Colombia is known for its risque activities, like salsa dancing and drug trafficking. But Lito's Empanadas will make you forget the region is known for anything else except the tastiest of all Colombian must-haves, the empanada.

Most cultures have their own version of the dumpling; Poles have pierogi, Italians have ravioli and Americans have hot pockets. South of the border is where they serve perhaps the most savory of all dumplings: the deep-fried empanada. After years of serving raving friends, Lito's Colombian-born owners, Carlos and Eve Escalante, have taken their empanadas public. The teeny-tiny space on Lincoln Park's main drag only seats five at a window counter, but take-out orders are booming and neighbors are stopping by in droves. Behind the counter of the well-lit, clean space, you can usually find the Lito's owners offering friendly chatter and a delicious variety of fried paradise.

The food–strictly empanadas–is creative, cheap and comes stuffed with a variety of mixtures. At only $2.29, the most expensive puff pocket is filled with beef, olives, raisins, potato and onion. Even though empanadas aren’t exactly considered health food, Lito's only uses 100-percent heart-healthy oil. So eating only one won't ruin your diet; the trouble is, you're sure to want more than just a single snack. May we suggest sharing with a crowd and having a nibble of each. Definitely don't miss the BBQ Pork Empanada, the Hawaiian Empanada (stuffed with pineapple, ham and mozzarella,) or the nirvana-inducing Choco-Banana Empanada.

Call your to-go order in ahead; it's the perfect party alternative to chicken wings or spring rolls. Also, call ahead to check on the varieties of empanadas being served that day (sometimes they only have the dessert and BBQ varieties on the weekends).

Centerstage Reviewer: Pasha Carroll