El Molino Central

Lovers of regional Mexican food will swoon for this laid-back charmer, which offers full-throttle fare made with quality ingredients. The colorful little building has a strange layout (order at the counter, then pass through the kitchen to dine on the patio), but it still draws a large following—expect to chat with fellow diners hungry for intel on the day’s best dishes.

Entrées shift with the seasons, but the preparations are always expert: try the halibut ceviche with house-made chips or the red mole tamales chockablock with chicken and just a touch of masa. The Bohemia beer-battered fish tacos featuring handmade tortillas are a must, as are the addictive poblano-tomatillo nachos verdes. Of course, spice fans can't get enough of the crispy chilaquiles.