Photography by Kathy Tran
At Maskaras Mexican Grill, owners Rodolfo Jiménez and Zulma V. Hernández have reimagined the traditional Mexican restaurant into a vibrant celebration of Lucha Libre culture. Nestled in the heart of Oak Cliff, it’s in its eighth year of operating.
Jiménez, a former model, actor and host along with his wife, Zulma, an entrepreneur and former beauty queen from Jalisco, aimed to break away from the stereotypical decor.
“We were tired of the cliché,” he says. “We decided to change the way Mexican food and restaurants needed to be seen and experienced.”
The name “Maskaras” itself, a playful Spanglish blend meaning “masks,” is a testament to Jiménez’s creative spirit and his lifelong passion for Lucha Libre memorabilia. This commitment has transformed the restaurant into a mini museum.
Targeting the establishment as a family-friendly venue was a conscious decision, aiming to recreate the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of Mexican hospitality.
“We’re the kind of owners that are always here,” Jiminez says. “We try to make people feel like they’re in our house.”
The menu at Maskaras Mexican Grill is a fusion of traditional recipes passed down from their mothers, combined with Jiménez’s own culinary experiments. Dishes like chile relleno hold a special place in his heart, as they evoke childhood memories of watching his mother cook.
“You just have to stick to a great recipe,” he says. “A simple taco can be a gourmet taco if you make it the right way.”
It’s a destination that connects people to their roots, memories and emotions — from children running around in Lucha Libre masks to adults moved to tears by flavors that transport them back to Mexico.
“It’s rare,” Jiménez says. “It takes them home.”
Maskaras Mexican Grill, 2423 W Kiest Blvd, 469.466.9282, maskarasmexicangrill.com
