Part of the Joe T. Garcia-family of restaurants and named for the owners' daughter, Esperanza's may be Fort Worth's favorite place for breakfast. It's served piping hot and with a smile, and ranges from such Mexican specialties as huevos rancheros and chiliquiles to simple eggs, pancakes and oatmeal. Because of Esperanza's popularity, it often gets quite the line on around 7am and on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch. That's why I prefer to head there for weekday lunch, as they make the best green chile chicken enchiladas I've ever tasted (with just the right mix of lime and cheese). Though sometimes my appetite is gone by the time they arrive because the complimentary tortilla chips (served hot, ungreasy and light as a potato chip), with their just-spicy-enough salsa, are addictive. All of this is served in an airy, large room with well–spaced tables and just enough frills to make the meal feel special (a colorful papel here, a handsome framed print there). Off the main dining room is a bakery selling freshly made and well-priced breads, pastries and cookies.

There's a second outlet at 601 Park Place Avenue.