DOWNTOWN. Chef / owner Susana Davila creates her own unique spin on Mexican cuisine, featuring techniques and ingredients borrowed from several regions. Poca Cosa began across the street from this location, and the tiny original is still open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays. At this location, the menu changes daily, but the specialties include fantastic chicken with spicy-rich mole sauce. If you can't decide, order the Plato Poca Cosa and the chef will choose one beef, one chicken and one vegetarian entree for you to sample, each one more delicious than the next.

EAST TUCSON. Casa Molina has been family owned and operated since 1947, and it's a special place. The furniture was made by Gilberto Molina Sr. from mesquite and pine, and the backlit glass plates ringing the room are direct from Mexico, lending even more authenticity to cooking that's about as traditional as it gets. Albondigas soup and menudo are winners, and hearty appetites will love the variety of the Tampequena Dinner which plates together a cheese enchilada, chile relleno, grilled rib-eye steak, beans and guacamole for a sumptuous feast of many flavors and textures. The Sunday lunch buffet is a great deal ­ the food is plentiful and amazingly fresh, especially the taco bar, which has every conceivable taco ingredient, and then some.

DOWNTOWN. The original El Charro, founded in 1922, is the oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson; the original owner, Monica Flin, is said to have invented the chimichanga. That heritage remains strong today with a commitment to fresh, authentic Sonoran cuisine. Stop by the adjacent cantina, with its pleasant outdoor seating, and enjoy one of the finest margaritas in town. Then, have classic meals such as carne asada or carne seca ­ beef marinated in lime and garlic. A small gift shop inside sells an assortment of Southwestern gifts. Reservations suggested on weekends.

DOWNTOWN. El Minuto, "the minute," offers a quick but satisfying meal. Sonoran food in the best tradition is served amid colorful Mexican decor. The food is excellent, the wait staff friendly, and the place buzzes with energy, particularly at lunchtime. Located across the street from the Tucson Convention Center and a block from the downtown business district, an professional crowd can often be found enjoying the spacious dining room or the covered porch. Excellent chimichangas, burritos, enchiladas and more.

EAST TUCSON. In addition to serving fantastic Mexican/Latino cuisine, this venerable Tucson restaurant has an unusual main dining room that has become quite a coveted spot for a meal. Once a courtyard, the room was enclosed, leaving the trees and plants intact. It makes a striking setting in which to partake of fantastic tableside guacamole, seafood stuffed rellenos, and platters of all the traditional favorites. The menu also features a handful of low-carb options for Atkins followers, plus good margaritas and Mexican beers.