Casa Jalisco in Ellsworth, Maine

Casa Jalisco serves straightforward Mexican food in a casual spot that used to be a Burger King. The kitchen moves fast, turning out tacos, enchiladas, and burritos for families, groups, and regulars who keep coming back. Service is attentive and prices won't hurt. Fair warning: quality can be uneven, and there have been plate issues.

• Warm chips and fresh cilantro salsa before the meal arrives.
• Sampler platter feeds two for under $20.
• Margarita towers and pitchers for groups and celebrations.
• Service is fast and staff check on you often.

Get the sampler platter (chile relleno, taco, enchilada, tamale with rice and beans). The quesabirria is a regular favorite. Two-taco platter with grilled steak strips won't disappoint. Margarita towers work for groups. Skip the strawberry daiquiri and order a mojito instead.

Casual and relaxed, set up in a former Burger King. Not loud, clean restrooms, easy parking.

Regular diners swear by the quesabirria and the sampler platter, which comes loaded enough to need two plates. One guest who's eaten here 40 times hasn't had a bad experience, though recent visitors have run into inconsistency: cold steak in one burrito bowl while a partner's arrived fresh, or a strawberry daiquiri that tasted off. It's lottery-like sometimes.

Regulars love the value and speed, though quality swings. One recent visitor said of the sampler: 'so big it comes on two platters' for under $20. A diner who's been 40 times calls it the best Mexican restaurant around. But others have hit cold steak and spotty execution, so it's hit or miss.