La Mexicana

There’s always that one girl in every high school who isn’t interested in fashion trends, gossiping or becoming a cheerleader. She’s self-confident, unpretentious and easy to be around, which, of course, makes her popular with everyone. It's a pretty good way to describe La Mexicana. Everyone is drawn to this family-owned Tex-Mex café that’s been doing a booming business since it opened its doors 25 years ago in a former mom-and-pop grocery store. Colorful papel picado dangles from the ceiling, old pottery lines the walls and the tables are usually packed with animated diners eating and drinking with gusto, which gives the feeling that you’ve just walked into a family celebration in Guadalajara. The beef and chicken fajitas are moist and well-seasoned and the fresh cantaloupe juice is a great choice, unless you go for one of the delicious margaritas. The service can be spotty, so be wary if you have post-dinner plans, but if dinner is the event it's a great place to be.

The kid in us loves the Mexican candy in the grocery counter by the front door.