Caliente Mexican Restaurant, Des Plaines

Armed with family recipes and more than 17 years of expertise in the Chicago restaurant scene, chef Marylou Marquez fills Caliente Mexican Restaurant's bustling kitchens with dishes inspired by Guadalajara, Jalisco. Veracruzana tomato sauce lends filets of fish an earthy tone, and spicy chile de arbol and ranchera sauces complement enchiladas and tender grilled steaks. Fruit-filled cinnamon-sugar tacos, and flan with Mexican eggnog top off gustatory forays as diners admire the dining room's photo mural of rustic kitchen scenes and tropical fruit.

Before a wall hung with sparkling silver tinsel, karaoke singers, salsa dancers, and Mexican guitarists take the stage throughout the week, serenading diners and besotted tostadas alike. Caliente also caters special events and wraps up entrees for handy to-go ordering.