UNIVERSITY DISTRICT. Ask most anybody where you can find Seattle's best burritos, and they'll likely point you in the direction of this cozy gem. Sporting traditional "restaurante" style ­ multi-hued walls of pink, yellow and blue, themed murals and festive decor ­ Burrito Loco offers up fabulous homemade Mexican dishes. At lunch and dinner, locals flock here to sample such favorites as shrimp and pork tacos, but Loco's true star is its chicken enchilada, which arrives covered in one of their spicy special sauces. Best of all, prices are more than reasonable. Reservations suggested for groups of ten or more.

CROWN HILL. Ask most anybody where you can find Seattle's best burritos, and they'll likely point you in the direction of this cozy gem. Sporting traditional "restaurante" style - multi-hued walls of pink, yellow and blue, themed murals and festive decor - Burrito Loco offers up fabulous homemade Mexican dishes. At lunch and dinner, locals flock here to sample such favorites as shrimp and pork tacos, but Loco's true star is its chicken enchilada, which arrives covered in one of their spicy special sauces. Best of all, prices are more than reasonable. Reservations suggested for groups of ten or more.

CAPITOL HILL. Situation: you're craving sushi, your friends are clamoring for lo mein, moo shu pork, and pad thai. Solution: Chinoise Café. This Pan-Asian restaurant chain (with four locations, all in Seattle) ignored the usual "one-cuisine" rule, and subsequently built up quite a following for itself. With nary a bad choice on the menu, you really can't go wrong, but favorites include sushi and sashimi dinners, tamarind basil seafood, and anything with Thai garlic sauce. Service is efficient and friendly, and there is a good selection of wine and sake.

CAPITOL HILL. Choose one of Dick's five locations and return to the days of the '50s when you drive up to this fast food establishment. Burgers, fries, and shakes are ordered and eaten in the very same spot ­ your car. Burgers are always prepared the same way (no special orders accepted), and fries are consistently hot (no kidding). Plus, prices are pleasantly affordable, and the place stays open late.

BELLTOWN. Enjoy a great meal while helping others when you patronize this local restaurant. Founded as a training ground for homeless people and other disadvantaged groups, FareStart allows its most promising students to prepare gourmet meals as a preface to a career in the culinary arts. The "cheap eats" lunch menu features soups, salads, and sandwiches. There's also a selection of hot entrées and desserts. On Thursdays, a guest chef leads the enterprise, serving a three-course dinner for $20. Reservations are a must for this weekly event.