Phat Burrito   

A little bit ramshackle, with wobbly tables, fluorescent lights and limited seating, the Phat has shabby chic in spades. The burritos, quesadillas and soft tacos owe more to California cuisine than the Mexican staples they're modeled on: Burritos are stuffed with fragrant basmati rice, and the guacamole (costs extra but worth it) comes with tomato chunks and cilantro leaves. Pay at the checkout, grab a fudgy cellophane-wrapped brownie from the dish by the register, get yourself a cold Barq's from the fountain tap, and have a seat by the window and listen to the stream of eclectic '70s tunes that floats over the booths. Your server will quickly deliver the rest of your meal, and after you heap on the pico de gallo and salsa from the condiment station, you can sit back down, relax and watch the uptown traffic go by, or enjoy that food at home. -- Jennifer Saylor