You don’t need an excuse to go to downtown Roswell. With its antique shops, cafes, boutiques and salons, it’s one of the Metro area’s most active historic centers. But if you’re new to the area or you just haven’t been in a while, I’ve found the perfect excuse to hop in the car and head that way and it’s called Ceviche.

Brother and sister duo Trent and Mikka Bramblett opened Ceviche in August of 2007 and it’s been buzzing ever since. If the Bramblett name sounds familiar to you, it should. The family also owns the Magnolia Café and 946 South, two other prominent eateries in downtown Roswell. When the space became vacant, Trent and Mikka decided to try their hand in the family business by bringing a taste of Acapulco downtown. If you’re bored to tears with chain Mexican joints with menus as stale as their chips, Ceviche will rekindle your love of Mexican food.

The menu sports three versions of its namesake ceviche and each are worth the visit. The Tilapia ceviche features firm fresh tilapia marinated in lemon juice and mixed with copped tomatoes, cilantro, onions and jalapenos. My favorite is the Tres ceviche, which combines shrimp, octopus and fresh grouper marinated with orange. Other appetizers include garlic shrimp, fresh oysters, queso fundido and fresh guacamole with chunks of avocado so large you may even break a chip trying to scoop it all up. Ceviche also offers a salsa menu that features a range of house–made salsas including a refreshingly tart mango salsa with onions, red peppers and cilantro.

But before you fill up on starters, let’s talk about the main events. Tart tomatillo salsa is just one of the reasons to love Elsa’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde. Tender chicken is wrapped in corn tortillas, smothered with tomatillo sauce, topped with sour cream, lettuce, tomato, onions and finally cotija cheese. Delicious! If you didn’t get enough seafood in the ceviche, try the Tilapia Vera Cruz or the Shrimp a la Diablo, both favorites of the house. In the mood for something more traditional? Try the tostadas, the Chimichanga, the beef burrito or even a steaming plate of fajitas. Of course Ceviche offers a full line of tacos including shrimp, beef, chicken and fish. As a father of two, it’s so refreshing to find a restaurant that hasn’t forgotten that the little ones need to eat too and Ceviche does a fantastic job with its kids menu.

Ceviche is famous for their margaritas, and it will take you several visits to try them all. In addition to the more traditional sweet and sour varieties, the bar offers unique versions like coconut, mango, melon, pomegranate, raspberry, strawberry, and even one featuring Red Bull. If you can’t decide between a Mojito or a margarita, try the Mojito Margarita that brings the best of both together.

Trent and Mikka have created a taqueria that’s fun, hip and family friendly while still maintaining a strong historic downtown vibe. The next time you’re craving some serious Mexican food, head for the heart of Roswell and walk over to Ceviche. You’ll be glad you did.

Ceviche’s Guacamole Dip

12 ripe avocados
1 white onion, diced
3 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 fresh jalapeno, diced
2 tablespoons salt
1 ounce granulated garlic
Mix ingredients thoroughly and enjoy!

Open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Ceviche Taqueria and Margarita Bar is located at 963 Canton Street in the heart of historic downtown Roswell. For more information call 866.608.3046 or visit them online at www.cevichetaqueria.com.

Story by North Fulton Living Food Editor Hans Rueffert. Hans has spent his entire life with food and now host of his own cooking show in north Georgia called “Hans Cooks the World.” In 2005, Hans was selected out of 10,000 applicants to be a finalist on the show “The Next Food Network Star” and finished third in that competition. He currently teaches classes in and around North Georgia . Find out more at www.hanscooks.com. Photography by Amy Rueffert.