There was a Joe behind Acapulco Joe's, and he had a great story. Flip the menu over, and read all about it while you work through a pile of tacos. (In a rags-to-riches nutshell: In the mid-1980s, Joe Rangel emigrated from Mexico, illegally, intending to go to Minneapolis but taking a bus instead to similar-sounding Indianapolis. He worked hard, saved money, became a resident and saved enough money to open a restaurant. Thirty-five years later, Acapulco Joe's is a resounding success with two bustling locations. Rangel has passed away, and new owners have taken over.) This is a restaurant with a lot of personality, but the décor is simple; the food is simple; the service is simple – and every day at noon, "God Bless America" plays over the loudspeakers, plus biscuits and gravy continuously and incongruously share space on an otherwise authentically Mexican menu. Don't think they've run out of chips when you place an order and get split taco shells instead. And here, chilis rellenos are jalapeños, not poblanos, while tamales are served unwrapped. Other secrets are the squeeze bottles sitting on each table, filled with a super-spicy, vinegary sauce that livens up everything from the fajitas to the salads. If you can only eat one thing, get the chili con queso: The balance of savory, spicy-hot and salty is just right. The downtown Illinois Street site features a full bar, and the smaller South Indianapolis site serves no alcohol. Reservations not accepted. Illinois location serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. Closed Sun. South Indianapolis location serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.