Mezcal

There's magic in Mezcal's off-hours, when it's just a quiet little neighborhood spot for simple, traditional Tijuana street food in a comfy-funky atmosphere. Friday night? That's different. That's when the kids come -- backflow from the Bluebird Theater and shock troops of the local hipsterati in their weekend best -- and crowd the bar. Here, lucha libre fighters plaster the walls, and there are more tequila choices than you can shake a tamale at. The late-night menu certainly is an attraction, with a moonlit happy hour famous for more than just beer. After dinner, the folks bellying up are, as is typical along this stretch, on the younger, hipper side of things. There's also a decent amount of traffic before and after (and during set breaks from) shows at the Bluebird Theater, which is across the street. Mezcal's kitchen keeps going until 1 a.m., and after 10 p.m. it bangs out tacos at a dollar a pop in a kind of reverse happy hour that keeps the area jumping 'til long after most decent folk have gone to bed.

• Cuisine(s): Mexican

  Hours: Sun,Sat 10am-2am, Mon-Fri 11am-2am

  Price: $$

  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards

• Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout, Private Party, Catering, Wheelchair Accessible

  Serving: Brunch, Dinner, Late Night, Lunch

  Entertainment: Live Entertainment

  Alcohol: Full bar

• Reservations: Accepted

  Parking: Street