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Las Lomas grad Rosa Sanchez and her family perfected their regional Mexican recipes for decades before opening Capullo Cocina, a hip downtown eatery in the fall of 2019. Many of their dishes are seafood-centric, but this comfortable restaurant is equally dedicated to the meatier side of Mexican cuisine in one-of-a-kind tacos, carne asada, and torta de birria. From the incredibly tasty salsa to the handmade tortillas and slow-cooked stews, everything is made from scratch including cleverly crafted cocktails.

Big salads like the Camaron Asado star at lunch in bowls filled with jumbo grilled shrimp, quinoa, garbanzo beans, and arugula splashed with chipotle lemon vinaigrette. House-made tortilla chips, salsa fresca, and guacamole give it an extra satisfying kick. Other local favorites include mussels steamed in tequila, braised chicken mole, and molcajete—grilled steak, prawns, cactus, and chorizo served with corn quesadillas.

Tacos stuffed with fresh shrimp and poached lobster tostaditas take on a delicious twist accompanied by chilled Cantaritos—tumblers of grapefruit juice and tequila. Specials include Taco Tuesday when a $15 plate of four grilled chicken, steak, carnitas, and el pastor tacos is 50% off, and house margaritas go for $7 all day long. Weekend brunch brings bottomless mimosas served with jalapeno hollandaise eggs benedict or creamy Oaxaca style chilaquiles. 

Behind the bar, terra cotta tumblers come filled with margaritas, mojitos, and pomegranate mules. Besides flavorful food, every meal at Capullo is served with a heaping side of hospitality. Open Tuesday through Sunday for indoor and outdoor dining, as well as takeout. Check the website for current hours. capullococinamexicana.com