There are singular, indisputable joys in classic restaurant categories—the fast food place (price-conscious, open late); the local mom-and-pop (reliable and friendly because they care); and, an American tradition, the celebration-worthy Mexican joint.El Indio is all of these. It’s a come-as-you-are (with a hefty appetite) local Mexican place with two locations, sides to spare and food that won’t use up all your allowance.

The professional lunch meeting can be tricky to navigate. You want something tasty, of course, but also something that everyone will enjoy, that won’t take too long, that matches the well-dressed mood but won’t result in sticker-shock. Emiliano’s Café, a downtown pan-Latin destination, fits the bill—but you’ll want to come back later to listen to jazz, sip sangria and let loose after a hard day’s work.