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Mike's City Diner is located in the South End. This is as authentic as diners get, right down to the black-and-white checked tablecloths. Harried but friendly waitresses dart from table to table with trays of food, stepping around hungry patrons waiting for a seat. Piped-in Elvis Presley croons over the din of noisy customers. Regulars get the nod from behind the counter; coffee arrives without a word being uttered. A cross-section of South Enders and urbanites makes for prime people-watching, and no one seems to mind the cramped quarters. Tip: Portions are uniformly huge; couples and cash-strapped students should consider sharing.

Toro is a tapas restaurant in the South End opened by celebrity chef Ken Oringer. Voted Best of Boston for tapas, this quaint Spanish nook has a variety of seafood and charcuterie to choose from as well as sparkling cava and sangria to wash it all down with. There are many choices to choose from. You won't be bored if you like to eat. Tony Maws recommends this place.