Tex-Mex in a funky Deep Ellum setting -- part restaurant, part bar, part dance floor -- is the ticket at "Monica's Here and There," now in its second decade of consistent popularity. The inviting space is big on atmosphere, with deep red bordello walls, a long pale yellow banquet, and funky sconces, the perfect venue for high-volume salsa music and dressed-up margaritas (which are excellent, by the way). The creative menu offers new twists on Tex-Mex like Mexican lasagna, snapper verde (in a green tomatillo sauce), and sirloin noir. If the food makes you want to get up and dance, feel free; Friday and Saturday nights, the place heats up like a loud nightclub, but Sunday afternoons and early evenings are quieter, and there are free Latin dance lessons. Sunday brunch is popular, and weeknight specials include half-price entrees on Tuesday, 50¢ margaritas on Wednesday, and $3.99 enchiladas on Thursday. If you like Monica's, you'd be wise to check out her latest restaurant, the more upscale Ciudad, 3888 Oak Lawn Ave. in Turtle Creek Village (tel. 214/219-3141); locals have been quick to proclaim it the finest Mexican in town.