The enjoyably chaotic atmosphere is the closest you might be able come to a classic Mexican taqueria - loud music, cramped environment (just 10 seats), high energy and quick, good food. Pupusas ($1.50), Tacos ($1.50 ea), Chicken Platter ($8.50), or the Mountain Man Platter - the most expensive item on the menu ($10.50) reserved for the only most macho among us. Recently featured as one of the best tacos in Boston by the Boston Globe: "The carne asada taco starts as a double layer of soft, warm corn tortillas stuff ed with the best part of a grilled steak - the smoky, salty crust. The lightly charred meat is incredibly moist and comes adorned with the bare minimum of toppings: a spoonful of fresh onions, cilantro, and tomato sauce"

There's not much in the immediate area along the lines of small sit-down restaurants. I wouldn't say it's worth making a special trip for this cafe-style joint, but it's a decent place and they don't mind if you bring the kids. Reasonable prices, good food, and busy on the weekends. Beer and wine available.

Mexican joint with more of a cafe environment. A lot of special plates under $13 with steak, chicken or seafood. Pupusas and Tacos are $1.75 each, and the Pizza Mexicana is $4.95.

Run by a family from Michocan. I love how the menu is 60% Spanish, because you know that you're getting the real deal here. If I lived in the area, I'd hit this place morning, noon and night. They have really nice pozole, which they serve all week, but sometimes run out of it. Huevos first thing in the morning? Yes, please. Stop in for some ethnic dishes, like the Posole ($9) or Pollo con mole ($10) and wash it down with Naranajda ($3.50) or a Mango Shake ($2). If I wanted something rather different for a date, this would be a good spot with the interior filled with little nooks and crannies if you want a some privacy or perhaps instead a view of the street.

This place is a tiny little shack with about 8 tables. It's run by a sweet and friendly man who will always remember you when you come back, and is just outside of Logan Airport. Generous burritos and pupusas, as well as seafood at a great price. Daily specials such as: Spopa De Res ($9), Pollo Guisado Con Arroz ($6.50), Carne Guisada Con Arroz ($8.95), Carne Asada Arroz y Frijoles ($9) and Atol De Elote ($2).

Nice owners, one of the only Mexican owned and operated taquerias in Eastie. Some of the dishes are only served on weekends, like the Birra (stewed beef marinated in a special red sauce fo $9) or the Pozole (soup with hominy and tender pork). Burritos go for around $6, Tacos for $1.75 each, Enchiladas ($9) and yummy Huevos for $7.

This isn't a pretty place, but is definitely right in line with Eastie sensibility - no frills. Just a tiny one-room restaurant. Great quality tacos for about $1.50 each, and they'll make the soft corn tortillas while you wait. Huevos ($4.50 - $6), burritos) ($4 - $6), pupusas ($1.75 each), carne asada and more. Located right at the Maverick T stop. Bonus: Guatemalan beer.

There are some cool ethnic places in the immediate vicinity, and this strikes me as a very nice family owned, home-grown kind of place. Seriously authentic dishes, like Pancita (tripe and cow's feet soup) for $7 and Tacos with the option of beef tongue or goat meat fillings ($1.50 each) are more than your typical south of the border fare. Nourish yourself with the Mole Poblano ($8.50), fill your hungry belly with Bistec Encebollado, or share the double Chabela (shrimp/octopus cocktail) for $18 with a friend. Locals come to get their huevos rancheros fix.

Small, homey restaurant serving dinner plates ($7 - $13), burritos (around $6), tacos(3 for around $6.50), seafood, asada, pollo, tortas ($5), and huevos ($7). Delivery to East Boston and Lynn.