I’ve been spending a lot of time canoodling in Crown Heights these days — and despite the convenient Subway access and frequent drug busts, there was a time when I doubted I would ever be able to find a real restaurant (with waiters and everything) within walking distance.

Then I met Chavella’s.

Now, Chavella’s is actually in Prospect Heights, but still well within walking distance of my main squeeze’s CH pad. Anyway.

Chavella’s offers surprisingly authentic Mexican cuisine — the menu is full of spicy, succulent dishes, without a burrito in sight. Plus, it’s super-affordable: choose an inclusive brunch for $11.25, or à la carte options in the $3–$8 range. The drink menu is scant but satisfying, offering beer, sangria, red and white wine, and margaritas at times. (The Cinco de Mayo jalapeño margarita was a once in a lifetime experience — i.e., I wouldn’t try it again. It was delicious, but in a humbling, tongue-numbing sort of way.)

I recommend the tacos, which are $3 apiece, allowing for guilt-free experimenting, as well as the chiles rellenos con queso — the cheese-stuffed peppers that my Crown Heights amigo so enjoyed. But before you get to that stuff, be sure to order the guacamole app. It comes in an innocent looking animal-shaped bowl, but don’t be fooled — it will absolutely ruin guac for you anywhere else.