BEST MEXICAN MEAL
Xochimilco
2941 West Iles Avenue, 546-3116 3210 Northfield Drive, 544-9206 6901 Preston Drive, 483-1006 Craving a good ole Mexican meal? Voters say your best bet is Xochimilco, known for its delicious authentic dishes rivaling any you could find across the border. Few local Mexican restaurants offer a menu as extensive as Xochimilco. With 12 “speedy combination” entrées such as burritos, tacos, enchiladas and chalupas for $8.49 each; 18 “authentic combination meals,” including quesadilla, gigantic burrito and chimichanga under $10; house specials ranging in price from $9.99 to $13.49; and eight salads, Xochimilco has something for everyone. Voters rave about the enchiladas, fajitas and affordable daily specials. We have fallen in love with several appetizers, including the buffalo wings, and queso charro, a grilled chorizo topped with melted cheese. No Mexican meal is complete without a margarita. Then finish it off with the deep-fried ice cream. Runner-up: Casa Real
BEST MARGARITA
Xochimilco
The origins of the margarita are shrouded in mystery, but the drink most likely came about during Prohibition when bartenders replaced brandy with tequila in a drink called the Daisy, renaming the cocktail using the Spanish translation. Regardless of the wheres and whens, the everpopular libation appears in nearly every Mexican restaurant, with countless variations on the theme. Springfield’s hands-down favorite margarita comes from the Xochimilco restaurants, where the drink is made from an original Mexican recipe and is available in several different flavors, including lime, raspberry, strawberry, pina colada, mango, peach and gold. Of course you can have it on the rocks or blended in frozen slushy style, but any way you get it, it’s tasty, tart and salty on the rim. Other spots receiving high marks for favorite margaritas include La Fiesta, Casa Real, Café Brio and Los Agaves.
