Paxia - Alta Cocina Mexicana

Cesar, Roberto and Ignacio Leon, the brothers behind the beloved Los Carboncitos, opened the more upscale Paxia in August 2011. The name is Nahuatl for "peace," and the space is light and breezy, with a pleasant patio outside and a sunny, peaceful dining area inside. While its more rowdy sibling lists a full page of tacos, Paxia offers just three varieties, and then only at lunch: steak, shrimp or chicken. At dinner, many of the dishes seem a little dumbed-down and safe, but if you order carefully, you won’t be disappointed. On weekends, the lamb barbacoa is a must. And unlike Los Carboncitos, Paxia not only has outdoor dining, but a liquor license.