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MaMa Buddha's high ceiling and windowed walls create an effect that's more aquarium than fishbowl since seated customers have just as clear a view of the street traffic as vice versa. In or out, however, West Villagers will catch an eyeful of funky chandeliers, bright red pillars, and for-sale artwork from the Pictorial Photographers of America (a club based in the community). Szechuan, Cantonese, and Hunan are all honored on a menu which features plenty of fiery dishes; even milder entrees such as barbecued spare ribs and ginger chicken possess zing and zest respectively. Since produce comes fresh from Chinatown, veggie dishes have a decided crunch and during non-busy hours you may find the staff prepping those very ingredients at the table next to yours. — Laren Spirer

Cold spinach noodles with sesame hot sauce, $5.45; BBQ ribs, $7.75; stir fried crunchy mixed Chinese vegetables, $9.55