El Comalon, Spokane

The guitar-playing, sombrero-wearing chili pepper on El Comalon's front sign beckons passersby into the restaurant, where they can smell the intoxicating aroma of authentic Mexican dishes cooking in the kitchen. In cozy booths, families feast on a colorful spread of tacos, enchiladas, seafood, and generous helpings of rice and beans. El Comalon also attracts nighttime crowds with a fully stocked bar and flat-screen TVs.