With locations on the east and west sides of Bloomington, Casa Brava is a reliable pick for quick, casual Mexican fare. All meals begin with a bowl of addictive, garlicky salsa along with an endless basket of tortilla chips. Add a side of queso if you’re feeling indulgent. Popular specialties include oversize platters of sizzling fajitas, generously stuffed burritos, and lots of enchilada options. You won’t leave hungry! • Prices: $-$$ • Hours: Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. • Bar: S. College Mall Rd.: Full; W. 3rd St.: Beer • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

This west side Mexican spot boasts a massive dining room with high ceilings and a party atmosphere. Share one of the specialties, like the Marrano Ranchero, featuring grilled pork shoulder with spicy red sauce and a generous helping of avocado. The lengthy menu is full of variations on the standard burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Alongside complimentary chips and salsa, you won’t go hungry! • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Sun.–Th. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. • Bar: Beer • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: No

Stop by this casual restaurant to satisfy all of your Mexican food cravings, from burritos to fajitas to chimichangas. If it's seafood you're after, try the Tacos Marine with your choice of shrimp or fish. Or, as a vegetarian option, go for the Chimichanga Azteca–zucchini, squash, mushroom, onion, tomato, peppers, and potatoes fried to perfection and covered with cheese. Authentic Mexican drinks are available as well, including Jarritos, a Mexican bottled soda, and Horchata, a spiced rice milk. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Mon.–Th. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sun. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc. • Outdoor Seating: Yes

Juannita's prides itself on serving the most authentic Mexican food in Bloomington, with recipes straight from Abuelita Juannita herself. Come to this cheerful, family-owned restaurant on West Kirkwood for the mole poblano and the molotes—fried masa dough stuffed with savory fillings. Other popular dishes include the Salmon Wild Tacos and the Camarones Empanizados. Fresh homemade tortillas are a real treat and the soups are fab. • Prices: $–$$ • Hours: Sun.–Th. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. • Bar: Beer, wine • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX • Outdoor Seating: Yes

Read our review of Juannita's here!

Both vegan- and omnivore-friendly, this charming, funky shop offers delicious salads, soups, veggie burgers, quesadillas, and baked goods. Hungarian Mushroom Soup and the Spinach Black Bean Burrito are specialties. The restaurant serves organic and local produce and composts back to suppliers. • Prices: $ • Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. • Bar: No • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX, Campus Access • Outdoor Seating: Yes • Fair Labor Decal

Enjoy Latin and American cuisine buffet-style at Mateo's Buffet. • Prices: $-$$ • Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. • Drinks: No •  Credit cards: All major • Outdoor seating: No

This casual Mexican restaurant offers affordable food in a convenient downtown location. Try pork-centric specialties such as the generously portioned Chori-Queso dip or the Carnitas, tender chunks of slow-cooked pork for tucking into a warm tortilla. Open until 3 a.m. on weekends to fill those late-night chips and salsa cravings. • Prices: Lunch: $; Dinner: $$ • Hours: Sun.–Wed. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Th.–Sat. 11 a.m.–3 a.m. • Bar: Beer • Credit Cards: Visa, MC, AMEX • Outdoor Seating: Yes