Bites Nearby: Mi Tierra Restaurant

A family-owned and-operated business, Mi Tierra, at 585 Moody St., offers simple and tasty food in a pleasant atmosphere. Similar to Mexican fare, but slightly different, Guatemalan and Salvadorean dishes use black beans more than red ones and don't have cheese on the beans. They feature chicken and pork, as well as vegetables and seafood, often with rice and beans and side dishes such as guacamole, cassava, yuca, and plantains.

What about this tight economy? "We are surviving," says co-owner Clara Barcenes. "We have families and other customers who have been coming here for many years."

What to eat: The menu has a good variety of choices, including lunch specials, all-day breakfast, and chicken, pork, steak and seafood dishes, as well as many reasonably priced appetizers and side orders, like tamales, fresh avocado and plantain with beans. The combination plate of a large taco and large enchilada with chicken or beef comes with lots of rice, a mouth-watering bean paste, and aromatic shredded vegetables on top ($8.95). There's also a section of "Vegetarian Delights."

The vibe: Pleasant, quiet, clean and friendly, with plenty of private-feeling booths.

Cool factor no. 1: The hot sauce is homemade and delivered in a bottle to your table, rather than pre-added to dishes.

Cool factor no. 2: Breakfast can be had all day, in case you're hankering for two eggs any style with beans, cream, plantain and tortilla.

Cool factor no. 3: The walls are painted in bold colors that are hot and cool at the same time.