The modern Mexican interior of this restaurant puts it a cut above the others on the 8th Avenue strip. Twenty-eight oblong white resin lamps draw attention to the bar, walls are done in blue mosaic tiles and gold leaf, and stone lines the floor. Riffs on nouveau Mexican cuisine include soft corn tortillas layered with salty Chihuahua cheese, chunks of grilled chicken, and roasted poblano peppers, and luscious grilled prawns blanketed with caramelized papaya slices. Take in the buff Chelsea crowd while enjoying a potent margarita and some homemade tortilla chips served in a metal bucket at the bar. Subway: 1, 9 to 18th St.