TacQueria LaMexicana

There's a real find to be found among Union Square's multicultural establishments. TacQueria LaMexicana is an extremely inexpensive, very casual, family-run Mexican eatery opened just over a year ago by Caroline Rendon, a native of San Luis, Mexico. The burros, an enormous burrito complete with rice, beans, meat or vegetable, and pico de gallo is a bargain at $4. You might feel you are down South, or dreaming, when you taste the authentic tamales. Rendon wraps shredded pork, chicken, or vegetables in dough, steams the bundles in real corn husks, tops them with green, red, or tomato sauce, and sells them for $1 each. Two enchiladas -- soft corn tortillas, rice, beans and a choice of beef -- are popular at $3.85. Nachos with refried beans, cheese, and hot sauce costs $3.25. Sodas and fruit drinks direct from Mexico, and a special catering menu, are also available.

TacQueria LaMexicana, located at 247 Washington Street, in Union Square in Somerville, is seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 776-5232.

-- Nancy Kalajian