With its pine plank interior, bevy of mounted trophy heads, wagon-wheel chandeliers and a mural of Indian chieftans, Apachee Grill could double as a sporting lodge in a Wild West movie.

This cowboy-meets-Mexico-gem also happens to serves up some of the best al pastor, or shepherd-style pork, on the Southwest Side of Chicago. The central feature of the kitchen, a fire-roasted spit, licks a chili-slathered cone of pork shoulder. As the shoulder turns, it develops a smoky char, while the interior meat bastes itself in its own swiney juices. Sliced fresh off the spit, wrapped in a fresh corn tortilla and sprinkled with a confetti dice of onion and fresh cilantro, the mix makes for a great taco. The tortas, or Mexican sandwiches aren't to be missed either: Served up on thick, pillowy egg-washed Kaiser buns, the torta comes with your choice of meat—though the spicy, medium-rare carne asada is hard to beat. The grill even serves up traditional pepperoni pizza, but you might as well kick up your pie with a Mexican twist, like fiery chorizo or tangy spicy jalapenos. Prices range from $1.75-$26.95.

Centerstage Reviewer: Michael Nagrant