Blue Agave, Phoenix

More than 50 brands of tequila line the stone walls of the bar at Blue Agave, where staffers shake up specialty margaritas with ingredients such as agave nectar, Grand Marnier, and fresh pineapple juice. These drinks sweeten the menu of Mexican and southwestern dishes, from traditional tacos and enchiladas to a poblano-pepper-topped burger that showcases the kitchen’s creative flair. Dishes are rated from mild to spicy to very spicy, so even if diners choose to sit on the outdoor patio, they don’t have to worry about their breath accidentally igniting the clothing of passersby.

Within the restaurant, punched-tin lanterns and hanging lamps dangle from exposed ceilings, and mirrors in bejeweled frames pop from light festive colors.