Paraiso Restaurante Taqueria

This one is way, way off the beaten path. In fact, you’d swear you were in rural Mexico (it’s a very rustic neighbhorhood), but it’s actually far west Dallas. There’s nothing about the exterior that beckons you to venture inside (yes, it’s a little run-​down), but once you do, it’s cozy and homey, and the ladies are very accommodating. They only do one order at a time so be prepared to wait for them to make your meal.
The food is authentic regional Mexican, but don’t ask me which region! Things like gorditas (stuffed thick tortillas), sopes (thick homemade tortillas with toppings), and huaraches (a bigger version of a sope). The preparation of all of the above was more than competent with tasty results, and the chips and salsas were also very good. Prices are very reasonable. The owner, Octavia Paz, is the principal cheesemaker at the very fancy Mozzarella Company cheese shop in Dallas, and her little restaurant has been written up on more than one «foodie» website.
Now, was it worth a 21-​mile drive? Maybe not, but we weren’t in a hurry, and we enjoyed the trip and the food.