Those who know Carlitos and Cava may sense the family resemblance when they enter the rustically handsome dining room of Dos Carlitos, a pleasing expression of both the family style and sensibility. “We want to be the kind of place people feel comfortable coming to multiple times in a week,” says owner Carlos Lopez. Vibrant pottery from the renowned Mexican artist Gorky Gonzalez is scattered throughout the restaurant, just as at their Santa Barbara restaurants, Cava and Carlitos. But here cowboy, ranchero, deer and roosters motifs reflect the Old West feeling and the agricultural essence of the valley. “It’s the Carlitos and Cava vibe with a bit of the cowboy-vaquero aesthetic,” Carlos says. Ahh, yes, the tequila. “I had a longtime desire to open a tequila bar,” says Carlos, now the proud owner of a wood-and-copper bar backed by rows of spirits and a top shelf lined with top-shelf tequilas. “It gives the restaurant a bit of a bang.” Dos Carlitos stocks sixty premium tequilas, all 100-percent blue agave, and it’s the only place in the area that offers tequila flight tastings. It also has a slew of appealing margaritas, from the unadorned original to pomegranate, mango and an agave-nectar version made with fresh lime and ripe blanco tequila. They’re the perfect warm-up for the restaurants upscale fare from Mexico and other Latin cuisines. Traditional tamales, seafood enchiladas, chile rellenos, halibut ceviche keep locals coming back and tourists wanting to, as do fajitas, sizzling halibut, chicken mole, and baby back ribs with a chipotle glaze. Spanish paella and zarzuela (fisherman’s stew from Barcelona), and Cava’s much-loved gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) extend the menu beyond Mexico.