For a taste of the Southwest, head on over to Frogtown’s outdoor dining oasis, Salazar. Chef Jonathan Aviles and his staff are cooking up bold Sonoran-style barbecue meat, fish and vegetables over a mesquite wood grill.

Tacos take center stage at Salazar, like al pastor, grilled fish and carne aside. (photo by Jill Weinlein)

Created by Billy Silverman and Mexicali Taco co-founder Esdras Ochoa, Salazar occupies a former auto body shop near Silver Lake, the Golden State Freeway and Glendale Boulevard. In this reclaimed space, they have created a new taco destination with craft beer and innovative cocktails and chops. The former auto garage bay has been transformed into an indoor bar, where mixologists make creative tequila and mezcal cocktails. The garage’s office serves as a tiny kitchen complete with an open grill and station where tortillas are made by hand.

About 80 percent of the restaurant is an outdoor patio landscaped by the designer The Yard. Founded and based in Los Angeles by Samantha Gore, The Yard knows how to perfectly capture a vacation vibe – Salazar features cobalt blue painted walls, Sonoran cacti, square tables for two or four guests, and grade school chairs in colors of cream, faded orange, turquoise blue and muted yellow. Long wooden and sturdy rectangular tables are set for larger parties in a communal setting. Umbrellas and a wood overhang provide just enough shade before the sun goes down. To complete the desert look, drought-resistant plants in terra cotta pots are scattered around the patio.

The menu features three different types of drinks on tap, including the La Luz de Jesus made with mezcal, spicy passion fruit and citrus. There are eight cocktails in the menu’s “refreshing” section with names that include the Girl Next Door made with vodka, Basic Training made with tequila and Velvet Goldmine made with rye. House-made horchata, pineapple and watermelon aguas frescas can be ordered without alcohol or spiked for a couple extra dollars. I ordered the watermelon aqua fresca, which came with a slice of lime, chili-salted rim, and blue and white striped paper straw. It was perfectly refreshing for a warm evening. The cerveza section features a few Mexican beers that include Modelo and Dos Equis, and local names as well, including the Golden Road Brewery Wolf Pup Session IPA and the Frogtown Brewery Kinky blonde ale. My husband settled with the Frogtown Brewery’s choice.

While sipping our drinks we scooped up guacamole on crunchy chips. Made with ripe avocados, chopped red onions and fresno chiles, pomegranate seeds, and a sprinkling of queso fresco, the guacamole is chunky and delicious.

The Berkshire pork chop is a hearty entrée full of flavor. (photo by Jill Weinlein)

Next, we ordered the roasted beets topped with spiced pistachios, a sprinkling of blue cheese, chopped mint and a squeeze of citrus. It was refreshing with a slight bit of heat from the spicy nuts. We also tried the ceviche tostada served on a thick and crunchy tortilla. Citrus-based, it was light and fresh.

We ordered a couple of street tacos – the al pastor and the grilled fish tacos topped with a slightly spicy purple cabbage slaw and chopped tomatoes. The al pastor taco offered a wonderful fusion of marinated pork and pineapple, topped with chopped red onion, cilantro and salsa.

I also enjoyed the grilled street corn sliced off the cob and served cold in a bowl. It’s mixed with a creamy chili and lime-spiked sauce with peppers and herbs for a bit of a kick.

My husband wanted something heartier, so he tried the thick-cut Berkshire pork chop that was fatty and flavorful. It was served on a bed of grilled onions, chili peppers and pineapple with a little cup of beans and small bag filled with warm tortillas.

To sweeten the evening, we ended with the Cocoa Lopez, which arrived in a bowl with smooth chocolate mousse and white chocolate sesame crunchies and candied serranos. It was a fun way to wrap up a delicious meal.

Perfect for summer, Salazar is an ideal dining destination that will please all of your senses. $$ 2490 Fletcher Drive. There is no phone so make a reservation on OpenTable.