Yxta Cocina Mexicana, the Industrial District restaurant from the family behind Highland Park’s El Arco Iris, is set to open February 25, according to owner Jesse Gomez.

At last check-in one month ago, Yxta was undergoing a light build-out phase — more like a tinkering of sorts — before opening day.

Expect full-sized entree plates and margaritas with freshly squeezed juices. Lunch prices will range from $9-$16; large dinner plates from $11-$21.  Free parking after 5:00pm; $2.00 valet during lunch.

Yxta Cocina Mexicana
601 S Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Opening February 25, 2009
yxta.net

January opened the gates to 2009 less with a bang than with a whimper, as a couple restaurants closed and some high-profile retail establishments faltered.

Still, we trudge on.

A few restaurants opened up, a new grocery store was announced and residents are dodging trains left and right. Here’s the new restaurants, new parks and all that other stuff that’s shaping Downtown — and made the headlines — this January.

• 1 – CASA Restaurant opens January 6 on Bunker Hill
• 5 – Developer GH Palmer plans a new apartment complex
• 6 – Tranquility Base Restaurant closes
  
• 7 – Safari Sam’s closes after a fight breaks out
  
• 8 – Macy’s second Downtown location closes, has a blowout sale
• 9 – Checking in with Yxta Cocina Mexicana in the Industrial District
• 11 – End of an era:  Mitsuwa closes January, new grocery store replacing it
• 13 – Checking out Rivera Restaurant in South Park
• 13 – Pulley’s Pulled Pork takes the Historic Core, then heads north
• 14 – Another empty parking lot bites the dust:  New Historic Core park!
• 16 – Angels Flight trundles up, down Bunker Hill
• 19 – Pershing Square dog park: Great thing or smelly mess?
• 20 – Checking in with Rowdy Red Burger & Wine Bar
• 21 – Another park comes into focus (Los Angeles State Historic Park)
• 25 – Dodging those Gold Line trains on the new Eastside extension
• 28 – Clifton’s adds dinner hours, staying relevant
• 30 – Octopus Japanese Restaurant discovered at the Roosevelt

Opening in mid-February, Yxta Cocina Mexicana is a fitting replacement for the defunct Sixth Street Bar & Grill that closed after less than a year in operation.

Owner Jesse Gomez of Highland Park’s El Arco Iris — a family-run institution for over 40 years — tells angelenic he plans to bring mid-range, well-presented, filling Mexican food to the neighborhood.

In repositioning the space, the floors have been sanded for a warmer feel, and new family-style tables and booths are being installed.

With lunch options in the area slim pickings at best, previous restaurants in the space at 6th and Central had drawn a wide range of truck drivers, factory workers, Bunker Hill suits and City Hall pols.

For dinner, however, Yxta will be offering serious happy hour specials and margaritas with house-made sweet & sour.

More info on those margaritas after the jump…

Sixth Street Bar & Grill, the modern Industrial District pub that opened earlier this year, has shut down after less than a year of operation.

Surprisingly, the remote site surrounded by warehouses and low-income hotels had quickly become a lunch destination for patrons throughout Downtown — though owner MCC Hospitality Group did struggle to attract diners after the noon hour.

MCC is set to open up a “burger bar” concept in the Financial District later this year.

Taking the place of the pub will be the second location of Highland Park’s El Arco Iris, a family-style Mexican restaurant that’s been serving the Northeast LA community since 1964.  After a few changes, the transition is set to be completed later this year or early January.

More info, menu after the jump…