I'm not going to lie: there are nights where I simply crave Mexican food. It is spicy, bursting with flavor, exotic, comforting and satisfying. El Tapatio, located on Post Road near the Wickford turn-off delivers on all of these and more. El Tapatio offers a variety of traditional Mexican dishes from burritos to tamales, chimichangas (fried burritos, so good!), quesadillas, carne asada steak and even a new line of salads. Oh and yes, they do have fried ice cream and it is delicious.   Entrees range from $9.99 to $17.99 and the portions are quite generous. I am a sucker for the Veggie Verde …

In my quest to revisit favorite 'eateries' before departing this amazing town, few muster up fonder memories (and more drool) than Tavern by the Sea, located in the heart of Wickford across from Wickford Market. My husband and I have shared romantic evenings, mornings and afternoons there. They accommodated my crazy, but loveable, family for my recent graduation with grace and style. They've provided the forum for friends and me to gather and recount a weekend's events over a Bloody Mary and some of the best pizza in town. Tavern by the Sea is a full-service lunch and dinner restaurant open …

Looking for a nice spot on the water to enjoy a delicious lunch at a reasonable price? Follow the vibrating lobsters and head to Beach Rose Cafe in the heart of Wickford. Open for breakfast and lunch, their assortment of soups, salads, wraps, paninis and classic entrees like clam cakes and chowder offers something for everyone. The dedication to fresh, organic produce and recyclable servewear is admirable and leaves you feeling warm and cozy inside, just like the coffee! Vegetarian? Try the Prudence Island wrap with hummus, avocado, sprouts, tomatoes, lettuce and onion. Visiting from out of …

Don't arrive at The Fish Market during the weekend dinner hour without a reservation...unless you're prepared to wait. Thinking of just grabbing a seat at the bar? Yeah, all those seats are probably filled, too. Since its February opening, the restaurant's fresh food, impeccable preparation and open, elegant atmosphere have found an audience. Dishes range from the ever-popular and excellent fish and chips at just $8.95, including fries, coleslaw and cup of chowder, to the broiled seafood platter at $25.95. The butter-drenched broiled sea scallops are delicious and in demand, as are the baked …

When it comes to dining in East Greenwich, the restaurant row on Main Street immediately springs to mind. But, just down the road bordering North Kingstown is Meritage, which makes a strong case to permanently expand your dining horizon. If you enjoy a wide variety of martinis, you’ll find a treasure trove here among the 18 selections, which range from the classics to some downright funky concoctions. For brew aficionados, there are a dozen beers on draft and several others available in bottles. The choices on tap are generally mainstream but high quality and include Stella Artois, Bass, …

One thing certain: if it's a Friday or Saturday night, Seven Moons will have a full parking lot. Since its opening in 2005, Seven Moons has been a haven for sushi lovers and fans of Eastern fare, attracting patrons from all over the state. The only thing that can match the size of the portions is the size of the menu, which a plethora of chicken, beef, pork, seafood and vegetable options along with sushi, lo mein, Pad Thai and...well, pretty much anything you can think of. With a large sitting area ranging from traditional seating to tables on the floor, Seven Moons can accommodate parties of…

Yes, we did indeed venture over the border into East Greenwich territory for this installment of Bites Nearby. Though Main Street in EG has a bevy of restaurants, we figured we'd start from the end and work our way down. We've got to hand it to these guys: they really know how to pique our culinary intrigue with dishes like mashed potato pizza and grilled Sam Adams brined pork chops. They do the classics (slow roasted meatloat entree and Angus burgers) just as well as the quirky dishes (turkey and brie wrap with red onion marmalade and cheeseburger pizza) to suit even the pickiest of palates…

Been looking for a place that's great to bring the family or the buddies for a few brews and chow after dinner that isn't a super hokey chain restaurant? Enter Junction Trattoria & Bistro. From amazing entrees to killer pizzas and yummy appetizers, the smell of Junction is like the best kind of aromatherapy. The trattoria side is great for family outings and can even be rented on Sundays (free of charge) for private parties and events while the bistro side is a more mellow area to relax, grab a bite to eat and mingle with friends. With 15 draft beers and more bottled, even the pickiest of …

Twenty-two draft beers. Twenty wines. Fifty-five bottled beers. Seven high-definition TVs. And that's just the tip of the iceberg Sonoma Pub's offerings. With its modern and classy decor and killer dishes, Sonoma and its staff look to wow patrons. The multi-faceted building is one of North Kingstown's best kept secrets. Not only does Sonoma host a great dining area and large-sized bar area (with oodles of high-definition televisions), but it also has rooms to hold private events, from private dinners to meetings. Looking for a great deal? Stop by on Mondays or Tuesdays for full Italian dinner…

Mango and ginger stilton? Chocolate and peanut butter truffles? Quiche with leeks and artichokes? Foodies of Wickford does it all and more. Foodies barged into the new year with a new location, taking over the old Bagelz/Wickford Gourmet building on Main Street. The move allowed the store to expand its offerings from artisan cheese and gourmet chocolate truffles to a full menu, including creative sandwiches – all named after streets and landmarks in Wickford – and pastries. Like its predecessor Bagelz, Foodies continues to serve coffee and still offers Bagelz homemade bagels. Though you can …

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner date or a quick bite/drink, Kabuki Restaurant & Lounge in Wakefield has you covered. With its dark lighting and sleek décor, this place adds a touch of fine dining and class to modern Japanese cuisine. Kabuki’s style goes beyond its ability to decorate its dining area: its plates are truly a work of art, too. If Kabuki’s prices seem a bit steep for your wallet, don’t worry: stop by for its happy hour menu in primetime. Get select $15 sushi plates for $6 and delicious adult beverages for $5. Happy hour starts at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10…