Tex-Mex in Miami

Taking a cue from other Tex-Mex ristorantes, this bright newcomer has a few novel concepts up its sleeve. One is that it tries to be more authentically Mexican than its peers by playing mariachi, American, and Latin music. Another is that it sports clean lines and flashy colors in the design of its chairs, which feature neon green seats and paint jobs made to look like Spanish-language newsprint. Also, the restaurant is fryer-free and offers 12 different salsas chopped from scratch daily. The tortillas - corn, whole wheat, or flour - are prepared in-house and are so fresh you can literally see them being made while you order. Tacos (three for $6.78 to $10.98) get a boost with the addition of lobster or shrimp and come with choice of white lime rice, pinto beans, or black beans. Burritos ($6.78 to $10.98) are grilled in a panini-like press, making them easy to eat and, more important, oozing with melted Monterey jack, queso fresco, and cheddar. Tamarindo, a juice made from tamarind, is available in lieu of fountain drinks. Another way Chilorio's dares to be different: It serves a healthful specialty dish called nopalitos ($8.88), a marinated cactus mixed with pico de gallo. Oh, and did we mention the cell phone charging station with plenty of adapters? That's reason alone for any Gables professional to swing by for a bite.

Jefe's Original Fish Taco & Burgers is nothing new to Miami. The yellow-and-orange surfer-themed truck that features "vatos making tacos" has been on the scene since 2010. The truck is still rolling, but it now has a brick-and-mortar eatery in North Miami. Owner Jack Garabedian has expanded on his food truck’s offerings with grilled sandwiches like the Big Boss BLT; the Gobbler (roast turkey, Havarti, bacon, tomato, banana pepper rings, and mayo on Texas toast); and hot pastrami. "Salads for the Soul" are a nice touch for a lighter meal and include a wedge and a Tijuana caesar. There are also seven burger options, ranging from a basic to a monster that tops a beef patty with mushrooms, bacon, blue cheese dressing, Monterey Jack cheese, crisp fried onions, and tomato. Of course, there are also tacos. Jefe's serves pork carnitas, beef machacca, New Mexican yardbird (chicken), and Ensenada-style fish tacos. At most joints, if you ask what kind of fish is served in fish tacos, you'll probably get a shrug. Garabedian explains that his fish changes daily based on what's good, like dorado. Add a squeeze of lime and a hint of house-made hot sauce and you've got a bite bursting with flavor. The fact that the restaurant serves honest food at honest prices, along with attention to detail (burgers are made with Angus beef and all sauces are made in-house, including the spicy ketchup that comes with real-deal fries), makes it a great casual find.Read our full review.

This cheery homegrown chain filled with pop music and great service isn't an authentic Mexican border-town taco stand where you can get cow tongue for $2. But it sure is tasty for American Tex-Mex and appropriate for folks who crave a little Southwestern sizzle while counting calories. Try the "Skinny" or "South Beach" burrito ($7.99). Each comes packed with traditional fixings wrapped in either a whole-wheat or low-carb tortilla. Or there's a variety of salads that include a leafy bed of greens and a splash of black-bean/corn salsa. Savory meats - such as marinated chicken, lightly fried fish, and well-spiced ground beef - compose otherwise bland tacos. If you're a vegetarian, don't fret. The veggie taco (one for $3 or three for $6.99) - packed with refried beans, chopped bell peppers, pico de gallo, and guacamole - is a menu standout. Add a choice of protein for $2 to $3.50 and any carnivore would be pleased. Housemade salsas range from tangy and refreshing to three-alarm and are accompanied by freshly chopped cilantro and limes from a clean, chilled bar. A plethora of bottled hot sauces is also on hand, ready for experimentation that no one should shy away from. Negro Modelo comes in an iced beer bucket, and frozen sangria is also available.