Plaza Mexico & Rub BBQ Pub

Molly’s Picks: Restaurant veteran Molly Abraham noshes around town, tracking down some top spots.
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“The Kaline,” sliced beef brisket topped with slaw, is on the menu at Rub BBQ Pub in downtown Detroit. // Photograph by Joe Vaughn

PLAZA MEXICO:

A modest, out-of-the-mainstream location is more than made up for by the quality of the cooking and cheerful service by the Hernandez family: mother, father, and five daughters. The Mexican fare is freshly prepared, with tortillas being about the only item not made in-house. Standout dishes include well-textured guacamole, enchiladas in salsa verde, nachos, grilled-steak tacos, and chicken tacos. 18322 E. Nine Mile Rd., Eastpointe; 586-777-8144. L & D daily.  $10

RUB BBQ PUB:

The lively sports-bar atmosphere is appropriate, given the location near Comerica Park — and the menu of wood-smoked meats, including St. Louis-style ribs, beef brisket, and pork, as well as sandwiches and steaks, is equally so. A long beer list accompanies the smoky fare. 18 W. Adams, Detroit; 313-964-0782. L & D daily. $14

Note: Dollar amount is the average entree price.