Your friends think pretension is something that happens right before the Bears kick-off, but you want a classy night on the town. Our suggestion: take the crew here for a reliable fiesta in Wicker Park.

This low-key Mexican spot from Paco Ruiz, owner of the intimate and, disconnectedly, Italian restaurant Trattoria 31, is small, but packs a punch with several flat screens, dropped beams and a breezy, open storefront perfect for mid-bite ogling. Expect suburban families and an all-ages crowd during early evenings, while Saturday night culls a lounge-like vibe with a Latin jazz DJ and a crowd sporting tanks tops and collars while they sip margaritas...and probably plan for hitting up nearby Cans Bar and Canteen afterward.

Order any of the parillas and receive yours on a personal grill. Menu items like char-grilled steak, baby back ribs, platillo de mariscos and egg-batter-crusted poblano pepper stuffed with melted cheese in a red salsa, should satisfy selective palates, while the hefty carne asada will make a meat eater's day. Entrees cost around $10.

Caoba translates to "fine wood polish." Though the restaurant's main dining room isn't exactly channeling Mexico City (we dined to an uninspiring mix of Ricky Martin tunes), Ruiz reveals his eye for authentic, finishing touches in the restaurant's handmade lamps, imported plates and pretty, multi-colored glass windows. Soft lighting and sizeable servings make it an ideal spot for young daters who are happy to exchange the pricier options down Damen for Caoba's casual setting.

Centerstage Reviewer: Libby Ramer