Las Ventanas Restaurant, Houston

A visit to Las Ventanas offers more than the promise of traditional Mexican dishes. The experience is actually more like a retreat to a Mexican villa thanks to its toasty orange walls and bright blue shutters, plus a meticulously landscaped patio decked with trees and umbrella-covered tables. Of course, though, classic Mexican delicacies and ice-cold margaritas are the real pull at this family-friendly eatery.

The staff has crafted a menu to showcase the nation's diverse flavors and cuisines, including everything from traditional Mexican-style meatballs in a smoky chipotle sauce to tacos, enchiladas, and a few Tex-Mex dishes. Specialty margaritas and house sangria complement adults' meals, while wee ones enjoy options from the kids' menu before hanging out in the no-mess kid zone. Frequent events—including live mariachis every Thursday from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.—entertain patrons, and seasonal live music permeates the restaurant on Thursday nights.