellence. The service is brisk, yet personable and soon you’ll be on a first name basis with your favorite attendee. You’ll relive some favorite memories with our Rosa Rita, or make some news ones with our top shelf La Mejor.

Our salsa is made daily from grilled fresh Roma tomatoes that we season with chipotle peppers. It only takes one of our thin, crispy chips to fully admire the depth of its flavor. The recipes stem from generations of tex-mex tradition with a hint of modern flair.

And whether it’s your first time, or you’ve come back to see the murals you loved so long ago, we know you’ll feel right at home.

Welcome *back* to Casa Rosa!