You have to leave H&M sometime. For the eats below, take the Red or Orange Line to Downtown Crossing.

Chacarero It's been more than seven years since Chilean immigrant Juan Hurtado began selling the chacarero sandwich from a pushcart in Downtown Crossing. The combination of grilled chicken or beef, green beans, sliced tomato, muenster cheese, avocado spread and Hurtado's special hot sauce - served on soft round bread that he bakes fresh every morning - was initially a tough sell. But word spread quickly about this amazing Chilean delight and Hurtado soon wound up in his current location on the Franklin Street side of Filene's. Though there's often a long line, it's usually filled with repeat customers who agree that the sandwich, and the experience, are well worth the wait. 426 Washington St., Boston. Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (617) 542-0392
www.chacarero.com

Fajitas & 'Ritas Bring your own Sharpie. Or paint. Or crayon. Or Bic. You won't be kicked out for writing on the walls at this Mexican eatery. In fact, it's encouraged. For food, the sign says it all: Fajitas and margaritas (if you're over 21). Chicken, veggie, shrimp, steak and scallop. Mango, guava, raspberry and strawberry. Mix things up by ordering the Tequila wings or build-your-own-nachos. Hops fans can ogle the five Mexican beers (and saucy Brazilian waitstaff). 25 West St., Boston. Mon, Tue 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wed, Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun Noon-8 p.m. (617) 426-1222
www.fajitasandritas.com

The Food Court Shopping can be exhausting, especially when Downtown Crossing's freakin' packed. Girls on a mission (and their leashed boyfriends) head to this Food Court looking for some no-frills sustenance in between shoe sizing and accessory matching. Like any mall food court, this one offers some fast food favorites: Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds, along with slightly more savory options like India Express and Bourbon Street Café. The best deal though is Sakkio Japan's stir-fry chicken, on which you can double the meat for only 99 cents. The Corner Mall, Downtown Crossing, Boston.

The Good Life No more are the red leather booths, the kitsch cocktail menu or pool table. Save the name, The Good Life bares little resemblance to the Sinatra lounge of its predecessor. What it lacks in personality (with black tables and cream walls, it could be any place in town) it makes up for in the much-improved menu - the spinach and artichoke dip is a delicious creamy goo, the Cubano sandwich a treat and the Topher shrimp, with a spicy cream sauce over baguette, a welcomed but more expensive ($17) addition. 28 Kingston St., Boston. Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.ish; Sat 5 p.m.-2 a.m.ish. (617) 451-2622
www.goodlifebar.com

Silvertone Bar & Grill The State Street set mingles with the Orpheum pre-gamers at this basement haunt. The cramped bar isn't intended for large groups. But put in your name for a table and pass the time checking out the framed family photos, newspaper clippings and throwback ads that, along with a heyday set of radios, adorn the walls. Home food rules the menu - mac 'n' cheese, spaghetti Bolognese, and meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Bet mom never made bruschetta quite like this, though. 69 Bromfield St., Boston. Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat 6 p.m.-2 a.m. (617) 338-7887

Qdoba The Colorado-based Mexican chain invaded Boston last year and the penny-pinching 9-5 lunch crowd couldn't be more thankful. Quesadillas: check. Nachos: check. Taco salads: check. But we recommend the burritos: it's Qdoba's sauces that separate them from the chihuahua grub - poblano pesto, queso three-cheese and even the painstaking spicy chocolate-and-nut-based mole. Carb counters should order it "naked"-style (no tortilla) and, of course, hold the rice. 62 Summer St., Boston. Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun closed. (617) 357-0791
www.qdoba.com  See more Downtown Crossing restaurants