When Brian Roehrich maxed out his credit cards and mortgaged his house to open Scottsdale’s Dos Gringos in 1996, little did he realize he was launching an East Valley restaurant and nightlife empire.

In the past decade, his subsequent successes include Dos Gringos Trailer Park and Cherry Lounge & Pit in Tempe and Sugar Daddy’s (since sold) and Bada Boom Pasta Room in Scottsdale.

His latest concept is a variation of his original — Dos Gringos Mexigrills, neighborhood hangouts that have sprung up in Mesa, south Tempe and, last month, Chandler.

The mood: Like its siblings and cousins, the Chandler Dos has the casual feel of a Mexican beach cantina. Furniture is primitive — picnic table-like booths in the outer courtyard, four-top tables inside — and painted a variety of bright colors.

The eclectic decor includes humorous signs, strands of lights and numerous photos of patrons having a good time. Rock ’n’ roll music blares from a series of speakers.

The food: Many of Dos’ entrees are around $10, but there are options for the budget-conscious. A Mexican lunch buffet on weekdays costs $6.99. There also are daily lunch specials for $5.99; on this Friday, it’s tilapia with mango salsa, rice and beans.

I order the Chicken Diablo sandwich ($6.50), which, like all Dos sandwiches, comes on pita bread. It’s filled with a heaping helping of grilled chicken, jack cheese, lettuce and creamy “diablo sauce,” which isn’t spicy despite the name. Mexican rice and pico de gallo come on the side.

My dining companion gets the Gringo Rolls ($6.99), which have chicken, black bean hummus and jack cheese rolled up in flour tortillas and topped with pico and sour cream. Although listed as an appetizer, it makes a filling lunch.

The drinks: Our Diet Cokes are $2 apiece.

The damage: $17.49. For a no-frills place where the focus seems to be on the cheap beer (Dos claims to be the No. 1 seller of Corona in the country), the food is tastier than we expect. It’s no wonder these Mexigrills are popping up all over the East Valley.

>> Dos Gringos Mexigrill, 1361 N. Alma School Road, Chandler, is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. (480) 855-3303.