Those unfamiliar with the immediate area might scratch their heads over why a single block houses three identically named Mexican restaurants along Ashland Avenue, especially when they all share the same moniker, the same owner and the same tendency to keep customers lingering over burritos and horchata. This painted yellow brick location is the most basic of the three, with counter service only and a whopping two items on the dinner menu.

La Pasadita keeps it no-frills: Their tacos and burritos come in varieties of barbacoa, carne asada, lengua (tongue), chile relleno or cheese. The garnishes are equally Spartan, with onions, cheese and cilantro as your available options. Horchata made in vat-like quantities is a popular drink choice, while the restaurant also offers lemonade, canned sodas and non-alcoholic sangria. Patrons who want a little more libation with their meal can bring their own stash, thanks to the location’s BYOB policy.

Despite its fast-food service style and minimalist menu, patrons tend to stay and eat in, enjoying their meals in La Pasadita’s surprisingly large, vaguely bodega-style dining room. A few dozen booths are spaced out between the restaurant’s faux-brick walls and indigenous murals with a Mexican music jukebox and various arcade games tucked along the wall and towards the rear.

Diners looking for the more typical Mexican restaurant menu that spans several laminated pages might prefer one of La Pasadita’s other locations, but for those who don’t mind choosing from just tacos and burritos, a juicy meat or cheese-filled meal is their reward, all for less than $2-$6 at that.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kim Bellware