A faded green sign featuring a happy mariachi player welcomes diners into Papacito's, a small Mexican grill with a big focus on warm, friendly service and great food. With the kitchen starting up at 8 a.m. (and breakfast served all day), you feel as if you're inside a genuine Latin American home that houses a large extended family working together effortlessly on the day's cooking festivities. Thankfully, you just have to skip on down to Lakeview, not Guadalajara.

The quaint, modest environs put all the emphasis on the cuisine, just as owner Moussa El Metennani wants it. Previously of Mamacita's, he looks to fill guests' bellies with fresh, authentic, homemade—and cheap—Mexican fabulousness. He notes that, though the restaurant is popular, Papacito's receives 80 percent of its business from catering, from the popular margarita parties to office social functions.

The menu offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical burritos, fajitas, etc. Switch things up by trying Papacito's skillet or the chorizo (spicy beef) and eggs. If you're one of those who refused to eat any type of breakfast fare after 9:30 a.m., look to the especiales list, which includes quesadillas tres quesos, the usual dish spiced up with chihuahua, muenster and goat cheeses. The house favorite? The fish tacos, no question, says El Metennani.

No matter what you order, it's hard to resist the temptations of the devilish complimentary chips and salsa that make it near impossible to finish a lunch or dinner entree. Regardless of time or meal choice, you're unlikely to use more than a $10 bill here. Now there's something to olé about.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Paige Gray