Ajua!, Bakersfield

Ajúa! Cocina Mexicana may be a casual spot, but it does abide by one major rule: yellow cheese doesn't belong on Mexican food. Here, cotija, oaxaca, and chihuahua cheeses are featured on a menu of authentic Mexican and Mexican-American dishes. For example, diners can start their day with chorizo chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, or a full breakfast plate in burrito form (think bacon, ham, eggs, and potatoes).

Later in the day, micheladas and draft beers pair with sizzling fajita platters, tostadas loaded with shrimp ceviche, or signature wet burritos. Those hulking wraps are filled with your choice of meat, rice, and beans, then topped with salsa verde, cheese, sour cream, and pico de gallo.