If you're going to get solid Mexican food for pennies on the dollar while knocking out your shopping list at the same time, then this Pilsen combination restaurant/tortilla factory is a must-visit. The inside holds standard taqueria decor, with simple chairs and tables, vinyl table covers that are easy to wipe clean, and a jukebox loaded with norteno and son montuno music. The place can get crowded on the weeknights and weekends with locals and hipsters, but the cost of the food is worth the wait.

And the food, for the cost, is some of the best-quality you'll eat. Again, it's standard taqueria fare, but you'll think you walked into a time warp when you look at the menu prices. A suizo burrito lists at $4.99; anywhere else it would be twice that. Chicken in mole? Same price. Pork tamales are 35 cents each. Since el Milagro also makes its own tortillas, you're getting them fresh, before they go out to the stores. No trip to el Milagro is complete without a visit to the tortilla store next door. Load up on chips and all sizes of tortillas for a feast in your own home.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Chuck Sudo