El Sol y La Luna Restaurant, Austin

Nilda de la Llata, the longtime owner of El Sol y La Luna Restaurant and a "Maven of the Mexican Menu" as deemed by L Style G Style magazine, knows how to treat her staff. That's probably why her kitchen has been run by the same folks for the last 15 years. And if this is any indication, her customers are in for the long haul too.

That's a good thing, as it will take them a while to eat their way through the eatery's menu, which spans nine pages of traditional and modern takes on Mexican cooking. House specialties include the carne guisada plate––comprising traditionally prepared Mexican beef cooked with tomatoes and veggies––and the Oaxacan tamale plate, which comes with two tamales wrapped in banana leaves and a trio of sauces on the side for dipping or finger painting. Beyond the food, the restaurant is also a meeting place for live events and cultural exhibitions; see the events calendar for updates.