Western Avenue seems to house some of the best Mexican dives in the city, and when you're on the hunt for really, really authentic (read: expensive) Mexican food, there is no better place to head to than La Bonita, smack dab in the middle of it all.

Some folks might know that La Bonita is really the old Ixcapuzalco (but with a name change and different address), that infamous North Side competitor to downtown Mexi-fave Frontera Grill. These boys (the owners are the Bahena brothers) may have uprooted and moved a few miles away, but the menu didn't change with the relocation.

They're kept regional classics like sopes surtidos, an addictive set of corn masa boats stuffed with chicken, sweet plantain and black beans, and specialties such as salmon a la poblana. The chilaquiles vegetarianos, a slow-simmered, melt-in-your-mouth tortilla casserole is light and buttery, sort of like a fancier version of soft nachos (we love the homemade sour cream). The lunch menu is a bit less expensive, with the camarones en mole verde (grilled tiger shrimp in green pumpkinseed mole) and enchiladas with shredded chicken being standouts.

One thing that did change with the move is the Toucan-splashed color scheme. Now you can enjoy your delicious Mexican fare without having to close your eyes from the distracting whirl of colors. They are all about the peaceful blues and whites this time around, save for the colorful bursts of naked women that adorn the walls.

Centerstage Reviewer: Misty Tosh