"Southwestern" Cuisine in LA ??? + Border Grill exp

So my brother is in town visiting me, and we decide to eat somewhere. Having been to Mesa Grill in NY with him and greatly enjoying it, we decide to check out the Border Grill in SM.

Started off with their "Border Classics" appetizer, which consisted of 2 green corn tamales, 2 plantain empanadas, and 2 chicken panuchos. The chicken panchos were fairly good as were the plantain empanadas. Nothing spectacular.

I had the skirt steak, which wasn't good at all. The meat had no flavor and their relish-vinegar was a weird combination of flavors (vinegar, canned corn, and chocolate). I no like.

Overall, it was disappointing to say the least. The waiter seemed very inexperienced (he refilled my ice tea with water, brought me back the wrong credit card, spilled food on my brother, etc)....almost to the point of being comical.

So any recommendations for good Southwestern cuisine in LA? I really liked Mesa Grill in NYC, and have had good meals at Star Canyon and Mark Miller's Coyote Cafe in Vegas. Thanks!