El Sombrero

Description:

• In this thick-walled, colonial-style building, within the upper altitudes of Altos de Chavón, near the village church, jutting timbers and roughly textured plaster evoke Old Mexico. There's a scattering of rattan furniture and an occasional example of Mexican weaving, but the main draw is the spicy cuisine. Red snapper in garlic sauce is usually very good, as are the beef and chicken fajitas. Most guests dine outside on the covered patio, within earshot of a group of wandering minstrels. Chances are, you've had better versions of the standard nachos, enchiladas, tortillas with shrimp, black-bean soup, pork chops, grilled steaks marinated in tequila, and brochettes served here, but a margarita or two will make it a fun night out anyway.

• © Frommer's 2013