Empanadas are cheap ($2.50 for two small ones), greasy-licious and rippling with flavor at Macondo Colombian Coffee & Empanadas, a cheery cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in Lakeview.

Order at the counter, and a server — maybe one rocking a sombrero — brings the order to your table. Eight different empanadas round out the menu, with different ones rotating: Empanadas come with beef and potato; yummy, tender grilled chicken with roasted red and green peppers; or vegetarian with bold, salty mushroom slices and red peppers. Besides digging into the well-fried, crisp, crunchy empanadas, further indulge the arteries with tasty fried sweet plantains, which have a juicy richness. Other sides are fried yucca and rice and beans. As for dessert, a fresh, creamy, cinnamon-laden rice pudding satisfies the sweet tooth, and other desserts include coconut flan and passion fruit mousse.

Coffee drinks (made with only fair-trade brews) also dot the menu at the restaurant. Spark-you-up cafe con leche has a fresh kick without an acidic aftertaste. Meanwhile, peppy Latin music peppers the cafe, which has hardwood floors and Spanish tile just below the ceiling. High-backed chairs are comfy, and service is friendly and fast. Also, items such as chocolate, coffee and boxes of instant cappuccino with Spanish packaging fill shelves along one wall.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Mary Susan Littlepage