Ok José has the ambiance and decor of an electric yet authentic Mexican cantina. Don’t be fooled by the small eatery/bar on the corner; head up the stairs to the colorful open-air courtyard that houses some of the more refined dining offerings in La Zona Romantica. At a slightly higher price point, this is not the ideal place for children. However, they have fajitas and enchiladas that are sure to please any appetite, as they are offered with chicken, carne asada, or shrimp (pictured here). The menu features a high-end take on authentic Mexican cuisine. Bone in Chicken Mole, chicken breast stuffed with cheese, garlic-sauteed spinach and mushrooms, in huitlacoche (corn truffle) sauce, a unique take on Surf & Turf, and a strip steak with garlic sauce appear on the menu.

For our visit, we started with their exceptional tortilla soup, loaded with avocado slices and drizzled with cream, with a slightly spicy kick but not overpowering. The enchiladas were the main order of the table, however we also ordered the stuffed poblano peppers with ground beef, covered in a delicious pecan cream sauce over rice and topped with pomegranate seeds. The food was excellent, although on the pricy side; however, the restaurant’s ambiance, music, and decor are the real stars. Highly recommend it if you want something slightly more high-end in preparation but still authentic in terms of cuisine and ambiance.