Las Palmas

A meandering guitarist, fireplace and outdoor patio make this the most enjoyable stop for Mexican in Wicker Park. One in a four-outlet chain, this small Mexican restaurant differs from its brothers, taking things haute with sophisticated takes on meat dishes and tableside guac service. The exposed heating vent on the ceiling disguised to look like a coconut tree trunk and the stern oil paintings of Frida Kahlo performing surrealist shenanigans get us excited.