DOWNTOWN. What's not to like about a Mexican restaurant that serves tasty margaritas and also teaches you how to make them? That's right, cooking classes are available at Aldaco's, but you should really stop by for dinner and sample the goods first. Along with flautas and grilled chicken, check out the Enchiladas Divorciadas ­ according to the menu, they're "separated by irreconcilable rice." Still hungry? Don't worry; fajitas are available by the pound. An MPO (that's the acclaimed Margarita Pour Off Queen) nicely washes everything down.

AIRPORT. They must be doing something right at El Jarro de Arturo ­ the San Antonio institution has been around for more than thirty years. Sit on the air-conditioned patio while you enjoy specialties like carne asada and roasted corn poblano soup. Thoughtful vegetarian fare is also available, including spinach mushroom quesadillas and portabello mushroom enchiladas. Combination dinners and a range of specialty entrees satisfy too. Finish up with a stiff Mexican coffee. An affordable lunch buffet is a welcome weekday feature.

KING WILLIAM DISTRICT. Packed houses attest to El Mirador's popularity with locals, and its traditional cuisine ventures beyond the standards to include grilled goat, wild boar, and tongue. Its soups are especially lauded, particularly the much-requested sopa Azteca. Fruit tacos are similarly favored. Sunday brunch draws a crowd, and eager folks come early to stake out a table and leisurely enjoy the bounty. The menu features filling breakfast fare and a handful of even heartier main-course options.

NORTHWEST. Dependable food and reliable service are Ernesto's mainstays and two of the main reasons that locals keep coming back. Behind the modest, strip-mall exterior, items like crab and shrimp crepes are favorites. A casual yet romantic atmosphere makes Ernesto's a popular choice for anniversaries and birthdays, and Ernesto himself might even offer a few recommendations.

ALAMO HEIGHTS. When they say south of the border, they mean it ­ flavors of Mexico's southern Yucatan region are the stars at La Calesa. Fresh herbs and seasonings recall the unique cuisine of Old Mexico, and sauces are absolutely sublime. Try albondigas ­ that's meatballs in chipotle sauce to the uninitiated ­ or opt for the usual enchiladas and flautas. Best of all, everything's made to order, and a decent wine selection provides an alternative to the list of margaritas.