Tejano Joe's

The Scene
Nestled on the north edge of the west side's Business Park 100 in a nondescript concrete building, this unfussy cantina offers a low-key, low-cost retreat from the weekday grind. Black-and-white photos of vaqueros lend a subdued tone to the stucco hacienda interior, draped with the obligatory colorful serapes and encircled by slightly worn but comfortable booths.

The Food
Traditional Tex-Mex cuisine is supplemented by a selection of burgers, wings and sandwiches, making this an amenable gathering spot for large office groups. With flavors as subtle as the cantina's decor, there's no need for a fire extinguisher. The absence of eye-watering hot sauces allows understated seasoning and flavors come alive. The green chili burrito, a Joe's favorite, has a tangy taste without the flame of over-the-top hot sauce, while the veggie quesadilla's mild spices don't hide the presence of carrots and zucchini.