The buzz: The spacious patio and potent margaritas make this Tex-Mex spot one of the most happening restaurants along 17th Street. The bar serves a number of domestic and imported beers as well as sangria, daiquiris and pisco sours by the pitcher.

On your plate: Cocktails are a primary draw here, and small plates nicely complement the drinks. Try chicken taquitos in tomatillo sauce or a starter of chunky guacamole with chips. If you opt for a more substantial dinner, stick with classic dishes, like fajitas or quesadillas. Other good bets: Cheese enchiladas arrive bubbling in ranchero sauce, and the fried beef chimichangas are gigantic. Sopa rancherito, or chicken soup, is a deeply flavorful soup laced with chunks of chicken.

Nice to know: La Frontera offers Sunday brunch on the patio with excellent bloody Marys. The restaurant is open for dinner until midnight on the weekends.

-- Erin Hartigan (April 24, 2012)