5 Burro Cafe
72-05 Austin Street at 72nd St., Forest Hills Queens (718)544-2984, Subway: E, F, G, R to Continental, Lunch, Dinner, Average main course $9

This beach house decor and electric blue cocktails make this joint feel more like the tropics than the outer boroughs. Although the margaritas are excellent, don't linger at the bar too long. Real Mexican food is served here, as good as what you'd find in the darker corners of Mexico City, only less greasy and more imaginative. Entrees include favorites like fajitas langosta (made with grilled lobster) as well as more authentic dishes such as chuletas con salsa verde (pork chops in green salsa). When you're done, head back to the bar, where locals party on till 4 am every night.