La Fondita 74 Montauk Highway Amagansett, NY (631) 267-8800 www.lafondita.net

No frills, no attitude, just authentic Mexican food is what you’ll find at La Fondita. La Fondita, which means "little kitchen" in Spanish, offers tasty Mexican to go or to stay at their indoor counter or at their outdoor picnic tables, which overlook beautiful gardens. Tacos are the most popular item, with various fillings such as chicken, grilled steak, pork, and tongue topped with "a sprightly topping of chopped onions and cilantro," according to Joan Reminick of Newsday. Other specialties include tostadas, a crisp flat tortilla topped with beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream and cheese with choice of chicken, grilled steak or avocado and burritos, filled with rice, beans, avocado, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and choice of chicken or grilled steak. La Fondita also offers a traditional Cuban sandwich, the medianoche, with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo and pickles, which is "definitely worth a trip to the East End," states Reminick. Desserts–such as rice pudding and flan–are popular, as are the tasty "aguas frescas" like watermelon, tamarind, Jamaica, lime, or horchata, an almond, rice and cinnamon drink.

Mexican tiled counters dotted with a line of homemade salsas and tabascos and hanging star-shaped lights and colorful Mexican wall décor all add to the fun and casual atmosphere at La Fondita. You’ll swear you’re in Mexico as the sound of authentic Mexican music fills the air and the aromas of sizzling meats drift from the open kitchen. On warmer days, you can enjoy sitting outside as you gaze on the beautifully landscaped grounds and pond of Bayberry Nursery, the perfect backdrop for La Fondita’s exotic fare. "If you’re craving authentic Mexican food on a beautiful summers day, the search ends here," concludes Reminick of Newsday.