Spanish for “the phoenix,” this restaurant is said to be the birthplace of Tex-Mex cuisine. In 1916, founder Miguel Martinez opened a tiny café where he offered Anglo-American dishes with Mexican flair. In 1919, he invented a tortilla machine that he later sold to Herman Lay (the founder of Frito-Lay) for $200. Head to the original location on McKinney Avenue to try their signature cheese enchiladas featuring corn tortillas stuffed with cheddar cheese, covered with chili con carne and more cheddar, served piping hot with a side of rice and beans.