Need something to do this weekend? To help celebrate the kickoff of the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival, here are five Mexican restaurants that will make you wonder what you ever saw in Taco Bell.

https://instagram.com/p/l_G8UGBv9C

La Mezcaleria, 1622 Commercial Drive

A headspinning array of sipping tequilas and mezcals is the big draw, and resistance is futile when it comes to the Amigos Flight of ceviches. But the one must-order at La Mezcaleria is the Queso Fundido, a volcanic bowl of molten Oaxaca, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheeses served family-style with warm tortillas. Chase it with a Lucia’s Garden cocktail (chipotle-infused mezcal, Cynar, El Jimador Reposado, lime, mint, and agave) and you’ll leave wondering why you’ve been putting off that trip to Puerto Escondido.

https://instagram.com/p/xIZgAQhyVo

La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop, 2549 Cambie Street 

With picture windows facing Cambie Street, the location off the Broadway intersection makes you feel like you could be on a Mexican street corner watching the city go by. This bustling counter-service spot hits the street-food mark better than many of Vancouver’s food trucks: it’s cheap, fast, and you can grab a seat and down a quick cerveza if it’s been that kind of day. Four palm-sized tacos make a meal (just $7.50 for veggie choices or $9.50 for meat); the braised beef tongue (de lengua) is a carnivore’s treat, while the rajas con crema with roasted poblano peppers and sour cream soothes vegetarians.

https://instagram.com/p/0_GuzxP0Ah

Poncho's Mexican Restaurant, 827 Denman Street

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by those dastardly sidewalk-loving cyclists along Denman, why not slip into this colourful oasis of civility? Owner Kaeta Vazquez offers all the authentic Mexican touches, including gloriously embroidered wall hangings and chimichanga that transports you to Sonora. What keeps regulars coming back is the homey atmosphere, not to mention the incredible seafood paella and prices that won’t have you breaking into a sweat. And if you like a little fire with your alcohol-infused Mexican coffee, consider that an added bonus.

https://instagram.com/p/4X8aSjTFKz

La Casita, 101 West Cordova Street

There are plenty of good things to say about the food at this long-time Gastown favourite. But the draw we’ll focus on here is not La Casita’s authentic cuisine—though it is that—but how late quality plates are available. You could easily stumble out of the Lamplighter and over to the hot-dog stand across the street. But with La Casita’s full dinner menu available right up until 2 a.m. on weekends, this is the source for Gastown post-booze-up protein. The taquitos dorados, tostadas de pollo, and Texas nachos are all a perfect mix of soft and crunchy that will satisfy your late-night munchies.

https://instagram.com/p/5ToNGYrSVk

Tacofino Commissary, 2327 Hastings Street

The Tofino legend brings Mexico to the West Coast. No roving mariachi bands or piñatas here: instead, you get the industrial chic of Omer Arbel's otherworldly globe lights and salvaged-wood-slab communal tables. The tacos are equally surprising: think buttery pork jowl with cabbage, pineapple, and sriracha, or skirt steak set off by the tang of pickled vegetables, jalapeño, and black-garlic mayo. Wash them down with a searing habanero margarita or a gingery Mexican mule.