Ruby Tequila's-Midtown

Houston has generally not taken kindly to outsiders coming in and showing up our hometown Tex-Mex. But for Ruby Tequila's we might have to make an exception. The Tex-Mex offerings and flavors will be perfectly familiar: fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas, and tacos, but the difference is in the commitment to freshness and flavor. Salsas, guacamole, tortillas and beans are made fresh in small batches all day, and all meat and seafood are grilled over a traditional mesquite-fired grill (no gas or electric) to give dishes that subtle "fresh off the range" flavor. Our one complaint? Some items (like the tortilla chips) are a little heavy on the salt. The Dos Rita, a margarita with a bottle of Dos Equis Amber in the middle, has gotten a lot of attention, but we prefer the signature Ruby Tequila margarita, swirled with sangria. We think even Mama Ninfa would approve.

The Amarillo-based group plans to open 20 more locations nationwide by 2013.