Rojo Mexican Bistro, Birmingham

At Rojo Mexican Bistro, the creative forces of the modern culinary movement intermingle with the hearty recipes of family recipe books. This results in dishes that combine traditional ingredients with innovative preparation; like the Chile Relleno, a stuffed poblano pepper with cheese and a choice of chicken beef, or pork and topped with a roasted tomato sauce. Even the guacamole has a special touch: it's mixed tableside and prepared from mild to spicy. 

Rojo's tequila list complements the menu with an impressively large selection. It includes 110 varietals that range from the unaged blancos to the extra anejos—spirits that sit in oak barrels for at least three years, or until they promise to behave. Of course, margaritas also abound, made with fresh lime juice and fresh-squeezed agave nectar.