If you’ve lived in North Texas for more than five minutes, you know the skyline of Las Colinas is basically synonymous with corporate glass and high-end Tex-Mex. But there’s a specific vibe at On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Irving TX that feels like a bit of a time capsule. It’s located right on Market Place Dr, sitting in that sweet spot where Irving meets the edges of Coppell and Grapevine. Honestly, it’s one of those places that everyone knows, but if you haven't been in a while, you might be surprised at how the menu has evolved while the "mesquite-grilled" smell stays exactly the same.
Texas is the birthplace of the brand. That matters. When you walk into the Irving location, you aren't just walking into a chain; you're walking into a piece of Dallas-born history that started back in 1982.
The Reality of Dining at the Irving Market Place Location
Let's be real for a second. Irving has a million Tex-Mex options. You’ve got the high-end spots in the Toyota Music Factory and the hole-in-the-wall taquerias deeper in South Irving. So, why do people still flock to this specific On The Border?
It’s the chips.
You know the ones. They’re thin—almost dangerously so—and they come out warm enough to melt the salt. Most people don't realize that the Irving location actually serves as a bit of a hub for local business lunches. If you go at 12:15 PM on a Tuesday, you'll see a sea of badges from the nearby Citi or Vistra offices. It’s fast. It’s consistent. It’s got that "I need a margarita because this meeting could have been an email" energy.
The layout here is classic. You’ve got the massive bar area which is usually louder and more high-energy, and then the dining room which handles the families and the larger parties. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner, this isn't it. It's loud. It's bustling. It's Texas.
👉 See also: Images of Thanksgiving Holiday: What Most People Get Wrong
What Actually Works on the Menu (and What Doesn’t)
Most folks default to the fajitas. It makes sense. They’re the flagship. On The Border uses mesquite wood for grilling, which gives the steak a very specific, smoky char that’s hard to replicate at home. If you're going for the Mesquite-Grilled Fajitas, skip the standard chicken and go for the skirt steak or the shrimp. The steak is usually marinated long enough to be tender without being mushy.
The Border Sampler Controversy
Look, the Border Sampler is a lot of food. You get the chicken flautas, steak nachos, and chicken quesadillas. It’s basically a salt bomb. If you're with a group of four, go for it. If there's just two of you? You’ll be full before the entree even arrives.
One thing that people often overlook is the Brisket Quesadillas. They use slow-cooked brisket, sautéed onions, and pickled jalapeños. It’s a bit more "Texas" than "Mex," but it hits the spot if you want something heavier than a standard taco.
- The Salsa: It’s consistent. Not too spicy, heavy on the cilantro.
- The Guacamole: They still do it fresh. If you see them making it, you know it’s a good day.
- The Margaritas: The "Borderita" is their claim to fame. It uses Lunazul Tequila and Cointreau. It's strong. Be careful.
Why the Irving Location Stays Crowded
Convenience is king in Las Colinas. The On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Irving TX sits right off I-635 and Belt Line Road. For a commuter city, that’s gold. You can jump off the highway, grab a heavy lunch, and be back in your cubicle before your boss notices you’re gone.
But there’s also the nostalgia factor. A lot of people in Irving grew up coming here for birthdays or post-soccer game celebrations. There's a comfort in knowing exactly what the queso is going to taste like. It’s that yellow, liquid gold that hasn't changed its recipe in decades. Some critics call it "unauthentic." To that, most Irving locals would say: "It’s Tex-Mex, not Interior Mexican cuisine. Know the difference."
✨ Don't miss: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessing Over Maybelline SuperStay Skin Tint
Navigating the Happy Hour and Rewards
If you’re trying to save a buck, the rewards program (Border Rewards) is actually one of the better ones in the casual dining space. You get points for every dollar spent, but the real win is the occasional "free queso" or "discounted fajitas" coupons they blast out.
Happy Hour at the Irving location typically runs Monday through Friday. They usually do deals on 18 oz. drafts and house margaritas. It’s a prime spot for "Aggressive Socializing" after 5:00 PM.
A Note on the Service
Service here can be a bit of a gamble depending on the shift. Because it’s such a high-volume location near the airport and major corporate hubs, the staff is often moving at 100 mph. If you want a slow, leisurely experience where the server chats with you for ten minutes, go somewhere else. Here, they are focused on efficiency. They want to get those sizzling plates out while they’re still sizzling.
The Evolution of the Irving Dining Scene
Irving has changed. Ten years ago, On The Border was one of the only major players in the Market Place area. Now, you’ve got everything from Mediterranean to high-end Korean BBQ just a few blocks away. To stay relevant, this location has had to lean heavily into its "Cantina" roots.
They’ve revamped the drink menu to include more craft options and "Skinny" margaritas for the health-conscious Las Colinas crowd. They also pushed hard into catering. If you work in an office building within a five-mile radius of Zip Code 75063, you’ve probably had a "Fajita Bar" from this location delivered to your conference room at least once.
🔗 Read more: Coach Bag Animal Print: Why These Wild Patterns Actually Work as Neutrals
Important Logistics for Your Visit
Parking at the Irving Market Place can be a nightmare on Friday nights. The lot is shared with several other busy spots, so give yourself an extra five minutes just to find a space. If you’re doing takeout, they have designated spots right up front, which is a lifesaver.
Location Details:
- Address: 3220 Market Place Dr, Irving, TX 75062
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-afternoon (2 PM - 4 PM) for no wait, or right at 11 AM for the freshest batch of chips.
- Avoid: Friday nights after 7 PM unless you don't mind a 30-minute wait.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning to head to On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Irving TX, don't just walk in blindly. Use these tips to actually have a decent experience:
- Join the Rewards Program First: Download the app in the parking lot before you go in. There's almost always a "Free Queso" offer for new sign-ups that you can use immediately.
- Order the "Select Two" Combo: It’s the best value. Get one taco and one enchilada. It sounds basic, but it allows you to test the kitchen's consistency without committing to a $20 plate of fajitas.
- Specify Your Tortilla Preference: They have flour and corn. The flour tortillas are usually made in-house and are much better for soaking up the fajita juices.
- Check the "LTO" (Limited Time Offer) Menu: On The Border frequently tests new items. Sometimes it's a disaster (like the weird fusion tacos of 2022), but sometimes you find a gem like the birria quesatacos that isn't on the permanent menu yet.
- Park in the Back: If the front lot is full, don't circle like a vulture. There's usually more space toward the back of the shopping center near the other retail outlets.
The reality is that On The Border isn't trying to be a five-star Michelin restaurant. It’s trying to be a reliable, smoky, salty, margarita-heavy anchor in the Irving community. Whether you're there for a quick lunch or a rowdy Happy Hour, it delivers exactly what it promises. No more, no less.