Mexican restaurants in Brevard

If you're in the mood for Mexican, Alamo Mexican Kitchen has the whole enchilada. We hear they're the first Mexican restaurant in Brevard County, in business since 1967. The recipes are authentic, and each meal is cooked to order. We recommend the flavorful chili con queso dip and the Irene Special: a crispy flour tortilla with beef, beans and cheese that's baked and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, guacamole and sour cream. If you're thirsty, we recommend the fresh margaritas with the extra foam. The restaurant is family-owned and operated. Items on the menu range from $9 to $15.

Cantina Dos Amigos is an authentic Mexican restaurant. There's a vibrant and crowded dining room filled with colorfully decorated tables on one side. The other side is a noisy, fun bar with five plasma-screen TVs. When the weather's nice, enjoy lunch or dinner outside on the patio. The margaritas are great, and the sangria is made fresh. Items on the "El Cheapo" menu are $3. Other items on the menu are $9 to $15.

Cantina Dos Amigos offers an "El Cheapo Menu" of a la carte items from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., such as two tacos for $3 or a mini taco salad for $4. Cantina Dos Amigos is known for its Mexican food and margaritas. A half-dozen "specialty tequilas" are available, along with beer and wine. The food menu ranges from fish dishes, salads, specialties and $9.95 dinners. We recommend the carne asada salad -- $9.95 -- with grilled steak, peppers, onions, lettuce and tomato, accompanied by a fresh-tasting cilantro dressing. Other salads on the menu include various avocado, chicken and Caesar salads. Items on the menu are $9 to $15.

El Charro Mexican Restaurant, a casual Mexican restaurant in Cocoa, features a complete menu of Mexican favorites and El Charro specialties. Its busiest day is Cinco de Mayo. Items on the menu are $9 to $15.

If a night out on the town with a Mexican flavor is what you're after, El Leoncito is the best place in town. Enjoy a view of the launch pads or the Indian River with your meal, whether it be a Cuban or Mexican specialty. Entree prices generally are $7 to $15. Come the last Tuesday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. and listen to a mariachi band perform. Head chef Antonio Hernandez has more than 30 years of experience. On the menu, you'll find fresh guacamole, enchiladas, burritos, chicken fajita salad, black bean soup, chile rellenos, tacos, machaca, ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches, steak and green salad. El Leoncito started as a Mexican restaurant in Whittier, Calif., in 1977, then added Cuban cuisine in 1995 and relocated to Titusville.

El Tucan is a casual sit-down Mexican restaurant with plenty of spice. El Tucan takes care to serve the freshest ingredients in all of their entrees. You'll find this establishment clean and inviting. Prepare to wait a few minutes for a table if you go on a weekend, but grab a margarita, and it'll be worth your time. Items on the menu are $9 to $15.

This family-owned restaurant serves Mexican-Californian style that's big on "fresh" and "healthy," but isn't stingy with the chipotle sour cream. You've got burritos, tacos, bowls, salads and a "gringo star" sandwich for those who just have to be different. The burritos are insanely big and insanely delicious. Da Kine Diego's makes four of its own hot sauces, including a green chile and curry versions. The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is laid-back and beachy. Perfect for recharging your batteries after a day in the waves. Occasionally, Da Kine's hosts movie nights on its gigantic lawn. Bring blankets or chairs. Once a month, authentic hula dancers stop by to teach hula lessons.

Named "the Best Steakhouse" in Florida for four years running, Durango's knows how to grill steaks better than anyone. The oak fire aroma will tease your taste buds once you step foot inside the restaurant. You'll have a hard time choosing which of its award-winning entrees to try, but save room for homemade cobbler or Mexican fried ice cream. Items range from $7 to $25.

Amigo, after shopping at Melbourne Square, recharge your batteries at El Chico, the pleasant Mexican restaurant located on the outskirts of the mall. La vida es buena here, what with entrees such as carne asada and chicken portobello fajitas. Or try other Mexican faves such as fajitas, quesadillas, chimichangas and burritos. Thirsty? There's some great cervezas, too, to wash it all down. The restaurant has your Mexican favorites here including enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, burritos and more. For your sweet tooth, look for flan, Mexican apple pie, sopapilla with honey (a warm Mexican pastry) and fried ice cream. Items on the menu are $9 to $15.

Fiesta Azteca boasts authentic Mexican cuisine. The portions are tasty and big. If you can, save room for dessert and give the fried ice cream a try. Items on the menu are $9 to $15.