Mi Rinconcito Mexicano

The sparsely decorated Mi Rinconcito is set up as though the only reason in the world that restaurants exist is for people to sit down with one another and enjoy food, drink, and company. Just like in Mexico. The fare, too, touts the stripped-down appeal of real south-of-the-border cantinas. Guests begin with complimentary thick tortilla chips and thin, potent red salsa. Tacos translate to soft corn tortillas rolled around your choice of savorily marinated pork; full, game-flavored lamb; slightly spicy tongue; ground beef; chicken; chorizo; and so forth. Only onions and cilantro are tucked into the wrap with the meat. A wedge of lime and fiery poke of hot sauce are available if requested. Other offerings include crisply griddled quesadillas, flautas, sopes, and home-cooked specialties such as pozole: a hearty, richly spiced stew of pork, ham hock, and hominy. One of Rinconcito's beers will befriend this fare better than horchata, but still sample the homemade cinnamon-spiked rice drink, if even for dessert.