Border Grill

This big, cheerful space (like a Romper Room for adults) houses a branch of the much-lauded Los Angeles restaurant, conceived and run by Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, hosts of the 1990s Food Network show Two Hot Tamales. This is truly authentic Mexican home cooking -- the Tamales learned their craft south of the border -- but with a nuevo twist. So don't expect precisely the same dishes you'd encounter in your favorite corner joint, but do expect fresh and fabulous food, sitting as brightly on the plates as the decor on the walls. Stay away from the occasionally bland fish and head right toward rich and cheesy dishes such as chiles rellenos (with perfect black beans) and chicken chilaquiles (a sister to the taco), or try new items such as mushroom empanadas. Don't miss the dense but fluffy Mexican chocolate-cream pie (with a meringue crust).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.