Thanks to many dedicated people and businesses, Downtown is the heart of Milwaukee and the entire state of Wisconsin. This week, OnMilwaukee presents Milwaukee Downtown Week, sponsored, aptly, by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. For seven days, we will share stories, videos and photography profiling some of the neighborhood's best offerings and celebrating those who make it so great. Milwaukee Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, by the way, runs July 31-Aug. 4, 2017.

Margarita Paradise

401 N. Water St.
(414) 226-2422

margaritaparadisemilwaukee.com
Type of food: Mexican

Prices: $4-10.95.
Vegetarian friendly? Yes. Vegetarian tacos and burritos are on the menu.
Hours: Monday-Friday, from 10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I’ve never felt the name of this restaurant, located inside the Public Market, was apt because the margaritas are good, but the food is really excellent. The ingredients are always fresh, the meats are well seasoned and not greasy, and the busy "bar" atmosphere makes dining fun.

We ordered the taco plate, which comes with rice and beans, for $5. For an extra $2 we ordered a second taco. Diners choose their meat, veggies, cheese and corn or flour tortilla. We highly recommend the corn.

 The rice always appears white and bland, but is actually flavorful, and the beans are rich and creamy and topped with cheese shreds.

The pork tamale ($2.50) and breakfast burrito ($6.95) are also two under-$7  favorites.

Hits: The staff is incredibly motivated, attentive and kind. I brought my 13-year-old son with me for the $7 lunch challenge and the worker insisted my son’s lunch was on him because he was such a polite and respectful boy. Gotta admit, food tastes even better with a side of Mom Pride.