Don Tilo's Mexican Restaurant, Milwaukee

Vintage photos paper the walls of Don Tilo’s Mexican Restaurant, illustrating the stories of the two families who own the place: the Zarates and the Maldonados. Mayan art and charro hats nod to both clans’ Mexican heritage as windows frame views of Milwaukee’s south side, the place they’ve called home for the past 40 years. Meanwhile, checkerboard floors summon the spirit of a 1950s diner, with tres leches cake and margaritas in place of apple pie and milk shakes. In the dining room, friends and neighbors gather around plates of tostadas and chimichangas packed with crunch and more spice than a salsa band covered in salsa. On weekends, diners can enjoy specials such as pozole—a meaty hominy stew served with cabbage and radishes—as they drink in the sounds of electric guitars and a baby grand piano.