Like the bright pinatas that hang from its ceiling, Las Pinatas' rewards are found inside its cheesy exterior. Lovingly referred to by frequent diners as a hole-in-the-wall, Las Pinatas makes up for its lack of polish with a fiesta atmosphere, good food and better drinks. It serves Mexican and domestic beer, wine and mixed drinks, but they all play second maraca to the almighty Las Pinatas margarita, known throughout Old Town for its sweet flavor and potency.

Guests sip their margaritas at tables covered in plastic tablecloths, which make for easy cleanup of knocked over glasses and mischievous globs of salsa that land short of their target. Paper placemats offer Spanish translations of English phrases, because shouting out gracias for the complimentary tostados y salsa is much more fun than saying "thanks for the chips."

If blue is your favorite color, you're in luck; varying shades of it cover the walls, chairs and carpet. While white space is a rare commodity, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas are not. Have them served with rice and beans or in a beef flauta, guacamole tostado or beef suiza combination plate. Other specialties include Mexican pepper steak, chimichangas, huevos rancheros and chilies rellenos. While the lunch menu offers fewer selections than the longer-than-your-arm dinner menu, neither meal will cost an arm or a leg; the average entree is priced around $8.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Albrey Nuss