Lisa’s is a curious combo of Modernized-Mex, both in décor (real paintings and fancy lighting) and some plates, with a family vibe and down-home dishes. Offerings such as uptown chicken breast with creamy poblano sauce cohabit with frankly non-fancy parrillada de tripas (small intestine) “grilled to perfection.” Pozole, essentially an import, sits on the fence.

Yet it delivers appealing spiciness tempered with abundant oregano. The usual sliced cabbage, onion, and radish are served alongside to be added in al gusto. More… [More]

We might as well just publish the walls at Cascabel; covered as they are with culinary comments such as “The food is great here. There’s no other place like it.” and “Ésta es comida mexicana!” Said walls have only become denser with opinion and attitude over the years that this singular Southtown place has been open.

And every main dish was $7.50 at press time. (Breakfast, served all day, is less expensive.) Tlacoyos, huaraches, birria … these are not… [More]