"It's my little Mexico," explained the owner, sitting on the outdoor porch of his shack-of-a-restaurant. And when I say shack, I mean that in the nicest possible way, because really, El Potosi is akin to a Mexican palace.

The interior is a simple counter, with a hopping kitchen heating up the space. But fronting it is the wonderous patio, which houses five tables that get to soak up the bright yellow paint, the kitschy items strung from the ceiling and the wafts of fresh air.

And, just like that perfect Mexican vacation, El Potosi is a pretension-free spot. BYOB is encouraged (though it does serve Coca-Cola in glass bottles) and the menu is simple: tacos, tortas, burritos and tostadas, with a handful of "breakfasts" and "dinners" thrown in for good measure.

You'll have to fight to eat more than $10 worth, as the $3.75 tortas are both highly recommended and highly filling. Vegetarians can stick with aguacate (avocado) fillings, but rib eye, pork, chicken, steak and sausage options abound.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Zinny Fandel