El Zócalo is part of the local de la Cruz empire — the family owns several other Arizona restaurants and sells their salsa in groceries. The family’s doing something right. El Zócalo is in a charming part of downtown Chandler and features a beautiful mural-covered patio with a fountain, greenery and romantic table settings. The Mexican menu is full of classic dishes that are artfully presented, including the mole de pollo, chicken in a chocolate/peanut-butter sauce, and the Killer Chimichanga, pork and green-chile sauce in a crunchy shell. After chowing down, dance the night away to live bands on weekends.

See more: Southeast Valley restaurants, Chandler restaurants, Downtown Chandler restaurants, Mexican restaurants