Loco Pez (2401 E Norris St; 267-886-8061; Happy Hour 5-7 PM Mon.-Fri.)

Walk up Frankford, turn right at Belgrade, and take a left onto Susquehanna. It is here that Susquehanna, Norris, and Cedar streets intersect, and it’s here that Cedar Point Bar + Kitchen and Loco PEZ stare at one another. They face each other in the same way that the iconic cheesesteak rivals Pat’s and Geno’s do, but there doesn’t appear to be any animosity — just a love of good food and drinks.

Loco PEZ is loco indeed. They have a very specific identity, and nobody will talk them into being anything else. Upon first glance, their liquor selection and PEZ collection doesn’t seem to end. The bathroom walls are lined with fully- and semi-nude Mexican comics and cartoons. Mixed drinks are infused with peppers and spices. They have six beers on tap, with a mix of domestic, Mexican and craft bottles and cans. But you’re not really here for cervezas; you’re here for the 36 different tequilas, the tacos, and the “Lowriders” (mixed drinks) that are all muy bueno.

The menu will remind you that this is a cash-only establishment: “we take cash amigos,” and “cash only bitches” are a couple of their reminders. This is one place that is worth this potential obstacle, though. And the portions that you’ll receive from either food or drink more than compensate what size the building itself may lack. But let’s take a few steps across the street.

Photo: visitphilly