Casa Romero

With so many tacky taquerias representing what in reality is an extremely graceful cuisine, it's little wonder Americans rarely give Mexican food the credit it deserves. Which is where Casa Romero rushes in, with its menu full of smooth textures (the grilled shrimp with tomatillos and cilantro is at once piquant and soothing) and its energy, a balance between dramatic and intimate. The brightly tiled and brick-walled interior is a cozy delight, and the friendly, knowledgeable service only nudges the experience even closer toward elegance.