SoCal Taco Co. (CLOSED)

Local mixologist Leo Holtzman, better known as the Cocktail Conjurer, made a name for himself at now-defunct Tobacco Road before moving on to helm the bar program at the Palms Hotel & Spa and sister property Wunderbar. These days you’ll find him at SoCal Taco Co., a joint venture with partner Aj Billapando, that’s part cantina and part taqueria. Fans of Holtzman’s popular Gardner’s Margarita, a farm-to-glass take on a spicy margarita that’s flavored with red peppers, will love the Grass Clippings, an herby, tequila-based drink garnished with greens. As for purists looking for a traditional margarita, get ready to have your blown by the frothy SoCal Special, mixed with reposado tequila and topped with salted Cointreau foam.