Bar Amá

Downtown Tex-Mex fans will be hard-pressed to find a better option than Bar Amá. Chef Josef Centeno elevates Tex-Mex classics with high-quality ingredients and inventive touch. Every day for lunch and dinner, the restaurant has a casual vibe and a menu that will satisfy any appetite. Small plates, bright salads, and family-style feasts are all available. The roasted cauliflower with cilantro pesto, San Antonio-style puffy tacos (a signature dish), and homestyle green enchiladas served in a cast-iron skillet are all praised by critics. For great deals at the bar, go to "super nacho hour".

In a community that does vegan better than most, Amá has some of the best vegan food around. Ordering cuisine that is already mainly vegan without any re-engineering—think guacamole, sopes, and enchiladas verde—is the best plan for maximum delight. Although the "cheese" is cashew crema, it has a rich and deep taste.

Location: 118 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Website: www.bar-ama.com