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Chapala Grill: Mexican; Bergenfield; 52 South Washington Ave @ Palisade Av; 21/15/$36; 201-387-2107; Fairly authentic Mexican classics; Gigantic menu consisting of any variety of combos and specialties; Guac and drinks are flavorful and a highlight; Mid-scale in terms of fanciness. Appealing service. Great neighborhood find.

Senorita’s Mexican Grill: Mexican; Bloomfield; 20/17/$28; 285 Glenwood @ Conger; 20/18/$28; 973-743-0099; This is a fun, laid back place; Nothing fancy- just a menu filled with all the most popular Mexican favorites & combos; Inexpensive and lively; Lots of veggie & fish dishes; Margaritas are powerful. Daily Happy Hr specials- Thursday: $10 pitchers of beer. Very inexpensive evening. ‘Blue Moon-ish’

Rebecca's: Cuban; Edgewater; 236 Old River Rd @ River Rd; 25/20/$47; 201-943-8808; One of the best Cuban restaurants in the county; Addictive food; Incredible quality; Rave reviews; BYO helps with the cost; Fun, friendly staff; Secluded backyard for dates;  Smallish- romantic feel. Every Cuban dish you’d expect is on the menu. Try the roast pork; Sort of a Cuban-Caribbean fusion.

Blue Moon Mexican Café: Mexican; Englewood; 21 E Palisade @ Dean; 24/18/$35; 201-541-0600; Hip, Americanized versions of the Mexican classics; High energy and lively; Upscale Mexican serviced in a laid back environment- almost a club feel; Excellent margaritas; Mouthwatering appetizers including Guacamole; Unique main courses; Just better than the rest.

Mama Mexico: Mexican; Englewood Cliffs; 464 Sylvan Av @ New; 19/21/$43; 201-871-0555; Third location- other two in Manhattan; Known for great Guac prepared table side; Large assortment of Margaritas; Slightly pricy for the genre menu; Fajitas are likely the standout; Huge Tequila collection; Mixed service; Live music on weekends; Energetic surroundings.

Rosa Mexicano: Mexican; Hackensack; 390 Hackensack Av @ Riverside Sq Mall; 23/20/$46; 201-489-9100; More of an upscale Mexican ‘chain’ which features 3 locations in Manhattan; Known for outstanding Pomegranate Margaritas and homemade guacamole; Gorgeous Mayan décor; Dishes are unique and not your  standard Mexican fare; Upscale feel perfect for a date or a great meal after shopping at Bloomingdales.

Sabor: New Latin; Hawthorne; 1060 Goffle Rd @ Rt 208; 22/21/$44; 973-238-0800; Large menu featuring selections from all over the Caribbean; They serve hot and cold tapas style dishes as well as full hot entrees; Pricy for the genre; Gorgeous setting- festive and polished. Ideal for a date and also solid for a drink. Hawthorne location slightly more polished. They serve Brunch as well.

La Isla: Cuban; Hoboken; 104 Washington @ 1^st-2^nd Av; 26/9/$32; 201-659-8197; Voted Best Cuban by NJ Monthly; Extremely authentic; BYO; Sunday Brunch; Very small and non-descript décor; Freshest ingredients; Can eat inexpensively here for breakfast, lunch or for a pressed sandwich; Great experience.

Lua: Pan-Latin; Hoboken; 1300 Sinatra @ 14^th St; 22/24/$46; 201-876-1900; Hot bar scene; Known for signature cocktails- creative and strong; Wonderful steaks; Spectacular views of NYC; Perfect date spot- sexy vibe; Clubby at night; Pricy for genre- you pay for the environment as well as food. Tex-Mex food choices; Lobster Tomales, Calamari are excellent- as is the Cuban style Pork Shank.

Zafra: Pan-Latin; Hoboken; 301 Willow Av @ 3^rd St; 24/16/$31; 201-610-9801; Cuban influenced small plates in this BYO hotspot; Tables fill quickly and it is fairly small; Outstanding quality for the genre and a huge selection where you can fully sample the cuisine. Will make Sangria for you with your wine. Portions are very large for ‘small plates’ and you can order a la carte as well. Brunch on weekends 10-3.

Pancho’s Burritos: Mexican; New Milford; 214 Main @ Prospect; 23/15/$33; 201-225-2554; Happy Hour noon-6 and 9pm-close every day; Huge menu, endless variety; Great guacamole; Many margaritas to choose from; Friendly service; Large portions; Festive, laid back & fun atmosphere. Outdoor seating. Even serve brunch.       

Mi Bandera: Cuban; Union City; 518 32^nd St @ Central; 23/15/$32; 201-348-2828; Family Style Cuban food; Fun, attractive setting; Affordable prices; Large, exciting menu; Great lunch specials; Huge portions with plenty left over for the next day; Excellent drink menu. Great food for the price. They have a Liquor store and Cuban Supermarket in their complex as well; Clean, great service.