BORDER CAFE
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: South Western
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-864-6100
   
32 Church St., Cambridge, 617-864-6100. Sizzling fajitas, overstuffed quesadillas and giant margaritas are the highlights at this Tex-Mex hotspot in Harvard Square. Other specialties include Cajun and Creole dishes, all served in a bustling, lively and fun atmosphere. L, D, C, LS.

---

COTTONWOOD CAFE
Location: Back Bay
Cuisine: South Western
Entertainment: no
Profile: yes - read profile
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-247-2225
   
222 Berkeley St., 617-247-2225. Specialties include open-grill steaks, poultry, pasta and vegetarian dishes. Voted “Boston’s Best Southwestern Restaurant” and “Boston’s Best Margarita.” Reservations recommended. Two hours free validated parking. L Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; D Sun–Thu ’til 10 p.m., Fri & Sat ’til 11 p.m.; Sat & SB 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. C, LS, VP. www.cottonwoodboston.com.

---

FAJITAS & ’RITAS
Location: Downtown
Cuisine: South Western
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-426-1222
   
25 West St., 617-426-1222. Established in 1989, Fajitas & ’Ritas features fresh, healthy Tex-Mex and barbecue cuisine. The restaurant stresses generous portions, affordable prices, open casual space and prompt, friendly service. Mon–Tue 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Wed & Thu ’til 10 p.m., Fri & Sat ’til 11 p.m., Sun noon–8 p.m. C, LS. www.fajitasandritas.com. See locator #4 on boston map.

---

MASA
Location: South End
Cuisine: South Western
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-338-8884
   
439 Tremont St., 617-338-8884. Bringing the Southwest to the South End, chef Philip Aviles serves up specialties such as roasted salmon with chipotle and horseradish crust and chili rubbed cowboy cut steaks. Masa also serves Sunday brunch, a variety of margaritas and other cocktails, and a $1 tapas menu. D, BR, C.

---