Fodor's Expert Review Hacienda Los Laureles Restaurante

The flower-filled grand patio in this perfectly restored hacienda just outside the city offers great outdoor dining (shaded by umbrellas). The house specialty is carnitas, pieces of pork stewed overnight and served with oodles of guacamole, beans, and homemade tortillas. There's live mariachi music Wednesday through Sunday from 4 to 5, and various musicians also stop in to serenade the bar crowd as well.

Note that this restaurant's hours might be a little awkward for some; while technically it is open for lunch and dinner, the hours are 1 pm to 6 pm. However, the bar also serves food and is open from 1 pm until at least midnight.