When You're Feeling Like Mexican: Buena Vista
This place may be small (borderline shoe box), but the flavors are big and bold. Yes, Chilam Balam is right down the street (and also delicious), but if you're in the mood for good ol' Mexican favorites that are really inexpensive and aren't so, well, creative, this is the spot. It's also family run and super-friendly, so we feel good supporting a small biz, too. Burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos are all solid choices, while the asado de puerco (pork sautéed with dry red pepper) and menudo (tripe soup with cliantro, onion, and lime) offer options for more adventuresome palates.

Believe it or not, it is actually possible to eat relatively healthy here. Our pick: the bountiful salad made with seasoned grilled chicken breast, avocado, red and green peppers, onions, tomatoes, orange, and lime wedges. Now if only we could manage to stay away from those thin and crispy chips...

Buena Vista, 3147 North Broadway Avenue (at Briar Place); 773-871-5782.

Photo: Courtesy of Buena Vista