Hacienda on Henderson

Inhabiting a 1940s-era house (hence, hacienda) on Henderson, this restaurant brings the Tex-Mex and homey feeling to a crowded, high-energy entertainment district. It's an extremely colorful and frenetic home, one filled with Mexican kitsch, burritos, enchiladas, tacos and fajitas during lunch and dinner. The chicken enchiladas with pepperjack cheese and sour cream tomatillo salsa, chile relleno platter, pork tamales and sopapillas are house specialties. However, the kitchen takes a sharp turn south with its popular empanadas app. Late night, the former Cuquita's spot changes its tune, featuring DJs, a truncated menu and barhopping party mobs that spill out onto the patio during warm weather. Whatever time of day -- the restaurant's open for brunch, too -- owners Pat Tetrick, Miles Zuniga and Chris Faulkner have more than 40 tequilas (five on tap) to pair with your grub.