If you are looking for atmosphere and slick, prepackaged, south-of-the-border attitude, then Pepe's Taco Villa is probably not for you. The humble storefront faces Camelback Road in a humble neighborhood. But you don’t go for the look, you go for some authentic Mexican food. It’s hard to choose among so many standouts. But honors go to tacos Monterrey (air-dried beef, eggs and chile), mole chicken enchiladas and the red-chile chimichanga.

See more: City of Phoenix restaurants, Phoenix restaurants, Mexican restaurants