Regional Mexican fare and tequila aplenty make this South Loop hacienda a hit with downtown execs.

The Scene
Slow-turning fans, amped-up mariachi tunes, black-and-white photos of Latin dudes with curled mustaches--not to mention a menu of more than 50 tequilas--create a festive, margarita-happy atmosphere. The large dining room with rustic wood seating and tapestry-backed half-booths emanates a conversational hum. A hibiscus-lined outdoor patio is ideal for people-watching, and the large bar to the right is perfect for post-work banter.

The Food
Oaxacan-style eats pepper this menu with a fine chorizo and poblano-accented queso fundido and limey guacamole starting things off. Chopped salad tastes fab flocked with chipotle chicken in creamy jalapeno dressing. Ancho-guajillo pork tacos with sweet, fresh pineapple are full-flavor bites, and mole-zapped chicken with poblano-specked rice, sweet, corn tamale and spinach in smooth chipotle sauce demands seconds. On the side, cilantro-rubbed, roasted potato wedges turn starch lovers aflutter. Eye-popping burnt caramel ice cream livens plantain-stuffed walnut crepes.