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We were stunned to learn that this tiny Washington Heights Ecuadoran joint had recently been renovated: With three tables and an open kitchen crammed with peppers, simmering stockpots, and bags of rice, what could it have possibly looked like before? Regardless, if you're interested in tasty, aggressively seasoned Latino fare at rock-bottom prices, make a pit stop here on your way to or from the Cloisters for big bowls of soupy, citrusy seviche, pollo guisado, and, on Saturdays and Sundays, a selection of Ecuadoran snacks like empanadas and llapingachos. Beware what looks like homemade coleslaw—it's full of aji pepper, and will blow you away. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

Ensebollado pescado, $10