248 Holland St. Somerville; (617) 623-9201 Rudy’s Cafe is a lot like the trendy Tex-Mex restaurants downtown, but in a neighborhood setting with prices to match. The place seems to have a mascot of a big, colorful parrot (stuffed, painted, neon). They also have a full-sized motorcycle parked above the door. The atmosphere is bustling and fun.
The large menu has most entrees priced in the $5-to-$8 range. And these ain’t exactly snack items. El Grande is a large tortilla dish, filled with beef ($6.50) or chicken ($6.75) along with beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. It’s topped with sauce, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Should put a dent in most appetites. The true bargains, though, are Rudy’s combination plates; Combo #3, for example, consists of a guacamole taco, an enchilada verde (very spicy), and a small bean and cheese burrito with rice, sour cream, and guac on the side for $6.95.
Plus burgers and sandwiches from about $5. More substantial entrees include polio al carbon ($8.50), a spicy grilled breast of marinated chicken; and baby back ribs ($9.95 half, $12.95 full rack). The bar is stocked with a wide assortment of American and international beers, including Negro Modelo and Pacifico Claro not to mention creative tequila concoctions. Open daily.
