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I’ve always had a theory that the city’s best restaurants are located just off the beaten path “” far enough away from Center City to avoid clueless tourists, long waits and high prices, but close enough to the action that you don’t have to walk 20 blocks to get to them.

Bella Vista’s Paxia, located on the corner of 8th and Christian, is one of these gems. The spacious, Mexican BYOB, which moved into the old Molcajete Mixto location last July, certainly has a lot to contend with “” from angry Molcajete fans to frequenters of James, Sabrina’s, Horizons, and the Royal Tavern, all located nearby”" but still manages to thrive, due in large part to its delicious food and reasonable prices.

I visited Paxia last weekend with my boyfriend Matt, and was quickly won over its bold flavors and relaxing atmosphere.

Inside, brightly colored tablecloths spruce up the interior, and Mexican art dots the walls. We’re seated, and almost immediately greeted with water and a complimentary bowl of homemade chips and salsa. Salsa is admittedly one of my biggest weaknesses (there have been entire weeks where I ate nothing but) and I am happy to report that Paxia’s spicy red and green varieties measure up. I would have devoured the entire bowl had I not ordered a ton of food as well!

For appetizers, we tried the guacamole and the Coctel De Camarones ceviche, a shrimp cocktail served in a homemade red sauce. Both were incredible “” the guacamole (made with avocado, cheese, onion and salt) was light and fluffy, and the ceviche (served with guacamole chunks on top) struck the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

For my main course, I ordered the Arrachera: grilled skirt steak served with a chicken molé enchilada, guacamole, rice, poblano peppers, and stuffed zucchini “” Matt chose the Alambre De Pollo O Res“”grilled chicken with onion, mushroom, tomato, jalapeno, bacon and queso Oaxaca. The steak was perfectly grilled and seasoned, and almost melted in your mouth. The stuffed zucchini (filled with parmesan, bacon, jalapeños, squash and corn) tasted like the food of the gods, and the peppers (served in a crèma sauce) were equally delicious. The chicken molé was a perfect accompaniment, adding a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Matt enjoyed his entree just as much “” the chicken was tender, the cheese thick and gooey, and the vegetables prepared skillfully. The Alambre was served with molé as well, adding another layer of flavor to an already bold dish.

By the time dessert rolled around, we were both more than stuffed”¦but we decided to make an exception for the strawberry cheese cake “” crispy around the edges, and served with fresh strawberries. Mmmm!

Our server at Paxia was knowledgeable and attentive, making sure our water glasses were filled, and our dishes quickly cleared, even as the joint became crowded. We left Paxia filling more than satiated “” our bellies filled with delicious Mexican.

Paxia
746 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 413-0171.