First Look: Mi Cocina, Midtown

Starters and sides, $3.95-$12.95; plates, entrees and specials, $8.95-$21.95; lunch combos, $8.95; kids menu, $5.99.

1080 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 404-872-8801, www.micocinarestaurants.com

Texas-based Mi Cocina opened its first Atlanta restaurant in November in the 12th & Midtown development at the corner of Peachtree and 11th streets. The concept features a familiar Tex-Mex-style menu of plates and lunch combos in an upscale contemporary atmosphere.

The look: The sleek, sexy two-level space shows off soaring windows, curvy walls, and white leather chairs and banquettes that create a backdrop for dark wood accents and colorful artwork. Mexican artist Luis Sottil created a multi-panel mural on the ground floor that depicts Georgia butterflies and songbirds. Overhead, Sottil's artwork dangles from the ceiling in the form of cone-shaped light fixtures.

The scene: One recent evening, the bar was buzzing with a chatty after-work crowd. A trio of young women were having an animated discussion about a bridezilla friend while sharing guac and chips and sipping skinny margaritas. Couples and small groups settled in for dinner around the busy upstairs and downstairs dining rooms, while a large party occupied an extended table near the bar.

The menu: Signature dishes include "sunset-style" fajitas with chili-cilantro queso ($11.95-$21.95), brisket tacos with rice and avocado salad ($12.95), and grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp brochette stuffed with jack cheese and jalapeno ($17.95). Healthy choices listed under "The Moderns" heading, such as chile-lime grilled chicken ($13.95), are served with stir-fried veggies and white rice. There's also a gluten-free menu, and several brunch/egg dishes are served anytime.

The drinks: The signature cocktail, the Mambo Taxi ($8), is a frozen margarita with silver tequila and a swirl of house-made sangria. There's a premium tequila list, a concise by-the-glass wine list, and an inexpensive bottled beer list ($4-$4.50), with Mexican and American lagers such as Negra Modelo and Miller Lite.

The extras: Lunch combos — such as the No. 11 with one beef taco, one chicken burrito, rice and beans — are priced at $8.95 and served 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Or you can opt for the $12.95 chicken or beef fajitas "business lunch special."