Los Angeles

8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood; 310.289.0088

From the guy behind Beverly Hills standby Nic's comes this two-story ode to...Mexico...with dual patios, a primary-colored downstairs Cabo-esque cantina, and an upstairs lounge with pastel couches. Food's both mod-mex (halibut ceviche w/ avocado, serrano chiles, citrus) and upscale traditional (wood-fired duck taquitos), while an eclectic drink menu emphasizes high-end tequilas and market-fresh ingredients via concoctions like "The Screamer" (El Jimador Blanco w/ mango, guajillo lemon syrup), "The Eyebrow" (Don Julio Silver w/ muddled tomato, horseradish, Tapatio), and the Herradura Reposado/cactus flower/Cointreau "Jump On A Horse", which you probably shouldn't do after downing one.

---