Carlos Miguel’s Mexican Bar & Grill

WHY WE LOVE IT: Tableside guacamole means you decide what goes in it, and a multiple margarita styles mean no one goes thirsty at Carlos Miguel’s, a casual and festive Mexican place where families and large groups co-exist. The plus a menu that goes a bit beyond the usual cheese-chile-combos deal, with several soups, a couple of elaborate steak dishes and a unique honey mustard chicken burrito.

WHAT TO GET: Empanadas camaron, crispy and stuffed with shrimp, then drizzled with poblano cream sauce.