"You can definitely taste the Jack Daniels," she said with a wink. "Let's just say it leaves a good aftertaste."

Now in its second year, Margaritas has become a regular haunt for residents and tourists alike in search of good enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, tacos, nachos and quesadillas.

Named after the drink, and not a person, Margaritas is owned by the Martinez family, including sisters Linda and Yolanda, who also operate Jose's Restaurante Mexicana y Cantina in Restaurant Row.

"It has really become a neighborhood type place," Yolanda said. "Friends are always accidentally running into each other here."

While the menu lists mostly "California-Mexican" fare, it will be beefed up with steaks and more seafood in the near future, according to Yolanda.

"We'll even offer a baked potato or french fries with the steak," she said. "We've been getting a lot of request for this from our guests."

The same patrons asked that the tequila-and-cream pork chops ($13.95) be turned into a permanent item, which it will be when the new menu comes out.

The mahi mahi with mango salsa may also meet the same fate as the tequila-and-cream pork chops, going from a special to a regular menu item.

Evidently, it too has proven to be a big hit with diners.

"It's my Acapulco tropical salsa," smiled Alberto Oro Blanco, as he garnished the dish with a plumeria petal. "It's made with cantaloupe, tomatoes and mango."

When Margaritas launches its new menu in the near future, it will still have all the traditional favorites, including the "Big Kahuna" burrito ($15.95), a large flour tortilla stuffed with taco beef or chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, beans, rice, onions and jalapenos, all smothered with a zest red sauce; and the crab enchiladas ($18.95), blanketed with a ranchera sauce, melted cheese and sour cream.

"It's definitely one of our best sellers," Withrow said of the enchiladas. "During all the years I've worked here, I've never had a disappointed customer. They have all liked the food."

This includes the popular carnitas ($14.95), a platter of roasted seasoned pork that's accompanied by beans, Spanish rice, and corn or flour tortillas.