Mexico, Jamaica, and... Pembroke Pines??

Let's face it: Mexican-American restaurants are all pretty much the same. Sombreros on the wall. Margaritas. Chips and salsa. Rice and beans. Nachos, tacos, burritos, fajitas -- the whole enchilada. Santiago's Mexican Café & Grill (17185 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, 954-432-0041) dishes decent renditions of all of the above and also offers a few unexpected meals such as jerk salmon, baby back ribs, and even chicken parmigiana with fettuccine -- which is downright wacky for a Mexican joint and undeniably unique. Reggae nights on Friday are a little out of the ordinary too. Still, if it's Mexican-American food you crave, Santiago's will routinely fulfill your expectations with, well, the routine.