Discover the six best dishes at On the Border, straight from the chef.
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has 57 locations across the United States, according to ScrapeHero, and is popular for its consistent Tex-Mex food, large portions, and crowd-pleasing staples like chips, queso, and margaritas. Its casual, fun atmosphere makes it a popular choice for groups, families, and casual nights out. Many fans also enjoy the familiarity and nostalgia, even if it’s not authentic Mexican food. “At the Border is a place that I enjoy bringing bold Tex-Mex flavors in a way that feels approachable and satisfying,” said Dennis Littley, Chef and Dietitian at Ask Chef Dennis. “It’s a kitchen with big, powerful ingredients like smoke, spice and citrus, coming together in dishes designed to be shared and enjoyed without overthinking.” With so many delicious options, it’s hard to choose what to order, but Chef Dennis helps narrow down the options and reveals his top six standout dishes.
Guacamole Live
Guacamole Live is more than a delicious drink; it is an experience. Guacamole is made fresh at your table and can be made to your liking. “Fresh guacamole made to order is always a solid start,” says Chef Dennis. “When you work with ripe avocados, bright lime, and the right balance of seasoning, it’s more than just a dip and it sets the tone for the rest of the meal.”
Chicken Flautas
Chicken Flautas are crispy, flavorful, and fun to share. Made from hand-rolled corn tortillas filled with slow-cooked chicken, shredded, golden-fried, and topped with cheese and sour cream (often served with queso), it provides a sweet exterior and savory interior that many diners enjoy. “It’s all about texture and flavor,” says Chef Dennis. “Crispy on the outside filled with perfectly seasoned chicken, it delivers that satisfying meal followed by a warm and delicious bite.”
Birria Quesa Tacos
A must-have that Chef Dennis enjoyed was the Birria Quesa Tacos. “This dish is all about depth,” he says. “The slow-cooked meat brings richness, the cheese adds that indulgent pull, and when you dip it into the consommé, you get a layered, deeply comforting flavor.”
The Great Bordurrito
The Big Bordurrito is a big, satisfying dish that packs a lot of flavor into one plate. It combines seasoned tender meat, rice, beans, cheese, and toppings all wrapped up in a warm tortilla, providing a hearty, desirable mix of textures and flavors. It also seems to be a great value and very shareable, perfect for large appetites or group meals where everyone gets a bit of everything. Chef Dennis says: “A burrito like this should feel hearty without losing balance. Loaded with protein, rice, beans and bold seasoning, it’s the kind of dish that delivers both portion and flavor.”
Carnitas Fajitas
You can’t go wrong with fajitas, and the Carnitas Fajitas option is flavorful and juicy. “Well-prepared carnitas should be tender with a little sugar, and when paired with hot peppers and onions, they create that classic fajita that’s aromatic, flavorful, and interactive,” says Chef Dennis.
Tres Leches Cake
Tres Leches cake is a fun and memorable dessert that is different from regular cakes because of its unique dip and texture that you don’t find everywhere. “The right tres leches is all about moisture and balance,” explains Chef Dennis. “This one leans on that rich milky sweetness while keeping the cake light enough to end the meal on a high note.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has twenty years of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather
