La Malinche Bar and Grill, Lake Zurich

At La Malinche, the fiesta starts the instant that a basket of warm, complimentary tortilla chips lands on the table, whetting appetites for the authentic Mexican cuisine that's yet to come. The kitchen churns out a number of specialties, including pozole soup or beef tongue smothered in spicy diabla sauce. Guests can also opt for familiar favorites like steak tacos, cheese enchiladas, or shrimp fajitas. These crowd-pleasers are enjoyed in a comfortable dining room designed for unwinding: teal and blue walls contrast with golden hanging lamps, and a pool table helps customers settle who picks up the check.