Papagayo is a margarita bar, but not the kind poured from a slushy machine. Here, margaritas are an art, one that requires the muddling of fresh fruits—pomegranate, mango, and raspberry among them—and precise measurements of agave nectar, orange liqueur, and blue-agave tequila. They're always served on the rocks and garnished with fruit and gourmet spices. Those who prefer their drinks straight up needn’t worry, either—Papagayo has more than 180 tequilas on hand.

Equal care is taken with every dish, whether it's the fresh tortillas enveloping chicken-tinga tacos or the local, seasonal produce used in the vegetarian enchiladas. And although house specialties such as ancho-chile short ribs with shiitake mushroom chips make for elegant meals, the crown jewel of the menu is the guacamole. Hand-hacked to order, the guacamole is infused with unexpected ingredients such as butternut squash and Maine lobster.