Bacaro
2308 South Union
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 748-7205
Hours: 12pm to 10pm
http://www.bacarolosangeles.com

Located within walking distance of the Van Buren Place and USC, this restaurant features small plate gourmet food at bargain prices and an extensive wine list in the mid-price range. The food is excellent and I can recommend the Quail or the Sunday afternoon Prime Rib. However, be advised that the portions are very small, so you may want to order 2-3 plates. The menu changes daily and is on a large chalk board forming the south wall of the restaurant. The wines are Italian, delicious, and a bargain. For you beer drinkers, the restaurant serves Chemay on tap (a high potency Belgian beer). The food and drinks are so good, you may spend up to $30 for food and drink which would buy you a couple plates and a couple glasses of wine..

--Tom McCurnin