HELL'S KITCHEN. With a name like this, the food here should be extraordinary! Fiery Mexican cuisine served here, including specialties like Seven Chile Pork Chop Mixiote with drunken pinto beans, grilled cactus and sweet potato flauta. This kitchen's a popular place so arrive early or expect to wait. Casual dress appropriate and pre-theater dinner reservations accepted. TRAIN: C, E to 50th St

UPPER EAST SIDE. Want a twist on the traditional idea of Mexican cuisine? Maya's provides just that ­ lobster juxtaposed with tortillas, spicy peppers united with shrimp and scallops, and pork paired with pumpkin seed sauce. Chef and owner Richard Sandoval provides only the most innovative cuisine. He's also proud of his restaurant, whose interior features dim lighting, warm hues, and Mayan décor. Dinner reservations are suggested. TRAIN: Lexington Ave-59th St N, R, 4, 5, 6; 6 to 68th St-Hunter College

UPPER EAST SIDE. Located between First and Second Avenues, Maz Mezcal recently underwent renovations, so it's not as snug as it used to be. Make no mistake, though, it still gets quite packed. Expect to see a lot of happy revelers here, sipping on tasty (and potent) margaritas and going through basket after basket of complimentary tortilla chips. When you get around to ordering, keep in mind the fajitas ­ beef, chicken or shrimp, you can't go wrong. Free delivery is available. Dinner reservations are suggested, especially on the weekends. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St

EAST VILLAGE. This East Village eatery enjoys more than its share of local praise thanks to a superb Southwestern menu and reasonable prices. Neighborhood folks flock to Miracle Grill to sample nightly servings of tasty Yucatan fajitas, black bean and goat cheese rellenos, huevos rancheros and grilled tuna served with cilantro pesto. On the weekends, their popular brunch wows patrons with delicious pancakes, spicy eggs and grilled meats. During the warmer months, the garden tables are best. Reservations are suggested. TRAIN: F to 2nd Ave

CHELSEA. Only in New York will you find a French chef whose specialty is haute Mexican cuisine. The restaurant itself, nestled between 19th and 20th Streets, is a sublime place, featuring Mexican décor and artwork with a contemporary lilt. Chef Cacace's innovative menu includes such favorites as Pollo con Chile Mulato served with a spicy potato cake, grilled hangar steak served with roasted garlic-poblano flan and huitlacoche sauce, and Mexican pork cop topped with green chiles and served with plantain purée and collard greens. Dinner reservations are a must, especially on the weekends. TRAIN: C, E to 23rd St