CENTER CITY. This BYOT ("T" for tequila) earns high praise for its innovative Mexican fare and even higher praise for its imaginative margarita mixes. Reservations accepted Sunday-Thursday only.

CENTER CITY. For potent margaritas and awesome south of border eats in the Center City area, this homegrown outpost is tough to beat!

NORTHEAST PHILLY. If you're looking to stray a bit off the gastronomical straight and narrow, few places in Philly can match the delightful daring of Paloma, a restaurant a few miles northeast of Center City that delivers fascinating amalgamation of haute French and Mexican inspirations. Rich, flavorful and artfully presented, owner-chef Adán Saavedra's cookery is unlike that you'd find anywhere else, and his attention to detail and creativity truly reward diners. NB The snug space (and superb food) dictate that reservations are strongly encouraged; last seating is at 8:30pm.

CENTER CITY. This Center City restaurant and lounge made its debut in 2000, and in the years since has done nothing except cement its place atop the list of Philly's most attractive gathering places on or off the Avenue of the Arts. Indeed, the stylish space, which pairs exposed brick walls with cool, contemporary furniture, has become a neighborhood fixture, and many of its regulars are folks who are intimately involved with the arts. Come early in the evening and enjoy a pre-theater feast of Mediterranean and Latin-influenced tapas; stop by bar after the show, and you'll find the mixed crowd is comprised of more than a few pretty faces.

SOUTH STREET. Named after the legendary Mexican princess who is credited with using the juice of the agave plant to create a forerunner of tequila, this trendy lounge specializes in snazzy cocktails and haute morsels.