Armadillo Grill   

For some really kickin' Southwest and Tex-Mex cuisine, look no further than Raleigh's Glenwood South for its latest addition, Armadillo Grill. The same popular haunt that feeds hungry patrons in its Carrboro and Duke University locations has brought its mouthwatering and amazingly affordable cuisine to a spot on Glenwood Avenue where other restaurants have not had much luck in the past. (The location is the former home of the Allgood Cafe, Milk and More Cafe and Crepes Oh La La!) Diners love this place because the food is super fresh, the portions are plentiful and it's so affordable you can treat yourself to a beer or margarita without breaking the bank. Check this out -- no entree costs more than $6. Items such as steak fajitas and chicken tacos are sold individually for a couple of bucks, or you can order plates of enchiladas, chalupas or burritos for less than $5. For vegetarians, try a bean-and-cheese or guacamole taco, a veggie chalupa or a taco salad. The veggie taco is top-notch, packed with green peppers, onions, sprouts, mushrooms and more. Also noteworthy is the chunky guacamole, which makes a great appetizer with warm tortilla chips. The setting is informal. Fill out an order, turn it in and pay. Choose a seat either inside near the bar, in the back where you can watch the action in the kitchen, or outside on the patio where you can people-watch. After a few short minutes, your food is ready and the classic rock tunes break as your name is called over the mic. Visit any one of the three Triangle locations for the same great food at great prices. While the Bryan Center at Duke University is more student-oriented, the Carrboro restaurant is in a two-story, open brick building that used to be home to the ArtsCenter. But for a hip location, head to Glenwood. -- Erica Hinton