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This place hits all the basics for Chinese fast food - lunch specials, combos, Pu Pu Platter ($15.75 for 2), General Gau's Chicken ($9.25), Crab Rangoon ($5.60 large), Lo Mein ($7.55 for the House Special), and Fried Rice (about $5 for large). Ongoing specials include 1 free small order with any purchase of $16 or more, and a free large order with purchase of $40 or more. Inquire for details. Delivery to East Boston, part of Winthrop and part of Chelsea.

This restaurant is no bigger than your fist. They have 4 tables, which are typically covered in papergoods and waiting bags of hot food, so isn't really a sit-down kind of place. Most people coming through here are just stopping in to get their take out. They offer a couple of my favorites - Yu Shiang Beef ($9.25 large) and also Mongolian Beef ($9.50). You can choose food from a number of styles - Szechuan, Kung Bao, and surprisingly they even serve Pad Thai ($7.25).

Bustling little spot serving sandwiches, columbian plates, and tostones. Long list of appetizers which are great to grab and go when you're too busy to sit and eat. Fish cake ($2), Empanadas ($1.40), Stufffed Casava ($1.50), Columbian Sausage ($1.90), Corn cake with cheese ($2.50) and Fried Pork Skin ($1.90).

Homey little neighborhood restaurant, you can smell the fried food wafting out as you approach from outside. Guaranteed to make you step in on a cold day. Low lighting with a bar, tables, and booths create an atmosphere in which you are ready for the comfort food on the menu. Fresh Ravioli ($8.95), soups by the crock (Clam Chowder on Fridays) for less than $3, Baked Ham and Cheese with Fries for $6, or Lamb Tips cooked in an open hearth ($9). The thing that makes this place so typically East Boston is the Keno and horse racing on TV's mounted in the corners. Keno runs during limited hours, but the Baked Lobster Pie is available anytime.

Quirky little diner with a Disney-themed mural on the wall. People especially love the dinosaur. Very casual and a great place to go when you need your comfort food. The only crazy thing about this place, is that there are no stalls in the bathroom, just two toilets side by side with no divider. I suppose that's perfect if you need to bring a friend and hold their hand, but otherwise is rather strange. Other than that, this place is the bees knees. Breakfast is served all day, prices are reasonable, and you should definitely pick this place rather than Denny's or IHOP. Donna herself is there to take your order, and her kids might be helping out as well. Try the banana pancakes.

Stylish restaurant/bar with great seafood dishes such as whole trout ($16), as well as South American specialties like Menudencias soup (gizzards, chicken livers and hearts) for $7 large, Beef Tongue Stew ($11) and traditional plates for around $10.