Tasty, Tiny and a Tad Crowded

Considering the numerous positive reviews and word of mouth recommendations from neighborhood residents I'd read and received, a trip to Chavella's, Prospect Heights' "cafe Mexicano," seemed like a sure bet for a great meal. 

Perhaps my expectations were too high.

Located at 732 Classon Avenue between Prospect Place and Park Place, owner-chef Arturo Leonar opened Chavella's in 2007. 

Random cooking pots, a bouquet of dried roses dangling downward. and an inexplicable picture frame minus the picture hanging on an angle line one wall. Cockeyed certifications and other assorted clutter line another. 

Seating only 25 people or so, the modest eatery is quaint when near vacant, congested when crowded. The tight confines feel as if you're literally sitting in the kitchen. That's not a good thing.  

Chavella's boasts a fairly wide ranging menu featuring an array of quesadillas, tortas, tacos and main course options all light on the pocket.Prices range from $3 to $18.75.    

The lunch special, offered Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is only $5.95 and offers several menu combinations. The chorizo quesadilla is superb and is served on a crispy shell topped with lettuce, queso fresco and sour cream all mingled with chopped potatoes.  The fish taco is also a must-taste, complete with cabbage, pico de gallo and chipotle salsa. 

While the lunch service was amiable and surprisingly quick, the dinner service was noticeably void of basic expectations. Perhaps because the restaurant was near capacity, but our waitress was curt, failed to fill the water glasses and seemed miffed when asked for her recommendations. 

On top of that, the Aurelia's Mole -- featuring arid, shredded chicken -- was saved only by the better than mediocre mole sauce. The Pollo Al Horno (1/2 oven-roasted chicken recommended by the waitress) was just slightly more flavorful than college ruled notebook paper.

Chavella's is infinitely better (though still far from mouth watering) when it sticks to the basics -- quesadillas, tacos, tortas, guacomole -- and during non-rush hours when you can have a conversation without everyone in the cramped establishment eavesdropping. 

If you find yourself in the mood for Classon Avenue's "cafe Mexicano" during times of heavy traffic, remember these two words: Take Out.