Want to try something a little south of the border, without having to travel too far south of Beaver Avenue? Mad Mex, 240 S. Pugh St., is the place to go. Opening within the last few weeks, the new restaurant has been making quite a buzz on campus, especially with its "practice safe mex" logo adorning ads and signs.

Walking into the restaurant, it is difficult to attach a specific theme to the environment. The décor inside is a hodge-podge of designs and trinkets. Abstract paintings accent the walls, green light bulbs inside jars hang above the bar and a hint of Tex-Mex finds itself in the form of a steer skull that is centered on the wall above some booths. This theme of stylistic variety permeates other aspects of the restaurant, with the food as eclectic as the interior.

Mad Mex features entrees that present a California spin on Mexican dishes. Patrons can find some familiar foods on the menu such as burritos, enchiladas and fajitas. More exotic entrees are available to the daring. These include taquitas, which are small tortilla shells wrapped around various vegetables or meats, and empañadas, which are, as the menu described, "pierogies gone South of the Border."

Some dishes are not for the faint of heart. Many of the items are very spicy, providing quite the kick if someone is not prepared for it.

It would seem that more thought went into the aesthetics of the restaurant and not enough thought went into planning the food. Though the dishes are unique and colorful in their presentation, the portions are too large.

Kristy's Big Sister's Red Velvet Burrito is one example of this. A large burrito with chicken, rice, black beans, zucchini and spinach was an interesting combination of fresh vegetables and spicy chicken – for the first six bites. With nothing else to switch between, the meal becomes tiresome and overwhelming. A good idea would be to have everyone at the table get an entrée and then share them all.

Appetizers could also resolve this, and Mad Mex has quite a few from which to choose. From the expected tortilla chips and salsa to the surprising option of calamari, these starters can also bring some taste variety to the dining experience.

The best way to achieve this goal would be to try the desserts, which are the best part of the menu. To those looking to try something a little different, the I Scream Sundae is a great finisher. A fried tortilla filled with chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream, it can be topped with whipped cream and either brown sugar or chocolate syrup. This dessert is delicious no matter what goes on top though, linking its subtle sweetness with a rich flavor.

The restaurant is very accommodating to its customers. Many of the meals can be converted to vegan and vegetarian dishes. There are also many specials, such as the $6 lunches and half-price on all meals from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. every night.

One demographic that is overlooked is the under 21 crowd, which is not allowed to eat in the restaurant. Underage people looking to try the food can be served in the adjoining atrium for the Days Inn.

For those who can enjoy the restaurant to its fullest, the prices are very reasonable with most of the entrees between $6 and $13, and the bill for a couple with appetizer, entrees and dessert arrives at around $30. What may increase the price significantly are beverages, which are plentiful in types. Sporting over 20 different types of tequila alone, Mad Mex offers a great selection of beers, liquors and their specialty, margaritas.

With all this southwestern spice and heat in the area now, State College may have some defense against the oncoming winter. But at least when it does get cold, people will have a place to go eat and warm up.