Latin Flava has replaced the troubled nightspot Shorty’s, and now the polished wood bar is one of the best places in town to enjoy pastellilos and alcapurria (both $1). Cheerful yellow and red paint, streamers and flags serve as shout-outs to this corner restaurant's Puerto Rican heritage. The menu varies daily—the friendly owner-chef is justly proud of his rotating Puerto Rican specialties, including boiled banana (75 cents) and “canoes” (long, open-faced sweet bananas packed with beef, $1.50). All of the lunch and dinner platters, including beef stew, are a steal at $5.50, and come with rice and beans. (Even the pig’s feet and chicken gizzards are $5.50!) Definitely try the potato ball, a little gem of fried mashed potatoes and ground beef. The colorful, dimmed dining nook is a great place to set up with coffee or hot chocolate and your Intro to Democracy reading. (Open M-Sa 10a-7p.)