Valentina’s is the ultimate in Tex-Mex, combining expertly smoked barbecue with housemade tortillas, salsas, guac, and queso. It’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure situation here—you can get meats by the pound, or order from the “Tex” or the “Mex” sides of the menu, for sandwiches and tacos, respectively. The smoked meats are great on their own here, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice to leave without trying a smoked brisket or carnitas taco. And if you find yourself braving the line in the morning, the breakfast tacos with brisket are some of the best in town.

photo credit: Nicolai McCrary