Locals recommend this Italian restaurant, and it's a great deal easier to park than the North End, although they get pretty busy on the weekend. Try the gnocchi and a dish of homemade pasta with a veal ragu.

A great bakery for the commuter crowd, this place is open early. The smell of fresh baked goods wafts through the neighborhood. Try the Empinadas (hand held meat pie) for a snack anytime.

_

Excellent brazilian BBQ buffet menu that changes daily. The also have an a la carte menu, as well as a sandwich menu. Try the House Special - $9.50 - Carne de hamburguer, carne de frango, pernil, bacon, ovo, queijo, presunto, palmito, milho, alface, tomate, batata. Or maybe the Muqueca on Sunday (brazilian style fish stew with cilantro and tomato). Trilingual menu.

Spanish-American fast food. Pick up some kabobs or cutlets, pupusas, or a typical Colombian dish served with meat and egg. Most of the items are in the $5 - $10 range. Empanadas are $1.25 each.

This place is a local landmark, established in the 1930's. This place is known for its meat - lamb, steak tips, sausage and barbecue. True to East Boston sensibility, you can kick back to enjoy the casual atmosphere, relax, and play keno or the lottery.

This is a beautiful restaurant with a dimly lit bar downstairs, and a Brazilian buffet on the cozy second floor. The entire buffet menu ($8.99) is available for delivery as well, and varies by day of the week, featuring dishes such as: beef tripe, chicken stew w/yucca, fish stew, and beef ribs. They also serve a full line of churrasco (barbecue) and Brazilian sides like yucca, fritas, farofa, arroz, salpicao, and plantains. If you've never been here, don't be shy about asking questions, as the employees are willing to show you around and make you feel comfortable. Serve yourself a dishful of yummy food, and sit by the window to watch the world below. Live music Thursdays and Fridays.

_

This place doesn't look inviting from the outside (small windows), but inside it is a bright family restaurant. One of the best non-dive spots to watch the Sox.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 2 meals for $16 (with more than 5 options to choose from, a salad, and bread).

Wednesdays: $4 pizza night (any large pizza for $4!)

_