Tapatio Mexican Grill, Kansas City

Tapatio Mexican Grill doesn't shy away from bold flavors. Take the chile verde, for example, which features sliced chicken stewed in a piquant green tomatillo sauce. Or, the tacos al pastor, which arrive topped with an aromatic combination of pineapple, onion, and cilantro. Even the nachos bring some heat in the form of slices jalapenos, tempered by a creamy cheese sauce. Bartenders also work with vibrant flavors; using more than 20 tequilas, they mix margaritas to serve by the glass, pitcher, or thimbleful.

The grill's ambiance mirrors the aesthetic of a Mexican cantina. Faux stucco walls and weathered woodwork lend a rustic vibe to the space, and a small mural of dancers performing in a sun-drenched plaza dominates one wall. At the same time, the restaurant also features a handful of modern accents, including two flat-screen televisions.