La Carreta

LUNCH COUNTER

In its Folly Road location, La Carreta (Spanish translation: The Cart) has found a loyal audience to try its affordable, Mexican staples and patio seating.

The restaurant and "House of Tequila" presents the usual combo offerings — one taco, one enchilada, one chalupa; one burrito; et al.

But it sells other items of note, such as its Steak Mexicano ($9.75), a 12-ounce sirloin cut in pieces and cooked with onions, tomatoes and jalapeno peppers; and the Pollo Gourmet ($9.99), marinated boneless chicken breast topped with grilled mushrooms, onions, sliced ham and cheese.

We got an order of fajitas ($10) with bell peppers and green onions. We also tried the Tostadas de Ceviche ($9), local seafood marinated in lime juice, vinegar, tomatoes, red onions and cilantro, and crowned with avocado slices. It was fairly bland and uninspired, but the restaurant has other offerings from the sea.

Among the dishes: A bevy of shrimp selections, such as Caldo de Camaron ($9.25), 12 steamed shrimp boiled with a mix of vegetables in a soup recipe; and the Mojarra Frita ($10), marinated, deep-fried tilapia served with rice, lettuce, guacapico, three tortillas and a slice of lime.

Guacapico dip ($2.99), by the way, consists of diced avocado mixed with cilantro, lime juice and tomatoes. Our waiter forgot ours, but promised a free one next time.

And that's the idea of service at La Carreta. They've got a super-friendly (if occasionally forgetful) staff committed to customers and families. If you're able to get a fourth of your Coke finished without being offered a refill, well, that ain't gonna happen.

Address: 335 Folly Road; 1580 Old Trolley Road, Summerville

Phone: 406-6556; 851-8522