Two words easily sum up the perfect order at Guadalajara Grill: shrimp and beer-as soon as the bowl of fire they call salsa arrives with the chips, that beer is a necessity. It's hot, but good too, firing up the taste buds with a sweet, blazing flavor. When you've killed the bowl of fire, it's time to dive into a cool pool of guacamole. Guacamole lovers (and who doesn't love the stuff?) will delight in the taste and presentation here. You won't have any trouble tearing your eyes away from the Spanish-language soaps on the television when the server comes to make the guacamole right there at your table. After that, it's time for one of the many entrées that include Guadalajara's famous shrimp. These tasty, zesty little guys hang out on skewers, hide in enchiladas and pervade every aspect of the menu, although there are obviously some non-shrimp options, too. Don't miss the melt-in-your-mouth flan; it is nearly perfect. From the salsa to the flan, this is some of the fieriest, tastiest, most genuine Mexican grub in town.
3877 Cerrillos Road, 424-3544. Lunch and dinner daily. $$
Santa Fe Reporter