Fodor's Expert Review Agua Verde Café

Baja California Mexican cuisine and a laid-back vibe define this casual spot that's done up in bright, beachy colors, with a lively deck come summertime. Regulars swear by the fresh fish tacos and mangodillas (quesadillas with mango and poblano chilies). Be sure to pay a visit to the salsa bar and wash it all down with a salt-rimmed margarita or house-made agua fresca. Waits are long on sunny days and hours vary seasonally, so call ahead.

Agua Verde is perched waterside on a street surrounded by quirky boat-repair shops; in the warmer months, you can rent kayaks under the restaurant and paddle around Portage Bay.