But don't forget the long-time Fredericksburg establishment when it comes to good, affordable fare.

A visit to El Charro--now lively and clean-looking inside thanks to new paint, murals and handsome green booths--starts with a basket of hot chips (irresistible) and fresh salsa. If you're looking for a dip with a bit more zip, request the tomatillo salsa.

El Charro makes a darn good frozen margarita ($3.75) with plenty of lime and enough tequila to help you leave the workday behind. Order one while you peruse the extensive menu.

You can't go wrong at El Charro if you choose something from the "grilled menu." On a recent visit I had the fajitas Texanas ($11.50), which could surely feed two hungry adults.

Freshly grilled flour tortillas come to the table with a salad plate of lettuce, refried beans with melted cheese, tomato, sour cream and fresh, tasty guacamole.

Next comes the sizzling platter of perfectly grilled shrimp (big ones!), tender chicken strips and flavorful beef bits surrounded by sweet green pepper, tomato and caramelized sauteed onions. The combination's fragrance is surpassed only by its rich flavors. Don't forget to sop up the brown, savory juices that pool at the bottom of this dish.

Diners can choose beef, chicken or shrimp fajitas at El Charro ($9.95-$14.95), and they are all delicious.

An often-overlooked item on the menu is the camarónes (shrimp) cocktail ($8). A tall parfait glass comes filled with large, steamed shrimp in a chilled soup of tomato and vegetable juice, minced onions and cilantro. This is a great find if you're looking for a light dish--and if you like raw onions.

The restaurant serves all the American-Mexican restaurant staples--tacos, burritos, Spanish rice and the like. All are average, run-of-the-mill fare.

But the beef enchiladas ($1.50) rise above the mundane with plain, lightly sauteed ground beef and onions inside a corn tortilla. It is topped with flour-thickened, brick-red enchilada sauce.