El Chile (Austin, TX)

Though its takeout spinoff El Chilito draws a bigger crowd, El Chile remains the mother ship. The slightly higher price (though still affordable) means the food is better and the service comes with a smile. Lunch boasts a lower price tag, but any meal here will be a good one.

RECS: I tend to stick with the Tacos de Pescado (baja slaw, roasted-jalapeño aioli, corn tortillas), which are some of the best fish tacos in a town not entirely close to the ocean.