Javelina

At Javelina, Tex-Mex food has gone from reviled to revered, with a full-on celebration of nachos, queso (melted cheese) dip, fajitas, brisket tacos, chicken-fried steak and chili con carne. Owner Matt Post is a native Texan, proud to offer frozen margaritas and Shiner Bock to New Yorkers who have gravitated more toward small-batch tequila and craft beer the past few years. The Union Square-area cantina has turquoise and aqua  accents, a wall of cacti and a taxidermied javelina (wild pig) behind the bar. The staff's enthusiasm is infectious, making it a festive place for parties.