Bites Nearby: Mi Tierra

Don't be deceived by the modest exterior and somewhat off-the-beaten-track location of , which is up at 585 Moody St in Waltham. Inside, it's spacious and attractive and, most importantly, the food is good, fresh and inexpensive. It's a family-owned and operated business, so the staff is both friendly and conscientious.

Suggested dish: Many of the offerings contain similar ingredients: corn tortillas or tostadas, black beans, white rice, guacamole, plantains, chicken and pork. It's the delicate seasonings and fresh hot sauce (placed in a bottle on the table) that make them stand out. One Guatemalan specialty is the pupusa, a corn tortilla stuffed with pork or cheese ($2). There are also plenty of vegetarian offerings, cool fruit drinks and lots of side dishes. Beer and wine is also available.

We chose a vegetarian lunch special: two corn tostadas covered in a guacamole spread, red onions, cheese, rice, black beans and a whole fried plantain ($7). The tostadas were crispy and the guacamole spread excellent: not too heavy and lightly seasoned. Central Americans use black beans, instead of red beans in Mexican food, which is served in a seasoned, slightly smoky paste. It's a real comfort food. The plantain was hot, creamy and sweet. The iced-coffee we got as a drink was full-bodied.

The vibe: Pleasant and quiet in a clean and colorful setting.

Cool factor no. 1: The staff are dedicated to their establishment -- and dedication is always cool.

Cool factor no. 2: All-day breakfast.