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New York's bustle can leave you longing for a little, local place without pretensions. The little Spanish-American diner Rinconcito, on the eastern edge of the ever-expanding East Village, is just such a place. You can get your huevos in the morning and your cerveza in the evening, all with chattering commentary in Spanish from the opinionated ladies behind the bar. The linoleum countertop and salsa music playing in the background, wonderfully, don't attract the pre- and post-party or brunch crowds. The restaurant draws a decidedly blue collar group—largely construction workers and tradespeople from the auto body shops down the street. Entrees range from the typical barbequed chicken and enchiladas to pig's feet stew and oxtails. The food isn't subtle—it's chopped and grilled with more attention to quantity than quality. You'll leave full, however, and it's more than likely that you'll eat something so unexpectedly spicy that it'll make the top of your head sweat. It's worth it if you want to spend an hour or two below the radar to fill your belly and refuel. — David S. Hirschman

Fried fish, $8; steak and eggs, $7