In a region where Mexican restaurants proliferate, Rodrigo's Mexican Grill has flourished and grown since its founding as Don Jose Restaurant in Orange in 1972 by preserving its traditions.

Family-owned and into a third generation, Rodrigo's was rebranded in 2018 in honor of founder Roderick Fraser. Today, it continues to lean into family values and the recipes of the Jalisco chefs in the early years.

"Our restaurant stands out due to our commitment to authentic, family-inspired recipes passed down through generations," said Rod Fraser, CEO of Rod Fraser Enterprises. "We use traditional cooking methods and source the freshest ingredients."

Among the perennial favorites are dishes such as the signature Ultimate fajitas, with a combo of grilled steak, chicken and shrimp with veggies, plus the Baja fish tacos.

There is also a full bar with a dozen handmade, Mexican-inspired cocktails blended with fine tequilas, liqueurs and fresh produce.

Now grown to 10 locations, including six in Orange County, Rodrigo's strives to maintain the same experience, and taste, wherever customers go.

"We have standardized recipes and cooking methods that all locations follow meticulously to ensure consistency in every dish we serve," Fraser said. "Additionally, we use a centralized supply chain to source the same high-quality ingredients for all our restaurants."

Topping it all off is second-to-none service. "Beyond our cuisine, we offer a vibrant and welcoming family atmosphere complemented by the exceptional," Fraser said.

Despite the permanent loss of its popular Avila's El Ranchito in Huntington Beach, the casual dining, family-owned chain still draws raves, in addition to condolences, from readers and supporters.

The family announced the closure "with great sadness," on the restaurant's Instagram page.

Despite the loss, the Avilas maintain 12 restaurants, including 10 in Orange County. Run by different members of the Avila clan, the El Ranchitos are the least chain-like of chain restaurants, as each bears the particular vibe of its location and owner.

Linking them all are the Guanajuato, Mexico, recipes and preparation methods developed by Mama Avila when the flagship opened in 1966.

Whether it's the fajitas, crispy tacos or traditional meals, as Mama said, "they should taste exactly the same every time."

Signing off from Huntington Beach, the Avilas wrote, "This is not goodbye forever. ... We hope that you come dine with us at one of our other Avila's El Ranchito locations."

The popularity of this modest, family style Huntington Beach cantina goes way beyond the commercial and the kitschy mascot.

The commercial? It's on the eatery's website and features Gerardo, waitresses Layla and Jasmine, and Martin, the bartender, inviting visitors in, ending with a shot of sizzling fajitas that should just about close the deal.

Mario's Mexican Food and Cantina, known locally as Mario's Five Points, continues the tradition of Mario and Consuelo Valenzuela, who dropped their life savings into a hamburger joint in the Five Points Plaza that would become Mario's namesake eatery.

A native of Coahuila, Mexico, Valenzuela was head cook at La Paz Restaurant in Fullerton, and later chef at Señor Rubens Restaurant in Fountain Valley, before taking the leap.

At Mario's you can taste all your favorites, plus Mexican pizza, seafood combos and those hearty, sizzling fajitas.

There is also a full bar, and Martin's generous margaritas.