From the same local restaurant group that owns and operates such upscale chains as Timpano and Samba Room, this large-scale taqueria provides a lively dining alternative to the otherwise staid offerings inside the gargantuan Florida Mall. Angular walls and ceilings of vibrant blues, greens and oranges provide a tropically festive flavor while the modern furnishings and top-notch sound system give it a SoBe nightclub vibe. The place is divvied up into three distinct, though seamless, sections -- the large bar area (complete with big-screen TV and lounging sofa), the casual open-kitchen dining area and the quieter, more romantic dining room. There's even outdoor seating with lots of seating for large groups.

Just as lively and colorful as the surroundings is the fare. The salsa sampler, a trio of dips consisting of pineapple pico de gallo, tangy tomatillo and a fiery habanero diablo is a nice starter as is the barbecued corn clayuda -- a Mexican-style pizza -- served with a savory chipotle barbecue sauce. If you're a fan of mole -- the intense yet flavorful Mexican chocolate sauce -- then the pollo con mole is a must. The carne asada nortena puts a south-of-the-border twist on black Angus steak while the chile relleno, a poblano pepper stuffed with Mexican cheeses, dried fruits, almonds, guajillo sauce, cilantro rice and black beans, makes for a filling meal for vegetarians. The cinammon-battered bananas with Mexican caramel and pecan ice cream is a super-stuffing meal-capper, but your palate will gladly welcome the sweetness after sampling all that spicy fare.

As the restaurant's name indicates, tequila's a big focus here -- more than 60 different kinds are available. You won't find better margaritas anywhere, with flavors like 'prickly pear' and 'blood orange' rounding out the traditional lime and strawberry offerings. The daily happy hour (4PM-7PM and 9PM-closing) features $2 margaritas, domestic beers and wines, and a live mariachi band that roams through the restaurant every Friday and Saturday night. -- Faiyaz Kara (Photo: Faiyaz Kara)