La Comida is another old-time Chico staple that has been around for so long that generations of family members have all worked there as teenagers. In contrast to the numerous local taco wagons, La Comida's brand of Mexican food was born out of the Taco Bell era's ignorance of what real Mexican food is. Consequently, the food is distinctly not authentic--but it is still good, and reasonably priced nonetheless.

Great chips and salsa are served at the tables to all diners. A favorite cheap lunch of the local high school students is to order bean dip and a soda, then gorge themselves on the chips and salsa. At under two bucks, it's a quick, cheap fill-up. Most of us, however, are looking for a good, cheap meal, and La Comida has been obliging for over 30 years.

When you enter, get into the counter line immediately to order and pay. Your drinks will be served on a tray, and you can then find a table while you wait for them to call your order number.

A two-item plate runs around $5 and includes beans and rice. Sodas and iced tea are $0.60; a draft beer is still $0.90. My favorite meal is an a la carte beef-only tostada with oil and vinegar dressing, an iced tea, and a side of bean dip. This fast, filling meal runs under $5. Chasmo likes the two-item plate with a tostada and an enchilada. With a drink, this runs around $6. Top it all of with the excellent free chips and salsa and you won't find a better meal value any where in town.

Find La Comida by taking the E. 1st Avenue exit to the west off the freeway. Follow it to the second traffic light, Mangrove Avenue, and turn left. La Comida is located in an unassuming little strip mall called Mangrove Plaza. It is across from the cemetery on Mangrove, about 2 blocks off of 1st Avenue.