Sometimes, you just want some reliable Mexican grub. The residents of the Ravenswood neighborhood get their fix at the trusty mom-and-pop La Amistad: a taqueria that bills itself as "Mexican and American food" and delivers a menu made up of the basics.

Taco-stand afficianados will appreciate that La Amistad has consistently non-gristly meat, and that the basics like chicken burritos, steak tacos, chiles rellenos and cheese quesadillas are solid and flavorful. The efficient service translates to a lot of carry-out business, and when I lived in Ravenswood, there was always a trail of people, myself included, who exited the train and walked directly into La Amistad to place their dinner order, and sip a horchata while waiting.

The "American" portion of the menu includes burgers, fruit shakes and pancakes, all priced between $2 and $5. The restaurant services a large breakfast crowd, and locals will wait in line for not only the eggs prepared Mexican-style with salsa, peppers and tortillas, but also for the pancakes, bacon and hash browns.

The inside is small but clean, and filled with healthy plants and glittery fabric flowers. There is a large table in front, 10 spots at the counter, and five booths with velvet paintings of wolves and eagles hanging above. Families usually occupy a booth or two in daytime hours, and late nights and mornings are taken over by folks who may have had a beer too many, and need a hearty antidote.

Centerstage Reviewer: Gretchen Kalwinski