"El Rey is bedecked in rough-hewn woods, glazed terracotta tiles, and exposed brick, and its potent mezcal cocktails are fun and flavorful—or better yet, go for a mezcal tasting flight. A menu of snacks and small plates features everything from smoked marlin tostadas and crispy squid tacos to spiced popcorn, briny marinated cucumbers, and blistered shishito peppers. Larger Oaxacan offerings include an excellent tlayuda, a grilled tortilla dolloped in whipped pork lard then topped with cabbage, beans, quesillo, and thinly sliced beef tasajo. El Rey's potent mezcal cocktails are fun and flavorful. Try the El Niño, a mix of mezcal, fino, lime, grapefruit, kaffir, and habañero—or better yet, go for a mezcal flight. If you want to lean more classic, the margaritas and palomas are just as well-made." - Todd Plummer