Los Dados

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
The only thing subdued about this corner cantina is the wood-darkened, dimly lit bar. In the festively decorated dining room, the noise level can be as cacophonous as a craps table full of lucky winners, especially if diners are seated at the long, tough-to-maneuver-around communal table. The friendly wait staff carries the crowd--girls-nights-out groups and dates from other parts of the city--through minor service glitches, whether they're eating inside or at the sidewalk tables.

The Food
Chef Sue Torres of Suenos partners with notable nightlife duo David Rabin and Will Regan (Lotus, the Double Seven) for this upscale taqueria. The best bangs for the buck are a tamarind-glazed skirt steak with a punchy pasilla sauce and a cooling cactus escabeche, and desserts like the crepas de cajetas--light caramel-stuffed crepes. A miniscule portion of pricey cod tacos and a one-dimensional scallop seviche, however, are closer to a roll of snake eyes.

Hits: Details like housemade chips, an excellent, smoky salsa and well-made cocktails, especially the margaritas, hit the jackpot.

Misses: Others, like the too-steep prices and awkward layout, will leave diners feeling grifted.