Departamento Nueva Linda Vista

Located in the center of Monterrey, Chef Eder Lozano's Casa El Hidalgo serves comida con alma, or "food with soul" that pays homage to northern Mexico's traditional Norteño cuisine. Indeed, the restaurant lives up to its name, as it occupies a former home, and the dining room is divided among various rooms within the house. The food is equally homey, offering classic dishes like frijoles con veneno, or refried beans with luscious meats, and costilla de cerdo horneada a la brasas, or tender grilled pork ribs with beans and salsa. Desserts like pan de elote or a warm cinnamon roll with marzipan

They've opened elsewhere, but this location in Barrio Antiguo is the original. Sit indoors in the dining room with tall ceilings and raised beds with plants, or outside on the patio with a nice view of their parrilla and bar. Come hungry or with a group, as the plates are large and you'll want to enjoy a leisurely al fresco meal with a cocktail in hand. While there's plenty to choose from, don't miss the arrachera tacos, with three large flour tortillas with a cheese crust and topped with chopped arrachera and guacamole. Chicharrón mixto served with guacamole and quesadillas is another hit. Ca