Paladar (CLOSED)

The food is so affordable, it’s hard to believe it comes from Food Network regular and celebrity chef Aarón Sanchez, who has worked at the city’s most touted Nuevo Latino eateries (including the now-defunct Patria and Chicama). Sample his bold flavors in empanadas stuffed with chicken picadillo and topped with smoky tomato salsa, or pan-roasted halibut served over creamy coconut rice with orange vinaigrette. On warm days, the back garden is filled with boozers; at night they migrate to the bustling front bar.