Casa Vega

The Scene
The dim, festive interior is highlighted by framed bullfighting paintings, faux Tiffany lamps and red vinyl banquettes that host local families, rowdy young partiers and celebrities. Weekends find fans four-deep at the bar in the restaurant's jam-packed front dining room, quaffing potent margaritas, while the overflow are relegated to the eatery's driveway, sans drinks, until capacity permits entry to the bar.

The Food
Combo plates of crispy, tasty tacos and enchiladas with cheesy refried beans are reliable choices on the no-frills menu. Lighter fare includes specialties like the pollo en mole, with chicken simmered in chilies, chocolate and spices, garnished with sesame seeds. The vegetarian Mexican pizza appetizer with black beans, spicy veggie sausage and Parmesan also makes a good entree, especially when paired with chili con queso soup, a tangy and memorably rich broth with gooey cheese. Servers are harried, but speedy.