Inside Yxta Cocina Mexicana

The house margarita at downtown L.A.’s new restaurant, Yxta Cocina Mexicana, goes for $5 during happy hour.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Diners enjoy dinner at Yxta Cocina Mexicana, a new downtown L.A. restaurant owned by Jesse Gomez (who also owns the Highland Park institution El Arco Iris).  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

The bar at Yxta Cocina Mexicana is rectangular and allows for relaxed, communal drinking and dining. During happy hour its a great spot to order carnitas tacos and escabeche martinis.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

The exterior of downtown L.A.’s new Yxta Cocina Mexicana. Owner Jesse Gomez painted the former Central City Cafe to resemble a family home in Mexico.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

The bar at Yxta Cocina Mexicana was busy on a recent Wednesday night. The tiles behind it glitter beneath the unique lights, which resemble finely woven spider webs.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

The Agua Fresca cocktail at Yxta Cocina Mexicana in downtown L.A.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

The enchiladas de mole at Yxta Cocina Mexicana, a new restaurant in downtown L.A. The chef is Alexandra Dorado.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)

Yxta Cocina Mexicana’s sleek but comfortable interior was designed by Poonam Khanna who also designed the York and Laurel Tavern.  (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)