Remember Luigi’s? Flatiron? Local Tavern? They all once held the spot that is now King & Mane Gastro-Cantina, which opened May 24. I liked the food at Luigi’s, but the next two incarnations were mediocre at best, so it was refreshing to have some good food again at 102 King St.

I hate to classify the food here under any one genre since it’s so diverse, but I’ll say it’s for sure Mexican-Spanish inspired, as a waitress mentioned. For example, I ordered the special, which was two hot dogs wrapped in bacon and grilled, inside a roll along with refried beans, onions, guacamole and jalapenos. I picked kettle chips as my side.

I have to say, this was not a sandwich if you’re on a date (messy!) or have high cholesterol. I had to attack it in thirds because it was too big to pick up. Still, it was  a great combination of flavors and textures, and I would order this again (after a five-mile run).

I also tried the walleye sandwich, which was topped with a salsa-like mixture, and the salad, which had an odd-tasting vinagrette that I lean toward disliking (though it sort of grows on you). Regarding the walleye: it was tender and well cooked. My last four or five times eating fish has been on a Friday, so those pieces of cod and perch were beer battered. Thus, I had to remind myself that fish can still be tasty when it’s not deep fried (but I would not re-order the walleye).

I’d like to come back and have the nachos (topped with four cheeses and your choice of meat) and a beer, which is $1 off during happy hour (4-6 p.m. daily). King & Mane has themes each day for its food specials; Monday is reserved for mole, for instance.

Last thoughts: I love the name King & Mane and its double entendre.  Bring your friends, as I’m sure you will all find something you’ll like, since it’s so diverse.

Despite the name, the recently opened Taco Heaven (in the space formerly occupied by Le Chardonnay) is not just a Mexican restaurant, according to the owner. When you take a look at the menu, you’ll agree.

Besides the tacos, nachos and burritos, you’ll also find wraps, pitas and even Philly sandwiches. I sampled the California cobb wrap, a steak taco, a pork taco and a king-sized steak burrito.

The chicken and bacon in the wrap were extremely tender and tasty, but I felt the bleu cheese was a bit overpowering. The tacos, which you can get Mexican style (cilantro and diced onions) or American style (lettuce, tomato)–were both good, and soon they will come with two tortillas instead of one (good idea structurally).

The burrito was a pleasant change of pace from the usual ones I get from Qdoba (which I like), with the flavors meshing really well. It actually could have used a bit more rice only because it was that juicy (in a good way).

Also notable about Taco Heaven is its hours. It promises not to close if you’re in during the regular hours, which include up to 4:20 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Finally a place for the after-bar crowd to dine-in super late.

La Mestiza at Market Square opened a second location on Tuesday where Subway used to be just off the Capitol Square. It was impressive how the place transformed from a sub shop into a cozy Mexican restaurant in the oldest commercial building in Madison.

The owner, Antonio, told me they are doing a soft opening for about two weeks before they really get their name out there. I kept that in mind as I was formulating this review.

Happy hour downtown, especially on the Square, is a tradition, so it was good to see La Mestiza have one from 3-7 p.m. Mon-Fri. However, there is currently no drink special as it continues to work out the kinks (appetizers are half-price as of now).

I ordered the enchiladas de pollo con mole (chicken mole) and the chilaquiles con carne asada (corn tortillas topped with tomatillo sauce and skirt steak). Both were good, though I especially liked the latter and would order it again. I had the lunch portions of both, which were less expensive than their dinner counterparts but also smaller in portion.

I must note that both items came out in what seemed like five minutes. I was sitting right by the kitchen and could see them cook it, so I knew it wasn’t just being heated up or something. That was impressive, and it should help the restaurant do a brisk lunch service.

Fresh fried tortilla chips were served before the meal, and the salsa came from its own fridge. I thought how cool it would be to have a fridge solely dedicated to salsa!

On the bar side, I’m happy that the bartender was squeezing fresh limes to make the margaritas (I can’t stand pre-made mixes). The one I sampled was good; the sangria I had, on the other hand, seemed too “light,” for lack of better term.

I’m looking forward to return visits, and if anything to say hi to the general manager (Antawan), who seriously is one of the nicest and friendliest people I’ve met.

Other notes: brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. … late-night meals are served until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays … there are a limited number of vegetarian dishes in addition to the entrees that don’t have meat … the bar has a decent selection of quality tequilas.