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We asked several Hispanic friends and some Latin food enthusiasts for their favorite dishes around town.

The results surprised us. The list below is a mixture of authentic hidden gems plus some old, familiar comforts. It’s by no means a complete listing, but does provide an introduction to some of Baton Rouge’s favorite Latin flavors (in no particular order).

The crazy Javier at Superior Grill

The crazy Javier

We used to say this was the best lunch steak in town for under 10 bucks. Thanks to inflation it’s now up to $12.95 for lunch and $14.95 for dinner. Still, the crazy Javier is worth every penny, especially when enjoyed in Superior Grill’s festive atmosphere. Pleasantly toothsome, it’s an aged, marinated sirloin that’s grilled on a wood fire and served with melted garlic butter for dipping.

Superior Grill, 5435 Government St., superiorgrillbatonrouge.com

Burrito in a bowl at Izzo’s

Baton Rouge’s hippy chic burrito chain offers this roll-your-own twist on the classic taco salad. You can go for a felony or just order a little misdemeanor with a choice of grilled chicken, steak, pulled pork or mushrooms, plus cheese, rice, guacamole, tomatoes, tortilla strips and your choice of dressing, including a tangy cilantro ranch ($5.99 - $7.39).

Izzo’s Illegal Burrito, three locations in Baton Rouge, izzos.com

Fish tacos at La Reyna

Inside La Reyna, tucked into a strip shopping center on Perkins Road just south of Essen Lane, is some of this city’s most authentic Latin fare. The fish tacos are a delicate alternative to their meaty cousins, and for just $8 you get two soft flour tortillas filled with flaky grilled fish, plus a delicious tomato, radish and onion salsa called chimol. Squeeze on generous amounts of fresh limejuice and wash them down with a traditional fruit milkshake.

La Reyna, 13213 Perkins Rd., 768-1315

Pollo loco at La Carreta

La Carreta may be a relative nino neuvo on the block, but if you’re hungry and you’ve got a large dining party—including rambunctious kids—this place will handle you with panache. The pollo loco is enough for two, with a large seasoned, grilled chicken breast topped with spinach and a savory cream sauce ($12).

La Carreta of Baton Rouge, 4065 Government St., lacarretarestaurant.com

Cuban steak at Serranos Salsa Co.

Our Nicaraguan connection assures us this is “the best Latin dish in town.” He’s on to something. This lime and tequila-marinated skirt steak is bursting with savory, grilled flavor, and it comes with a generous heap of sweet, grilled onions. Paired with sautéed plantains and any of a half dozen other sides, it’s a lunch feast at $13.95.

Serranos Salsa Co., 3347 Highland Rd., serranossalsacompany.com

Seafood queso and mango margaritas at Mestizo

Seafood queso and chips

Mestizo offers a pair of irresistible seafood queso appetizers for dipping their warm, salty chips. One is studded with lump crabmeat and spices ($9), the other full of plump crawfish tails and tender spinach ($9). Matched with the perfect tangy balance of Mestizo’s frozen mango margaritas ($6.50 for 10 oz., $8.50 for 20 oz.), you may forget all about lunch.

Mestizo Restaurant, 2323 S. Acadian, mestizorestaurant.com

Tacos al carbon at La Tiendita/Taqueria el Sol De Guerrero

Take a look around the dining room at this authentic taqueria on Siegen Lane and you’ll notice gringos are far outnumbered by Latinos. That means you’re in for some really good food. Rather than boring, sour cream-smothered fare, these tacos are basic and fresh, made on soft flour tortillas filled with savory meat and fresh vegetables ($11.95).

La Tiendita and el sol de Guerrero, 6031 Siegen Ln., losgallosmexicangrill.com

Fiesta dinner at El Rancho

It’s all about the atmosphere and appetite at El Rancho. The formidable fiesta includes a chalupa, a crispy or soft taco, a chile relleno, a tamale, an enchilada, plus rice and beans ($9.49). Matadors and Spanish ladies stare up from the lacquer-on-plywood tabletops while Spanish soap operas blare away on the TVs—décor that’s delightfully tacky, but it works.

El Rancho, 10820 Florida Blvd., elranchomexicangrill.com