WHY Mexican dishes with a jolt of traditional flavors in a casual, eco-friendly storefront café.

WHAT Tinga’s owners were inspired by Santa Barbara’s deceptively casual La Super Rica. Their thick corn tortillas also have a house-made heft, with cochinita pibil pork tacos as spicy as advertised. Taco plates, quesadillas, burritos and tortas made with steak, short ribs and marinated chicken show a deft hand with seasonings. Tangy elote—roasted corn with Mexican cheese and chiles—is a worthy side dish, and for dessert there’s Mexican chocolate pot de crème, giant coconut macaroons and wedding cookies. Don’t miss the fresh aguas, like mint limeade. Tableware is compostable, and quality ingredients make the highish prices more palatable.

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