Known to Spanish tongues as "The Hut," this Rogers Park Mexican restaurant is in actuality rather un-hut like, stretching a good 30 yards back from the street and stocked with enough flowered-vinyl tablecloths for 60. Only problem is, it must compete with one of the most densely populated stretch of Mexican restaurants in the 'hood; a variable 'taco row,' if you will, flanked by Tamales Lo Mejor, Taqueria Guerrero, etc., literally right next to each other.

La Choza holds strong by dicing up daily batches of salsa that are stocked with so many jalapenos, sweating is imminent, and keeping prices taco-stand cheap. Burritos are plump tubes of head-size glory for $4, while tacos ring in for $1.35. The tacos are small, served open-face, but if you sit down you get the pre-requisite taqueria basket of chips, and a trio of that aforementioned devil salsa, that could serve as a mean power lunch.

If you must indulge in a larger dish, think roast pork and choice cuts of steak supported by rice, beans and salad for no more than $9.25.

Centerstage Reviewer: Gavin Paul