The Cantina, Reconstructed At Margaritas restaurants, every painting, tile, chair and artwork is direct from Mexico.

When John Pelletier opened his first Tío Juan's Margaritas restaurant in Concord, N.H., 25 years ago, he wanted to fill the place with real Mexican artwork, handmade furniture and décor. "Not mainstream pieces," he says.

So he and his brother rented a U-Haul trailer and drove from New England to Tonala, a Mexican port city in Jalisco known as an arts hub. They hit the mother lode, coming home with handmade sculptures, paintings, pots and more. The authentic décor became Margaritas' signature as the chain expanded, and none of the 21 restaurants is exactly alike.