INNER HARBOR. This popular chain has a solid reputation for tasty margaritas and fresh takes on Tex-Mex standards, including spicy chicken enchiladas, fiery Mexican corn soup, and a hearty mesquite-grilled 16-ounce rib eye steak with a zesty crust of chili spices. Ask for one of their five special spices as an accompaniment. Sangrias and margaritas help stir up a convivial party atmosphere, making this a popular choice for the younger crowd.

DOWNTOWN. This stylish Cuban grill sports exposed brick walls, stainless steel accents and a semicircular bar. The kitchen boasts delicious Latin American dishes such as braised lamb shank in a red wine reduction with rice and fried plantains. Their fabulous mojitos are hit with the happy hour crowd, and on the weekends, the salsa dancers break out once the kitchen closes. Sidewalk tables available.

SOUTH BALTIMORE. This popular restaurant and happy hour spot serves spicy, invigorating Mexican food and authentic cocktails. A signature Chilean sea bass in mango-habanero sauce, topped with black bean salsa and red chili oil highlights the menu; meanwhile, the bar boasts over 100 varieties of tequila. Sunday brunch offerings include huevos rancheros (fried eggs, corn tortillas, pico de gallo and cheese) and crepes filled with berry and mango compote. Reservations are recommended Friday and Saturday nights.

HAMPDEN. Frijoles are beans in Spanish, and this charming little eatery has plenty of them, served in a number of tasty incarnations. The artsy, colorful dining room only has a dozen tables, but they're always full of folks enjoying great tacos, enchiladas and burritos. Filled with beans and every other filling imaginable, the dishes are surprisingly affordable considering the gargantuan portions. No alcohol is served; feel free to bring your own.

ROLAND PARK. The name of the place means "Crazy Man," and if you pass it by, you're crazy, man. This fantastic local place bursts with color, from decor to cuisine. You'll find a host of classic dishes (including basic tacos and burritos), along with the eatery's own take on Mexican cuisine. The fresh catch of the day, for example, is baked in a crust of rainbow corn chips and is as much a pleasure to the eye as it is to the palate. Other upscale options include grilled salmon with banana salsa or crab cakes served with sweet potato fries. The brunch menu offers classics with a Southwestern twist such as a scrambled egg and chorizo burrito with mashed black beans, avocado, cilantro, tomato and cheese.